Quick answer: Yes, UK citizens need a visa to enter Egypt, though getting one is straightforward. Most British travellers can apply for an e-visa in advance through the official portal, or get a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports. Both currently cost around $25–30 USD for a single entry, after a price rise introduced during 2026 — the e-visa is generally the safer, faster option, since it avoids arrival queues and lets you fix any problems before you fly.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. Nearly all UK passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt for tourism. There are two main routes: an e-visa applied for online in advance, or a visa on arrival bought at the airport. These are genuinely different processes — not interchangeable names for the same thing — and this guide treats them separately so you can see how each one works.
For most UK travellers, the e-visa is the better choice: it’s arranged before you leave home, so there’s no cash-only queue on arrival, and any issues with your application can be sorted out with time to spare. It’s also worth checking the FCDO’s Egypt travel advice before you book, since it covers safety guidance separate from visa requirements.
Egypt e-visa: the recommended option
Apply through Egypt’s official government portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg. As of 2026, the standard single-entry tourist e-visa costs around $25–30 USD, following a fee increase introduced during the year — prices have shifted more than once recently, so check the live portal for the exact current figure before you pay. Processing is officially quoted at up to 7 business days, though many applicants report receiving their e-visa within 3–5 days.
Visa validity and permitted stay aren’t the same thing. The e-visa itself is usually valid for a few months from the date it’s issued, but each entry on a single-entry visa still only allows a 30-day stay. Applying too far ahead risks the visa expiring before you travel, so it’s best to apply once your dates are confirmed.
Visa on arrival: what UK travellers need to know
A visa on arrival can be bought at major airports, including Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and Hurghada. You’ll pay a cash-only fee, generally around $25–30 USD, at a bank counter before passport control, then queue again for immigration. Most travellers clear this in under 30 minutes, though queues run longer at busy times — Sharm El Sheikh in particular gets busy during the October–April peak season. Your passport needs at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date, whichever option you choose.
If you’re arriving directly at Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba and staying no longer than 15 days within those Sinai resort areas, you may qualify for a free entry stamp instead of a full visa. Travelling beyond those areas still requires a standard tourist visa.
Egypt visa requirements for UK citizens: documents you’ll need
The paperwork is broadly similar either way, though the e-visa asks for everything upfront online.
- For the e-visa: a UK passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date, a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page, a digital passport-style photo, your travel dates, and a card or online payment method.
- For the visa on arrival: the same 6-month passport validity, plus the visa fee in cash (US dollars are the safest bet — some counters also accept euros or pounds, but don’t rely on it).
They may also need to show proof of a return ticket or plan for onward travel, since this shows that their visit is temporary and that they will leave Egypt on time. For UK residents who are not citizens, there may be extra checks during the visa application. It’s a good idea to check the specific document requirements with the Egyptian Consulate General in London before your travel date, to avoid any surprises.
How to apply for an Egypt e-visa: step-by-step
- Go to the official portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg — avoid third-party sites, which often charge extra for the same service.
- Create an account using your email address.
- Select your nationality and confirm you’re eligible to apply online.
- Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on the document.
- Upload a scan of your passport’s bio page and a recent digital photo.
- Enter your travel dates and accommodation details.
- Pay the visa fee by card through the secure payment page.
Once approved, print your e-visa and keep a copy on your phone too — some airlines check it at boarding.
Egypt visa costs for UK travellers in 2026
Visa fees have changed more than once during 2026, so treat the figures below as a current guide rather than a fixed price — always check the official portal or the FCDO page before you pay.
| Visa type | USD cost | Approx. GBP | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa (single entry) | ~$25–30 | ~£20–24 | Up to 7 business days (often 3–5) |
| E-visa (multiple entry) | ~$60–65 | ~£48–52 | Up to 7 business days |
| Visa on arrival (single entry) | ~$25–30 (cash only) | ~£20–24 | On the spot, at the airport |
GBP figures are approximate and move with the exchange rate (valid as of August 2026). Card payments may also attract your UK bank’s standard foreign transaction charge.
Our guide to the Egyptian pound covers exchange rates and tips for managing money on the ground.
Egypt visa validity and length of stay: what UK travellers often get wrong
Visa validity and permitted length of stay are two different things, and mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes UK travellers make. The e-visa’s validity — generally a few months from issue — is simply the window in which you can enter Egypt on that visa. Once you’re in the country, a standard single-entry tourist visa permits a 30-day stay, regardless of how long the visa itself remains valid. Overstaying can result in fines, so apply for an extension in good time if your plans change.
Extensions are handled in Cairo at the Mogamma government building, where you’ll need your passport, the completed extension form, and the relevant fee. Processing generally takes a day or two, so build in some spare time if you’re planning to extend.
Egypt transit visa
Travellers passing through Egypt may need a transit visa. This visa allows you to stay in the country for a short time, usually a few days, only for catching connecting flights. For example, if your layover in Cairo is more than 24 hours, you will likely need a transit visa. This visa lets you leave the airport and explore the city. It gives you a chance to see a bit of Egyptian culture during your stay. Requirements can vary by nationality, airline, and layover length, so it’s worth confirming directly with the Egyptian Consulate General in London if yours is a long one.
Student and work visas for Egypt
Egypt has long-term visas for people who want to stay for work or studies. If you want to study, you’ll need a student visa. To get this, you must have an acceptance letter from a school in Egypt. You also need to show you can support yourself financially during your studies. If you are looking for a job, you will need a work permit. You can get this permit from a company in Egypt that sponsors you. Generally, people apply for the work permit when getting a long-term visa. This permit lets you work and live legally in Egypt for a specific time. Keep in mind that work permits are usually for certain jobs and skills. Both routes are handled through the Egyptian Consulate General in London before you travel, rather than online, so it’s worth starting the process well ahead of your departure date.
FCDO travel advice
The FCDO’s Egypt travel advice page is the primary source for UK safety guidance, separate from visa rules. At the time of writing, the FCDO advises against all travel to areas near the Egypt–Libya border and the North Sinai Governorate, among other specific areas — advice that can change, so check it shortly before you travel rather than relying on what’s written here. Registering your trip with the FCDO can also help the UK government reach you in an emergency.
Vaccinations and health preparation
Before you travel to Egypt, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a travel health expert about what vaccinations you may need. You should get your routine vaccinations, like those for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and hepatitis A. Depending on where you plan to go and what activities you will do, you might also need vaccines for typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever. Make sure to get these vaccinations well before your trip. This way, they have time to work. Since disease outbreaks can change quickly, it’s a good idea to check health updates and travel advisories. For UK travellers, NHS Fit for Travel is a better first stop than international bodies, since it’s tailored to UK-specific guidance and vaccine availability.
Travel insurance
Securing good travel insurance is very important when planning a trip to Egypt. The GHIC and EHIC schemes don’t cover Egypt — they’re valid in the EU and a small number of other countries, not further afield — so a comprehensive policy is essential here rather than optional. Make sure your policy includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, baggage loss or delays, and personal liability. Standard policies can carry fairly low limits on medical evacuation costs, so it’s worth checking the small print, particularly if you’re planning activities like Red Sea diving, which often needs specialist cover. Always carry a copy of your insurance policy and the contact details of your insurance provider during your trip. You should know how to file a claim and have the emergency contact numbers ready. If an emergency occurs, reach out to your insurance company right away to start the claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt Visas for UK Travellers
Do UK citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. Most UK passport holders need either an e-visa arranged in advance or a visa on arrival at the airport. The main exception is a short stay of up to 15 days within specific Sinai resort areas, which may qualify for a free entry stamp instead.
How much does an Egypt visa cost for UK travellers?
As of 2026, a single-entry e-visa or visa on arrival costs in the region of $25–30 USD, following a price rise introduced during the year. Multiple-entry e-visas cost more. Always check the official portal for the current fee before you pay.
How long can I stay in Egypt on a tourist visa?
A standard single-entry tourist visa allows a 30-day stay, which is separate from the visa’s own validity period. You can apply for an extension in Cairo if you need more time.
How long does the Egypt e-visa take to process?
The official processing time is up to 7 business days, though many applicants receive approval within 3–5 days. It’s sensible to apply at least a week before you travel to allow for delays.
Can I extend my Egypt visa while I’m there?
Yes. Extensions are handled at the Mogamma government building in Cairo, where you’ll need your passport, a completed extension form, and the relevant fee. Processing usually takes a day or two.
Is my GHIC or EHIC valid in Egypt?
No. The GHIC and EHIC only cover the EU and a small number of other countries, not Egypt. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover, including emergency evacuation, is essential for any trip there.
Key takeaways
- UK citizens need a visa for Egypt; the e-visa via visa2egypt.gov.eg is generally the safer, faster option over a visa on arrival.
- Fees have risen during 2026 to around $25–30 USD for a single entry — check the official portal before you pay.
- A standard tourist visa allows a 30-day stay per entry, separate from the visa’s own validity period, so don’t confuse the two.
- The FCDO’s Egypt travel advice is worth checking close to your travel date, since it covers safety guidance that visa requirements don’t.
- GHIC and EHIC cover doesn’t extend to Egypt, and NHS Fit for Travel is a solid first stop for vaccination advice before you go.
Before you go
In short: apply for your e-visa in advance where you can, keep some USD as backup, and check the FCDO’s latest advice before you fly. If you’re supporting family in Egypt or sending money home around your trip, our guide to sending money from the UK covers your options, and Remitly can help you transfer funds to Egypt quickly and transparently.
Last reviewed: September 2026
