UK citizens need a visa to enter Egypt, but the process is straightforward – you can apply online for an eVisa, get a visa on arrival at the airport, or apply through the Egyptian Embassy in London. The eVisa is the most convenient option, costing $25 for a single entry or $60 for multiple entries, with a 30-day stay limit per visit.
Every year, over 400,000 British tourists travel to Egypt to see the Pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile, and dive in the Red Sea. If you hold a valid UK passport, you cannot enter Egypt without a visa – but the Egyptian government has made the process as simple as possible. This guide covers every option available to UK citizens, including fees, requirements, and step-by-step instructions.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?
Yes. British passport holders must obtain a visa before or upon entering Egypt. The UK is on Egypt’s list of eligible countries for both the eVisa and visa on arrival programs. There is no visa-free entry for UK citizens.
You have three options:
| Option | Where to Apply | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa | Online (visa2egypt.gov.eg) | $25 single / $60 multiple | 5-7 business days |
| Visa on Arrival | Airport bank counter in Egypt | $25 single only | Instant |
| Embassy Visa | Egyptian Embassy, London | GBP 50+ (varies) | 5-10 business days |
For most UK tourists, the eVisa is the best choice because you know your visa status before you fly. To compare the first two options in detail, see our guide on eVisa vs visa on arrival.
Egypt eVisa for UK Citizens
The Egypt eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that you apply for entirely online. Once approved, you receive a PDF document by email. You print it and present it to immigration officers when you land in Egypt.
eVisa Eligibility for UK Passport Holders
UK citizens are fully eligible for the Egypt eVisa. You can apply if you hold:
- A standard UK passport (full British citizen)
- A British Overseas Territory passport
- A British National (Overseas) passport (BNO)
Note: British Travel Documents and Refugee Travel Documents are not eligible for the eVisa. Holders of these documents must apply through the Egyptian Embassy.
eVisa Fees and Validity
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Single-entry fee | $25 USD |
| Multiple-entry fee | $60 USD |
| Stay per entry | Up to 30 days |
| Validity | 90 days from date of issue |
| Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro |
The fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied. Payment is made online by credit or debit card during the application process.
How to Apply for the Egypt eVisa (UK Citizens)
The application takes about 15-20 minutes:
Step 1: Go to visa2egypt.gov.eg and create an account using your email address.
Step 2: Fill in the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel dates. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
Step 3: Upload a clear colour scan of your passport bio page. Some applicants are also asked for a passport-style photo and proof of accommodation.
Step 4: Pay the fee ($25 or $60) using a Visa, Mastercard, or Maestro card.
Step 5: Wait for processing. Most applications are approved within 5-7 business days. Apply at least 7 days before departure.
Step 6: Download the approved eVisa PDF and print two copies. Present one at immigration and keep the second as a backup.
For full details on the complete application process, see our complete Egypt eVisa guide.
Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens
UK citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. When you land, head to the bank kiosks in the arrivals hall before passport control. You pay $25 USD in cash and receive a visa sticker to place in your passport.
Visa on Arrival: What to Expect
- Cost: $25 USD (cash only, USD preferred)
- Duration: Up to 30 days
- Entry type: Single entry only
- Location: Bank kiosks in the arrivals hall at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and other international airports
- Queue time: 5-30 minutes depending on how many flights have landed
Tip: Bring exact change in US dollars. While some counters accept British pounds or euros, the exchange rate is unfavourable. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall but may have long queues.
When to Choose Visa on Arrival Over eVisa
The visa on arrival makes sense if:
- You booked a last-minute trip and did not have time to apply for an eVisa
- Your eVisa application was denied and you still want to travel
- You prefer to pay in cash rather than online
For everything you need to know, read our complete visa on arrival guide.
Egypt Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
Regardless of which option you choose, you will need the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid UK passport | At least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date |
| Blank passport pages | At least 1-2 blank pages for the visa sticker |
| Return/onward ticket | Proof you plan to leave Egypt within 30 days |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel booking or letter of invitation |
| Passport scan | Clear colour scan of bio page (for eVisa) |
| Payment method | Credit/debit card (eVisa) or $25 USD cash (VOA) |
For the full list of documents and eligibility criteria, see our Egypt visa requirements guide.
Egypt Visa Fees for UK Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (GBP approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa single entry | $25 | ~GBP 20 |
| eVisa multiple entry | $60 | ~GBP 48 |
| Visa on arrival (single) | $25 | ~GBP 20 |
| Embassy visa (single) | $67 | ~GBP 53 |
| Embassy visa (multiple) | $92 | ~GBP 73 |
GBP amounts are approximate and vary with exchange rates.
The eVisa and visa on arrival are the cheapest options. Embassy visas cost more because they include consular processing fees. For a detailed breakdown, see our Egypt visa fee guide.
Embassy Option: Applying from the UK
If you prefer to apply in person or need a visa type other than tourist (such as business, work, or student), you can apply at the Egyptian Embassy in London:
- Address: 26 South Street, London W1K 1DW
- Processing time: 5-10 business days
- Appointment: Check the embassy website for current booking procedures
Embassy applications are required for:
- Work visas
- Student visas
- Long-term stays (over 30 days)
- Holders of non-standard UK travel documents
Tips for UK Travellers to Egypt
- Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available. Carry some cash for taxis, tips, and small shops.
- Best time to visit: October to April (cooler months). Summer temperatures in Luxor and Aswan can exceed 45C.
- Travel insurance: Not a visa requirement but strongly recommended. Make sure your policy covers Egypt specifically.
- Sharm El Sheikh exception: If you are staying only in the Sharm El Sheikh resort area for up to 15 days, you may not need a visa at all. Check the latest rules before travelling.
- Dual nationals: If you hold both UK and Egyptian citizenship, you must enter Egypt on your Egyptian passport.
FAQs About Egypt Visa for UK Citizens
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival in Egypt?
Yes. UK passport holders can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for $25 USD cash. The process takes 5-30 minutes at the bank kiosks in the arrivals hall.
How much is the Egypt eVisa for UK citizens?
The Egypt eVisa costs $25 USD for a single entry or $60 USD for multiple entries. Payment is made online by credit or debit card during the application process.
How long can a UK citizen stay in Egypt?
With a standard tourist visa (eVisa or visa on arrival), UK citizens can stay up to 30 days per entry. Multiple-entry eVisas allow repeated 30-day stays within the 90-day validity period.
Do I need to print my Egypt eVisa?
Yes. You must print the eVisa PDF and present it to immigration officers on arrival. Print at least two copies – one to hand over and one as a backup. Digital copies on your phone are not accepted.
What happens if my Egypt eVisa is denied?
If your eVisa application is denied, you can still apply for a visa on arrival at the airport ($25 USD cash) or apply through the Egyptian Embassy in London. The eVisa fee is non-refundable.
Can I extend my Egypt visa beyond 30 days?
You can apply for a visa extension at the Mogamma government building in Tahrir Square, Cairo, or at passport offices in other Egyptian cities. Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30 days. Overstaying without an extension results in fines.
Do children need a separate Egypt visa?
Yes. Every traveller, including children and infants, needs their own visa. Each child must have their own passport with at least 6 months validity.
Is the Egypt eVisa the same as a visa on arrival?
No. The eVisa is applied for online before you travel and costs $25 (single) or $60 (multiple). The visa on arrival is purchased at the airport for $25 (single only). Both allow a 30-day stay, but the eVisa lets you confirm your visa status before flying. See our full comparison of eVisa vs visa on arrival.
