Egypt is one of the world's most popular destinations for travellers from the United Kingdom, offering a combination of ancient history, archaeological treasures, Red Sea beaches, desert landscapes, vibrant cities and Nile cruises. From exploring the pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor to relaxing in Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada, Egypt has something for many different types of holidays.
For travellers planning a trip from the UK, understanding the Egyptian visa requirements before departure can make the journey much easier. British passport holders normally need a visa to enter Egypt, although there are specific exceptions for short stays in certain Red Sea and South Sinai resort areas.
The main options for eligible British travellers include applying for an Egyptian e-Visa before travelling, obtaining a visa on arrival at an approved airport, or applying through an Egyptian consular service. The most suitable option depends on your passport, itinerary, destination, length of stay and purpose of travel.
This comprehensive guide explains Egypt visas from the UK, including tourist visas, e-Visas, visas on arrival, passport requirements, application procedures, fees, validity, entry rules and important considerations for different types of UK-based travellers.
Yes. British citizen passport holders travelling to most parts of Egypt normally need a visa.
For a standard holiday, travellers can generally choose between an Egyptian tourist e-Visa obtained before departure and a tourist visa obtained on arrival at an approved Egyptian airport.
The Egyptian e-Visa system allows eligible British citizens to apply online before travelling. A visa on arrival is also available at approved airports for eligible travellers.
There is an important exception for certain short holidays in the South Sinai resort area. Travellers arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh by air and staying for less than 15 days in qualifying resorts such as Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba may receive a free entry permission stamp instead of purchasing a standard tourist visa.
However, this exemption is limited. If you intend to leave the qualifying resort area, stay longer than the permitted period or travel elsewhere in Egypt, you may need a standard Egyptian visa.
There are several ways an eligible traveller can obtain permission to enter Egypt.
The Egyptian e-Visa is an electronic visa that can be applied for before travelling.
For eligible British passport holders, it can be a convenient option because the application can be completed online without waiting until arrival at the airport.
The official Egyptian e-Visa system currently lists the United Kingdom among the nationalities eligible to apply.
Tourist e-Visas are available for single and multiple entry, subject to the applicable Egyptian visa rules.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa is currently listed at US$30, while a multiple-entry tourist e-Visa is listed at US$65.
Travellers should always check the current fee displayed during the application because government fees and immigration rules can change.
Eligible British passport holders can also obtain a tourist visa on arrival at approved Egyptian airports.
The standard tourist visa on arrival is generally valid for up to 30 days.
The current standard fee is US$30, payable in cash.
Travellers should be prepared for the possibility that payment arrangements can be inconvenient, particularly if they arrive without suitable cash. For this reason, some travellers prefer to arrange their e-Visa before leaving the UK.
A visa on arrival is particularly useful for travellers who have not obtained an e-Visa in advance, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements and are entering through an airport where the facility is available.
Travellers can also apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK in circumstances where an e-Visa or visa on arrival is not appropriate.
This may be particularly relevant for people whose nationality or travel-document type does not qualify for the standard online system, or for travellers whose circumstances require additional documentation.
Consular applications may require supporting documents and can have different processing arrangements from online applications.
If you have an unusual travel document, immigration status or purpose of travel, it is sensible to check the requirements with the appropriate Egyptian diplomatic authority before making travel arrangements.
For eligible British citizens travelling for tourism, the Egyptian e-Visa is one of the most straightforward options.
The process is completed online and involves creating an account, entering personal and passport information, selecting the appropriate visa type, paying the applicable fee and waiting for the application to be processed.
Once approved, the electronic visa can be downloaded and printed.
Travellers should carry a printed copy when travelling because immigration officials may request to see the e-Visa at the Egyptian border.
The basic application process involves several stages.
Before starting the application, confirm that your nationality and travel-document type are eligible for the Egyptian e-Visa system.
British citizen passport holders are included among the nationalities listed by the Egyptian e-Visa portal.
If you are living in the UK but do not hold a British citizen passport, your eligibility may be different.
This distinction is extremely important.
Egyptian visa requirements are generally determined primarily by the nationality and travel document you use to enter Egypt, rather than simply by your country of residence.
Your passport should meet Egypt's entry requirements.
For British travellers, the passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of arrival in Egypt.
It should also have at least one blank page available for immigration purposes.
Do not assume that having a valid UK residence status automatically satisfies Egyptian passport requirements. Your travel document itself must be acceptable for entry.
The Egyptian e-Visa portal requires applicants to create an account.
You normally provide an email address and other requested information before confirming the account.
Keep access to the email address used for the application because important application notifications may be sent there.
Enter your information carefully.
Typical information requested can include:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport number
Passport issue information
Passport expiry date
Contact details
Travel information
Accommodation information
Intended entry details
Visa type
Make sure the information matches your passport.
Even a small error in a passport number, name or date of birth can create problems.
The applicable visa fee is paid online using an accepted payment card.
The fee depends on the visa type selected.
Applicants should review all information before making payment because application fees may not be refundable if an application contains incorrect information or the applicant later changes their travel plans.
After submitting the application, the application is processed by the Egyptian authorities.
The official e-Visa portal advises applicants to submit an application at least seven days before departure.
For that reason, travellers should avoid leaving the application until the last possible moment.
Applying well before the journey gives you more time to resolve potential problems and make alternative arrangements if necessary.
If the application is approved, the applicant can access the approved e-Visa electronically.
Download the document and print a copy before travelling.
It is also sensible to retain an electronic copy on your phone or another secure device, although travellers should not rely solely on an electronic version.
When arriving in Egypt, present your passport and the required visa documentation to immigration officials.
The immigration authorities make the final decision on admission.
Having an approved visa does not necessarily guarantee entry because border authorities can apply Egypt's immigration rules at the point of arrival.
A visa on arrival is another option for eligible British passport holders.
The process normally takes place at an approved Egyptian airport before immigration clearance.
At the airport, eligible travellers can purchase the tourist visa and then proceed to immigration.
The standard visa on arrival is generally valid for up to 30 days.
The current standard tourist visa on arrival fee is US$30.
Travellers should carry appropriate cash because the visa fee is payable in cash.
It is also worth remembering that exchange rates, airport arrangements and payment procedures can change.
Because of this, travellers who prefer to have their visa arranged before reaching Egypt may find the e-Visa option more convenient.
Both options can work for eligible travellers, but they have different advantages.
Feature
e-Visa
Visa on Arrival
Applied for before travel
Yes
No
Online application
Yes
No
Visa obtained before departure
Yes
No
Typical tourist validity
Up to 30 days depending on visa conditions
Up to 30 days
Current standard fee
US$30 single entry
US$30
Multiple-entry option
Available
Different rules may apply
Airport queue
Usually avoids buying visa on arrival
Required
Planning ahead
Recommended
Less preparation required
The e-Visa can be attractive for travellers who want to arrange their documentation before leaving the UK.
A visa on arrival can be convenient for eligible travellers who prefer to obtain their visa at the airport.
Before travelling, British passport holders should prepare the required travel documents.
Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from the date you arrive in Egypt.
It should also contain at least one blank page.
Check your passport well before your holiday.
If your passport is close to expiry, renewing it before applying for an Egyptian visa can prevent complications.
Unless you qualify for a specific visa exemption, you should have an appropriate Egyptian visa.
Depending on your circumstances, this may be:
An approved e-Visa
A visa obtained on arrival
A visa issued through an Egyptian consular authority
If you apply for an e-Visa, carry a printed copy.
Even though the visa is electronic, having a paper copy can make the arrival process easier if immigration officers request documentation.
It can also be useful to have your travel itinerary and accommodation information available.
For example, keep details of:
Hotel bookings
Return or onward travel
Tour arrangements
Contact information
Planned destinations in Egypt
These documents may be useful if officials ask questions about your trip.
Cairo is one of Egypt's most popular destinations.
Visitors can explore the Egyptian Museum, historic Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili and the Giza pyramid complex.
If Cairo is part of your itinerary, you generally need a standard Egyptian tourist visa unless another exemption applies to your circumstances.
The South Sinai short-stay exemption does not apply to a normal Cairo holiday.
Travellers flying directly into Cairo should therefore plan to obtain an appropriate tourist visa.
The pyramids of Giza are located near Cairo and are one of the main reasons people travel to Egypt.
A visit to the pyramids falls within a standard tourist itinerary.
British travellers visiting Giza should therefore arrange an appropriate Egyptian tourist visa unless they qualify for another specific entry arrangement.
If your holiday includes Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan or other destinations outside the qualifying South Sinai resort areas, a standard visa is generally the appropriate choice.
Hurghada is a major Red Sea resort destination and a popular choice for British holidaymakers.
Unlike the limited South Sinai exemption, a normal holiday in Hurghada generally requires a tourist visa.
Eligible British passport holders can generally use an e-Visa or obtain a visa on arrival.
If you plan to combine Hurghada with Cairo, Luxor or other destinations, make sure your visa permits the itinerary you intend to follow.
Sharm El-Sheikh has a special entry arrangement for certain short visits.
British travellers arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh and staying for less than 15 days in qualifying South Sinai resort destinations may receive a free entry permission stamp.
The qualifying areas include:
Sharm El-Sheikh
Dahab
Nuweiba
Taba
However, this arrangement is not the same as a standard Egyptian tourist visa.
If you plan to travel outside the permitted resort area or stay longer than the permitted period, you should obtain a standard visa.
Travellers who are unsure whether their itinerary qualifies should arrange the appropriate visa before travelling or confirm their situation with the relevant Egyptian authorities.
Luxor is home to some of Egypt's most famous ancient sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
A trip to Luxor is outside the limited South Sinai resort exemption.
British travellers visiting Luxor therefore normally require an Egyptian tourist visa.
This applies whether Luxor is the main destination or part of a wider itinerary involving Cairo, Aswan or a Nile cruise.
Nile cruises are a popular way to visit multiple historical destinations.
A typical cruise may connect Luxor and Aswan, sometimes as part of a longer Egyptian holiday.
Because these destinations are outside the limited South Sinai exemption, travellers should normally have a standard Egyptian tourist visa.
If you are travelling as part of an organised tour, your tour operator may provide information about entry procedures, but you remain responsible for ensuring that your passport and visa documents are valid.
Living in the UK does not automatically give someone the same Egyptian visa eligibility as a British citizen.
This is an important distinction for UK residents.
For example, a person may legally live in the UK while holding a Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nigerian, South African, Egyptian or another country's passport.
In such cases, Egypt's visa requirements are generally determined by the passport or travel document used for travel.
A UK residence permit or immigration status does not automatically turn the holder into a British citizen for Egyptian visa purposes.
Before travelling, non-British UK residents should check the Egyptian requirements applicable to their nationality and travel document.
A UK residence permit does not by itself establish British nationality.
Therefore, simply holding a UK residence document does not automatically make a traveller eligible for the same Egyptian visa arrangements as a British citizen passport holder.
This is particularly important for travellers who have passports from countries with different Egyptian visa requirements.
The correct question is not simply:
"Do I live in the UK?"
Instead, travellers should determine:
"Which passport or travel document will I use to enter Egypt?"
That document is central to determining the applicable visa requirements.
Travellers using a UK-issued travel document, refugee travel document or another non-standard travel document should not assume that the rules for British citizen passports apply to them.
The Egyptian e-Visa system has specific nationality and travel-document requirements.
If you do not hold a standard British citizen passport, you should verify your eligibility before purchasing flights or relying on an online visa application.
A consular application may be required depending on your circumstances.
British nationality categories are not all treated identically for Egyptian visa purposes.
The Egyptian e-Visa system and UK travel guidance distinguish British citizen passport holders from certain British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies passport holders.
Therefore, if your passport is issued under a British nationality category other than "British Citizen", check the applicable Egyptian visa procedure carefully.
Do not assume that the standard British citizen e-Visa rules automatically apply.
Dual nationals should travel using the passport that corresponds to their immigration and visa arrangements.
If you are a British citizen and also hold another nationality, check Egypt's requirements for the passport you intend to use to enter Egypt.
Make sure the passport presented at departure, arrival and departure from Egypt is handled consistently with your travel documents.
If you have questions about dual-national travel, verify the arrangements before departure.
The permitted validity and length of stay depend on the visa type and the conditions attached to it.
For standard tourist travel, the visa on arrival is generally valid for up to 30 days.
The Egyptian e-Visa portal provides tourist visa options including single-entry and multiple-entry visas.
Travellers should distinguish between:
The period during which a visa can be used for entry
The permitted duration of stay after entry
The number of entries permitted
These are not necessarily the same thing.
Always check the conditions shown on your approved visa.
Yes, multiple-entry tourist e-Visas are available for eligible nationalities through the Egyptian e-Visa system.
The currently listed fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa is US$65.
A multiple-entry visa may be useful for travellers planning to leave and re-enter Egypt during a longer regional trip.
However, travellers should carefully check the specific validity and stay conditions associated with the visa they receive.
Visa extensions may be possible through Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices.
However, travellers should not assume that a tourist visa can simply be extended automatically.
If you plan to remain in Egypt longer than the period granted by your visa, investigate the extension process before your current permission expires.
Leaving Egypt after overstaying can create immigration complications and may result in penalties.
Travellers should leave Egypt before their permitted stay expires unless they have obtained a lawful extension or another valid immigration status.
Overstaying can cause difficulties at departure.
If you believe you need to remain in Egypt beyond your permitted period, contact the relevant Egyptian immigration authorities before your visa expires.
Do not wait until the day of your flight to resolve an expired visa.
Children travelling to Egypt need their own appropriate travel documentation.
Parents and guardians should check that each child's passport meets the validity requirements and that each child has the appropriate visa or entry permission.
Do not assume that a child's visa status is automatically covered by a parent's visa.
Families should check the requirements for every traveller before departure.
Families travelling from the UK to Egypt often choose destinations such as Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Marsa Alam or Cairo.
Before travelling, families should verify:
Each traveller's passport validity
Each traveller's nationality
Each traveller's visa requirement
Children's travel documents
Hotel information
Return or onward travel
Visa validity
Number of permitted entries
Preparing these details before the journey can make airport procedures much easier.
A tourist visa should not automatically be used for business activities.
The correct Egyptian visa depends on the purpose of the visit.
Business travellers, employees, contractors and people undertaking professional activities may have different requirements from ordinary tourists.
If you are travelling to Egypt to work, conduct professional activities, establish a business, attend certain commercial activities or remain for an extended period, check the appropriate business or work-related immigration requirements.
Do not assume that a tourist visa provides permission to work in Egypt.
Working in Egypt is different from taking a holiday.
A person travelling to Egypt for employment may need additional permissions, including work and residence arrangements.
The requirements can involve an Egyptian employer, immigration authorities and other documentation.
If your purpose is employment rather than tourism, you should investigate the appropriate work-permit and residence procedures before travelling.
Students travelling to Egypt for education may require immigration permission beyond a normal tourist visa.
The requirements can depend on the institution, programme and duration of study.
Anyone planning to study in Egypt should coordinate with their educational institution and the relevant Egyptian authorities before travelling.
Being physically located in the UK does not determine your Egyptian visa requirement.
If you are travelling from another country through the UK and then onward to Egypt, your nationality and travel document remain important.
For example, an Indian passport holder living in or travelling through the UK is not automatically treated as a British citizen for Egyptian immigration purposes.
Always check the requirements using the passport you will actually present in Egypt.
Even when your visa has already been approved, carrying supporting documentation is sensible.
Consider keeping copies of:
Passport
Approved e-Visa
Flight itinerary
Hotel booking
Travel insurance
Return or onward ticket
Tour booking information
Important contact details
Copies of relevant supporting documents
Keep important documents accessible during the journey.
One of the most common problems is entering passport information incorrectly.
Check every number and spelling carefully.
If you are using an e-Visa, do not wait until the day before departure.
The Egyptian e-Visa portal advises applying at least seven days before departure.
Applying earlier provides additional time to deal with unexpected issues.
A UK residence permit does not automatically give you British citizenship.
Your nationality and travel document matter.
Tourist, business, work and study travel can have different requirements.
Select a visa that corresponds to the actual purpose of your journey.
The free short-stay entry permission available for qualifying Sharm El-Sheikh and South Sinai holidays is not a general visa exemption for Egypt.
If your itinerary includes Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada or destinations outside the qualifying area, check whether you need a standard visa.
Although the e-Visa is electronic, carrying a printed copy is recommended.
Check the six-month passport validity requirement before booking your holiday.
A little preparation can significantly reduce travel stress.
First, check your passport expiry date.
Second, identify your nationality and travel document.
Third, determine where you will travel within Egypt.
Fourth, choose the appropriate visa option.
Fifth, prepare your personal and travel information.
Sixth, carefully complete the application.
Finally, save and print your approved visa before travelling.
If you are travelling with family or friends, check every person's documentation individually.
Obtaining the correct visa is only one part of planning a trip to Egypt.
Egypt offers a wide variety of holiday experiences.
Cairo is ideal for travellers interested in history, museums, architecture and city life.
A visit can include the pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, historic districts and major museums.
Luxor is one of the world's great archaeological destinations.
The city and surrounding area offer access to ancient temples, tombs and monuments.
Aswan provides a more relaxed atmosphere and is a popular stop on Nile itineraries.
Travellers can combine Aswan with river cruises and visits to nearby historical attractions.
Hurghada is well known for its Red Sea resorts and marine activities.
It is popular with travellers seeking a beach holiday combined with opportunities to explore the surrounding region.
Sharm El-Sheikh is a major resort destination in South Sinai.
Its special short-stay entry arrangement makes it particularly important for travellers to understand the difference between the free South Sinai entry permission and a standard Egyptian tourist visa.
Dahab is another popular South Sinai destination.
Travellers should check whether their itinerary qualifies for the short-stay South Sinai entry arrangement or whether a standard visa is required.
The safest approach is to apply well before your departure date.
The official Egyptian e-Visa portal advises applicants to create their application at least seven days before departure.
However, there is little advantage in waiting until the final week when you can prepare earlier.
Applying in advance gives you time to:
Correct application errors
Check your passport
Resolve payment problems
Wait for processing
Print your approved visa
Contact the relevant authority if clarification is needed
Eligible British passport holders may be able to use a visa on arrival instead of applying for an e-Visa beforehand.
However, the visa-on-arrival option depends on the traveller's eligibility and point of entry.
There is also the special short-stay South Sinai entry permission for qualifying travellers arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh and remaining within the permitted area.
Therefore, "no e-Visa" does not necessarily mean "no visa".
The important distinction is between an e-Visa, visa on arrival and visa-exempt entry permission.
Generally, an Egyptian tourist visa is not obtained at a UK airport in the same way that a visa on arrival is obtained in Egypt.
The main pre-travel online option is the Egyptian e-Visa system.
Alternatively, travellers can arrange a visa through an Egyptian consular authority where applicable.
The standard visa-on-arrival process takes place after reaching an eligible Egyptian airport.
If your application is refused, do not assume that simply submitting multiple applications will solve the problem.
Review the information provided and determine whether there was an error or whether additional documentation is required.
For unusual cases, contact the appropriate Egyptian diplomatic authority for guidance.
Travellers should avoid making non-refundable arrangements based solely on the assumption that a visa will be approved.
Travel insurance is separate from your Egyptian visa.
A visa allows you to meet the relevant immigration requirement, but it does not replace travel insurance.
A suitable policy can help protect against certain unexpected events such as medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost belongings, depending on the policy.
Check that your insurance covers the activities and destinations included in your itinerary.
Visa requirements are only one part of entering Egypt.
Travellers should also check current travel advice before departure because security conditions, border arrangements and local regulations can change.
Particular attention should be paid to border areas and regions where travel restrictions or warnings may apply.
The route you take into Egypt can also affect entry procedures.
For example, land crossings can have different procedures and charges from international airport arrivals.
Yes. British citizen passport holders normally need a visa for Egypt, although qualifying short visits to certain South Sinai resorts can receive a free entry permission stamp.
Yes. The Egyptian e-Visa system lists the United Kingdom among eligible nationalities.
The currently listed tourist e-Visa fee is US$30 for single entry and US$65 for multiple entry.
The standard tourist visa on arrival is currently US$30.
A standard tourist visa on arrival is generally valid for up to 30 days. The exact conditions of an e-Visa should be checked on the approved visa.
Eligible British passport holders can generally obtain a tourist visa on arrival at approved Egyptian airports.
If you arrive at Sharm El-Sheikh by air and stay for less than 15 days within the qualifying South Sinai resort areas, you may receive a free entry permission stamp. A standard visa is required if you plan to stay longer or travel outside the permitted area.
Yes, British passport holders normally need an Egyptian tourist visa for a Cairo trip.
Yes, British passport holders normally need a standard Egyptian tourist visa for a holiday in Hurghada.
Yes, a standard Egyptian tourist visa is normally required for British passport holders visiting Luxor.
No. UK residence does not automatically provide the same Egyptian entry rights as British citizenship.
Travel-document holders should check their individual eligibility because the rules may differ from those applying to British citizen passport holders.
Children generally need their own valid travel documents and appropriate entry permission.
Yes. It is advisable to print the approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport.
Before leaving for Egypt, check the following:
Your passport is valid for at least six months after arrival.
Your passport has a blank page.
You have selected the correct visa type.
Your e-Visa has been approved if applying online.
You have printed your e-Visa.
Your name and passport number match your visa.
Your accommodation details are available.
Your flight itinerary is accessible.
You have suitable travel insurance.
You understand the length of stay permitted by your visa.
Your itinerary complies with any South Sinai entry conditions.
You have checked the latest travel advice.
You have enough money for applicable visa and travel expenses.
You have copies of important documents.
For most British passport holders travelling from the UK to Egypt, obtaining an Egyptian tourist visa is a straightforward part of holiday preparation.
The Egyptian e-Visa is a convenient option for eligible travellers who want to arrange their visa before leaving the UK. A visa on arrival is also available to eligible British passport holders at approved Egyptian airports, while certain short holidays in qualifying South Sinai resort areas may benefit from a special free entry permission.
The most important point is to look beyond the phrase "travelling from the UK." Egyptian visa requirements depend heavily on your nationality, passport or travel document, destination and purpose of travel.
British citizen passport holders visiting Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and most other parts of Egypt should normally plan for a standard tourist visa. Travellers heading specifically to Sharm El-Sheikh and other qualifying South Sinai resorts should carefully check whether their trip falls within the short-stay entry arrangement.
By checking your passport validity, selecting the correct visa, preparing your documents in advance and understanding the conditions attached to your entry permission, you can avoid many common visa problems and concentrate on enjoying your Egyptian holiday.