Egypt is one of the world's most fascinating travel destinations, combining ancient monuments, historic cities, Red Sea resorts, desert landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. For UK citizens planning a holiday to Egypt, understanding the visa requirements before departure can make the journey much easier.
British citizens travelling on a full British citizen passport normally need a visa to enter Egypt, although there is an important exception for certain short stays in the South Sinai resort area. UK travellers can generally choose between obtaining an Egyptian eVisa before travelling, getting a visa on arrival at eligible airports, or applying through an Egyptian consular service.
This detailed guide explains the main Egypt visa options for UK citizens, eligibility requirements, passport rules, application procedures, costs, validity, arrival procedures, and useful travel considerations.
Yes. In most circumstances, British passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt.
For a normal holiday involving destinations such as Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, Hurghada, or other parts of Egypt, UK citizens should arrange the appropriate Egyptian visa.
There is, however, a special visa-free arrangement for some travellers entering Sharm El Sheikh and remaining within designated South Sinai resort areas for a short stay. According to current UK travel guidance, British citizens arriving by air at Sharm El Sheikh and staying for less than 15 days at resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba can receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival. Travellers intending to leave the designated resort area or remain longer need a visa.
Because the conditions depend on your itinerary, it is important to consider where you intend to travel in Egypt rather than simply looking at your arrival airport.
UK citizens travelling to Egypt for tourism generally have three main options:
Egypt tourist eVisa
Egypt visa on arrival
Egypt visa obtained through an Egyptian consular authority
The most convenient option depends on your itinerary, travel plans, and whether you prefer to arrange your immigration permission before leaving the UK.
The Egyptian eVisa allows eligible travellers to apply online before travelling.
The official Egypt eVisa portal lists the United Kingdom among the nationalities eligible for its electronic visa system. The portal currently lists a single-entry tourism visa at US$30 and a multiple-entry tourism visa at US$65.
The eVisa can be particularly convenient because you can complete the application before your trip instead of waiting to purchase a visa after arriving at the airport.
The official portal states that applicants should create an account, complete the application, pay online, wait for approval, and then download and print the approved eVisa.
British passport holders can also obtain an Egyptian visa on arrival at approved airports.
Current UK government travel guidance states that visas on arrival are available at approved airports and cost US$30. The guidance also states that the visa-on-arrival payment is cash only and that the visa is valid for up to 30 days.
A visa on arrival can therefore be useful for travellers who do not arrange an eVisa in advance.
However, arranging an eVisa before departure can make the arrival process more predictable, particularly for travellers who prefer to have their immigration documents organised before boarding their flight.
Travellers can also apply in person or by post through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK, depending on the type of visa and circumstances.
This route may be more appropriate for travellers whose circumstances are not suited to the standard tourist eVisa or visa-on-arrival process.
For unusual cases, longer stays, particular travel purposes, or questions about nationality and travel-document eligibility, contacting the relevant Egyptian consular authority before travelling is advisable.
The Egypt eVisa is one of the main options for British citizens visiting Egypt for tourism.
The online application is designed to allow eligible travellers to submit their details before travelling. The official Egyptian portal indicates that applicants should apply at least seven days before departure.
The process generally involves the following stages:
Begin by registering on the Egyptian eVisa portal using your email address and the requested personal information.
Follow the instructions provided by the portal to confirm your registration.
Log into your account and begin a new application.
Choose the appropriate visa category and carefully read the instructions provided for that visa.
Enter your personal, passport, and travel information accurately.
It is particularly important to make sure that the information in your application matches your passport.
The official portal allows online payment using supported bank cards.
After submitting the application and payment, the application is processed.
Once approved, you can download the eVisa through your account.
The Egyptian eVisa portal instructs travellers to print the approved eVisa and present it to immigration officials when entering Egypt.
It is sensible to keep the printed document with your passport and travel documents during your journey.
Before applying, British travellers should check that their passport satisfies Egypt's entry requirements.
The most important requirement is passport validity.
Your British passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive in Egypt.
UK government travel guidance also states that travellers should have at least one blank passport page.
For example, if you plan to arrive in Egypt on 10 October, your passport should generally remain valid until at least 10 April of the following year.
Do not rely on the fact that your passport is valid for the entire planned holiday. Egypt's requirement is based on the validity remaining after your arrival.
Your passport should also be in good condition.
Damaged passports can create problems when travelling internationally, particularly if important information, photographs, or security features cannot be easily examined.
When applying for an eVisa, carefully enter your:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport number
Passport issue date
Passport expiry date
Travel information
A mistake in passport details can cause unnecessary problems at check-in or immigration.
The cost depends on the type of visa you choose.
For the Egyptian tourist eVisa, the official Egyptian eVisa portal currently lists:
Single-entry tourist visa: US$30
Multiple-entry tourist visa: US$65
The current UK government travel guidance states that an Egyptian visa on arrival costs US$30 and that payment is cash only.
Visa fees and procedures can change, so travellers should always verify the current amount and payment requirements before travelling.
Tourist eVisas are intended for tourism and allow eligible travellers to enter Egypt according to the conditions of the visa issued to them.
UK travel guidance states that tourist eVisas are valid for up to three months, while visas on arrival are valid for up to 30 days.
It is important to distinguish between visa validity and permitted length of stay.
The date range during which a visa can be used is not necessarily the same thing as the maximum number of days you can remain in Egypt after entering.
Always check the conditions shown on your approved visa.
The choice between a single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visa depends on your travel plans.
A single-entry visa can be suitable when you plan to:
Fly from the UK to Egypt
Take a normal holiday
Stay in Egypt throughout the trip
Return directly to the UK or another destination after your Egyptian visit
For a straightforward one-country holiday, a single-entry visa may be sufficient.
A multiple-entry visa can be useful for travellers who expect to enter Egypt more than once during the relevant visa period.
For example, a traveller planning a more complicated regional itinerary might leave Egypt and later return.
If you are unsure whether you need multiple entry, examine your complete itinerary before applying.
A visa on arrival is another option for eligible British passport holders.
When arriving at an approved Egyptian airport, travellers can purchase the visa before proceeding through immigration. UK government guidance states that the visa costs US$30 and is payable in cash.
A typical arrival process may involve:
Landing at an approved Egyptian airport
Following signs for visa purchase or immigration
Obtaining the visa
Proceeding to immigration
Presenting your passport and required documents
Receiving the appropriate entry permission
Collecting your luggage and continuing into the airport
You should allow sufficient time for these procedures.
You do not normally need to pay an airport agent to obtain a visa.
UK government travel guidance specifically warns that travellers do not need to purchase a visa from an agent and that agents may charge more than the required visa fee.
If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, follow the official airport process instead of assuming an agent is required.
One of the most important exceptions for UK holidaymakers is the short-stay South Sinai arrangement.
If a British citizen arrives by air at Sharm El Sheikh and stays for less than 15 days within the relevant resort areas, a visa may not be required.
The designated destinations mentioned in UK travel guidance include:
Sharm El Sheikh
Dahab
Nuweiba
Taba
Eligible travellers receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival at Sharm El Sheikh Airport.
However, this arrangement has limitations.
If your holiday involves travelling outside the permitted resort area, or if you intend to stay longer than 15 days, you should obtain a visa.
For example, someone flying into Sharm El Sheikh for a short resort holiday may qualify for the free entry permission, while someone planning to travel from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo and visit the pyramids should arrange the appropriate Egyptian visa.
The special South Sinai entry permission should not be treated as a general Egyptian tourist visa.
If your itinerary includes Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, or other destinations outside the qualifying South Sinai resort area, you should obtain a standard Egyptian visa where required.
This distinction is important because travellers sometimes assume that entering Egypt through Sharm El Sheikh automatically permits unrestricted travel throughout the country.
It does not.
Your planned destinations should determine which immigration permission you need.
Even when you already have an approved visa, it is a good idea to keep your travel documentation organised.
Depending on your circumstances, useful documents can include:
Valid British passport
Printed Egypt eVisa, if applicable
Return or onward travel information
Hotel booking details
Travel itinerary
Travel insurance information
Supporting documents relevant to your trip
The Egyptian eVisa portal lists a passport valid for at least six months, an eVisa printout, travel itinerary, and accommodation or other supporting details among its entry requirements.
Having these documents readily available can make the arrival process easier.
Yes. British citizens are listed among the nationalities eligible to use the Egyptian eVisa portal for eligible visa categories.
The online route is particularly convenient for travellers who want to arrange their visa before leaving the UK.
The official Egyptian portal instructs applicants to create an account, complete the application, pay online, wait for approval, and print the approved eVisa.
Travellers should avoid leaving an eVisa application until the last moment because the official portal advises applicants to create the application at least seven days before departure.
Applying well before your departure is a sensible approach.
The Egyptian eVisa portal specifically states that an application should be created at least seven days before departure.
However, planning earlier gives you additional time to deal with possible issues such as:
Incorrect passport information
Missing information
Payment problems
Processing delays
Passport renewal
Changes to your itinerary
A good general travel habit is to check visa requirements before booking non-refundable travel arrangements and to avoid submitting important visa applications at the very last minute.
Children travelling on British passports have their own travel-document requirements.
Each child should have a valid passport and, where required, the appropriate Egyptian visa or entry permission.
Families should carefully check the information entered for each traveller. Do not assume that an adult's visa automatically covers every child travelling with them.
When travelling as a family, keep all passports and visa documents together but ensure that every traveller has the documentation required for their own entry.
Dual nationals should pay particular attention to which passport they use for their Egyptian journey.
Visa requirements can depend on nationality and the travel document being used.
If you hold British citizenship alongside another nationality, do not assume that the rules for one passport automatically apply to the other.
Before departure, confirm which passport you will use to enter Egypt and whether that passport requires a visa.
Not every person who has a connection with the UK holds a full British citizen passport.
British Overseas Territories citizens, Crown Dependencies passport holders, and people travelling on certain other travel documents can be subject to different rules.
UK travel guidance specifically states that British passport holders from British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies cannot apply online through the standard Egyptian eVisa system.
Therefore, if you do not hold a standard full British citizen passport, check your specific nationality and travel-document status before making travel arrangements.
A UK residence document does not automatically make a person a British citizen.
This distinction is extremely important.
Egyptian visa requirements are generally based on the nationality and passport or travel document you use for travel, rather than simply the fact that you live in the UK.
For example, a person who lives in Britain but holds a Pakistani, Indian, Nigerian, Bangladeshi, or other passport should check Egypt's requirements for that nationality.
Having permission to live in the UK does not automatically provide the same Egyptian visa privileges available to a British citizen.
Travellers who do not hold a standard British citizen passport should obtain specific advice before travelling.
This can include people using:
Refugee travel documents
Stateless-person travel documents
Home Office travel documents
Other non-standard travel documents
The rules can differ significantly from those applying to ordinary British passports.
If your travel document is not a standard British citizen passport, check with the relevant Egyptian authority before booking your trip.
The standard tourist visa is intended for ordinary leisure travel.
Popular activities include:
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
Exploring ancient temples in Luxor
Taking a Nile cruise
Visiting museums in Cairo
Relaxing in Hurghada
Diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea
Visiting Sharm El Sheikh
Exploring Aswan
Experiencing Egyptian markets and local culture
Your visa should correspond to the purpose of your trip.
If you intend to work, undertake activities beyond ordinary tourism, study, or remain in Egypt for an extended period, do not assume that a standard tourist visa is appropriate.
Business travellers may need a different visa or supporting documentation depending on the purpose and length of their visit.
A person attending meetings, conferences, commercial events, or conducting other business activities should check the applicable requirements before travelling.
Do not automatically select a tourism category if the primary purpose of the trip is business.
A standard tourist visa is not intended to provide unlimited residence in Egypt.
If you plan to remain for an extended period, investigate the relevant extension or residence procedures before your permitted stay expires.
UK travel guidance states that visa extensions can be requested through Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. It also warns that leaving Egypt with an expired visa can cause difficulties and may result in a fine if the visa has been expired for more than 14 days.
Long-stay travellers should therefore avoid treating a normal tourist visa as a long-term immigration solution.
Travellers should monitor the validity and conditions of their Egyptian visa.
Do not wait until the final day if you believe you need additional time.
If you need to stay longer, investigate the extension process before your authorised period expires.
An expired visa can create problems when attempting to depart Egypt, and penalties may apply depending on the circumstances.
The fact that you hold a British passport does not mean you can enter every country without a visa.
Most British citizens travelling to Egypt need a visa.
The short South Sinai visa-free arrangement applies under specific conditions.
It does not automatically allow unrestricted travel throughout Egypt.
Your visa application should match your passport information exactly.
Check every field before submitting.
The Egyptian eVisa portal advises applicants to create an application at least seven days before departure.
Applying earlier is generally more comfortable and gives you time to address unexpected issues.
The official Egyptian eVisa instructions tell approved applicants to download and print the eVisa for presentation at the port of entry.
Even if you have a digital copy on your phone, carrying a printed copy is a sensible precaution.
A UK residence status does not necessarily give a traveller British nationality.
Egyptian entry requirements depend on the passport or travel document and nationality involved.
A visa-on-arrival applicant does not normally need to use an agent.
UK government guidance warns that airport agents can charge more than the required visa fee.
For many UK tourists, the eVisa can be convenient because the visa is arranged before departure.
An eVisa can provide:
Advance preparation
Online application
Online payment
A visa decision before travel
Less uncertainty about arranging the visa after landing
The official portal provides an online account where applicants can submit and monitor applications.
A visa on arrival can be convenient because:
You do not need to complete the online application in advance
It can be obtained after arriving at an eligible airport
The current fee for eligible travellers is US$30
However, travellers need to have the required cash and use an airport where the visa-on-arrival facility is available.
For travellers who prefer certainty before departure, obtaining the eVisa in advance may be the more comfortable option.
Before travelling, check the following:
Your passport is valid for at least six months after arrival.
Your passport has a blank page.
You have determined whether you need an Egyptian visa.
You have checked whether your itinerary qualifies for the South Sinai short-stay exception.
You have selected the correct visa type.
Your passport information is entered accurately.
You have allowed sufficient processing time.
You have paid the correct visa fee.
You have downloaded your approved eVisa if applying online.
You have printed the eVisa.
You have your accommodation information available.
You have your travel itinerary available.
You have checked your return or onward travel arrangements.
Egypt is relatively easy to incorporate into a UK holiday itinerary, but the visa question should be settled before departure.
For a traditional sightseeing holiday, you might combine Cairo and Giza with Luxor and Aswan. Alternatively, you could choose a Red Sea holiday in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
Your itinerary affects the type of entry permission you need.
A short resort holiday restricted to the qualifying South Sinai area can fall under the special entry arrangement, while a trip involving Cairo or other parts of Egypt normally requires a standard visa.
Cairo is the country's largest city and a popular starting point for international visitors.
Travellers can explore historic neighbourhoods, museums, markets, and the wider Giza area.
Giza is famous for the Great Pyramid and other monumental structures of ancient Egypt.
A visit to Cairo and Giza is one of the most popular choices for first-time visitors.
Luxor is an important destination for travellers interested in ancient Egyptian history.
The area contains numerous temples, tombs, and archaeological attractions.
Aswan offers a different atmosphere, with Nile scenery, historic sites, islands, and access to attractions further south.
Hurghada is a popular Red Sea resort destination known for beaches, hotels, marine activities, and warm-weather holidays.
Sharm El Sheikh is particularly popular with British holidaymakers seeking a resort break, diving, snorkelling, and sunshine.
Travellers should nevertheless determine whether their itinerary qualifies for the South Sinai short-stay entry arrangement.
A visa does not replace travel insurance.
Before travelling, UK citizens should consider obtaining comprehensive travel insurance appropriate to their activities and itinerary.
Depending on the holiday, travellers may want cover for medical treatment, cancellation, lost luggage, delays, and other unexpected events.
If you intend to participate in activities such as diving or other specialised excursions, check that your insurance covers those activities.
Visa requirements are only one part of planning an international trip.
Travel conditions can change, including local security advice, border arrangements, flight schedules, and entry requirements.
UK travellers should check current government travel advice before departure and pay attention to any warnings or restrictions affecting specific regions of Egypt.
The UK government's Egypt entry guidance is specifically written for people travelling on full British citizen passports and notes that Egyptian authorities set and enforce the country's entry requirements.
Yes. British passport holders normally need a visa to enter Egypt, although qualifying short stays in designated South Sinai resorts can receive a free entry permission stamp.
Yes. The Egyptian eVisa system lists the United Kingdom among eligible nationalities for the electronic visa system.
The official Egyptian eVisa portal currently lists US$30 for a single-entry tourist visa and US$65 for a multiple-entry tourist visa.
The current UK government travel guidance states that a visa on arrival costs US$30 and is payable in cash.
The UK government's current guidance states that visas on arrival are valid for up to 30 days.
Generally, no. The special short-stay arrangement is limited to designated South Sinai resort areas. Travelling outside those areas requires the appropriate visa.
Eligible British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at approved airports.
Yes. The official Egyptian eVisa instructions tell approved travellers to download and print the eVisa for presentation to immigration officials.
Your passport should have an expiry date at least six months after your arrival in Egypt and should have at least one blank page.
Not necessarily. A person holding UK residence permission but travelling on a non-British passport should check the Egyptian requirements for their actual nationality and travel document.
Extensions may be available through Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. Travellers who need to remain longer should investigate the procedure before their authorised stay expires.
For most UK citizens, obtaining an Egyptian visa is a straightforward part of planning a holiday to Egypt. The main options are an online tourist eVisa, a visa on arrival at an eligible airport, or an application through an Egyptian consular authority where appropriate.
For travellers visiting Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, or destinations outside the qualifying South Sinai resort area, arranging the correct visa is particularly important. Travellers visiting Sharm El Sheikh and remaining in the qualifying South Sinai resort areas for less than 15 days may instead benefit from the special free entry permission arrangement.
The Egyptian eVisa can be a convenient choice for travellers who prefer to organise their visa before leaving the UK. The official Egyptian portal currently identifies UK citizens as eligible for the tourist eVisa system and lists single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visa options.
Whatever option you choose, check your passport validity, confirm your itinerary, use the correct visa category, allow enough time for processing, and keep your travel documents accessible throughout your journey. Entry requirements can change, so checking the latest official information shortly before departure is always recommended.