Egypt Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing
Complete Egypt tourist visa guide for UK citizens. E-visa and visa on arrival options, $25 fee, 30-day stay, and Sinai exemption. Updated December 2026.
At a glance
Max stay: 15 days
Overview
Planning a trip to Egypt as a British citizen? You have three convenient options: apply for an e-visa online for $25, get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports, or visit Sinai resorts visa-free for up to 15 days. With a 97% approval rate and straightforward requirements, exploring Egypt's ancient wonders is simple for UK passport holders.
Visa Application process
Visit the official Egypt e-visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg2
Create an account using your email address
Select “Tourist Visa” and choose single or multiple entry
Complete the application form with your personal and travel details
Upload a clear passport scan and compliant photo
Pay the visa fee ($25 single, $60 multiple) via credit or debit card
Receive your approved e-visa by email within 2-7 days2
Print your e-visa and present it at Egyptian immigration
Arrive at an Egyptian international airport (Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Aswan)
Proceed to the visa counter before passport control
Present your UK passport and $25 in cash (US dollars preferred, but British pounds or euros may be accepted)1
Receive your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
The entire process typically takes 15-30 minutes
Download and complete the visa application form from egyptconsulate.co.uk
Prepare two passport-sized photos (45mm x 35mm) on white background
Apply in person at the Consulate (card payment only) or by post (postal order only)
Pay £28 for single entry or £63 for multiple entry3
Processing takes 5-7 business days in person, 5-10 days by post3
Visa Fees breakdown
| Visa Type: E-Visa/VOA | Single Entry: $25 | Multiple Entry: $60 | Sinai Only Permit: Free | E-visa fees must be paid by credit or debit card.2 Visa on arrival requires cash (US dollars preferred).1 The Consulate does not accept cash: card payments for in-person applications, postal orders for mail applications.3 |
|---|
What you need to prove
Egypt’s tourist visa requirements are straightforward for British citizens. You must demonstrate:
- Valid travel documents: A UK passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page 1
- Basic travel plans: Hotel booking or accommodation address
- Intent to depart: Evidence of onward travel or return flight (may be requested)
Required documents
- Valid Passport
- Digital Photograph
- Passport Copy
- Visa Fee Payment
- Travel Details
Valid Passport
Digital Photograph
Passport Copy
Visa Fee Payment
Travel Details
Optional documents
E-Visa Application | Onward Travel
E-Visa Application
Onward Travel
Comparison
| Visa Type | E-Visa/VOA | Consulate | Validity | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | $25 | £28 | 3 months | 30 days |
| Multiple Entry | $60 | £63 | 6 months | 30 days per visit |
| Sinai Only Permit | Free | N/A | 15 days | Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba only |
Common rejection reasons
| % | Reason |
|---|---|
| 40% | Incorrect Personal Information |
| 25% | Poor Quality Documents |
| 20% | Invalid Passport |
| 10% | Payment Processing Failure |
| 5% | Security Flags |
40% - Incorrect Personal Information
How to avoid: Double-check that all information matches your passport character for character, including middle names and spelling variations.
25% - Poor Quality Documents
How to avoid: Upload high-resolution scans with all four corners visible. Ensure your photo has a plain background and good lighting.
20% - Invalid Passport
How to avoid: Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months of your planned return date from Egypt.
10% - Payment Processing Failure
How to avoid: Contact your bank before applying to authorise international payments, or try a different card.
5% - Security Flags
How to avoid: If you have concerns about your eligibility, apply through the Egyptian Consulate in London for a pre-reviewed visa.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, British citizens need a visa to enter Egypt. You can get one online through the e-visa portal, upon arrival at Egyptian airports, or through the Egyptian Consulate in London. E-visa and visa on arrival both cost $25 for a single entry, 30-day visa.
How long does the Egypt e-visa take to process?
Egypt e-visa applications typically process within 2-7 business days. Apply at least 7 days before your trip. If you need to travel sooner, opt for the visa on arrival at the airport.
Can British citizens get a visa on arrival in Egypt?
Yes, UK citizens can get a tourist visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports including Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. The fee is $25 in US cash, though British pounds and euros may also be accepted.
How long can I stay in Egypt on a tourist visa?
A standard tourist visa allows you to stay up to 30 days. You can extend your stay at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices for an additional fee.
What is the difference between single and multiple entry Egypt visas?
A single entry visa ($25) allows one entry within 3 months of issue. A multiple entry visa ($60) is valid for 6 months and allows unlimited entries, with each stay limited to 30 days.
Do I need a visa for Sharm El Sheikh?
If you are only visiting Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba for 15 days or less, you can get a free entry stamp on arrival. For longer stays or travel to other parts of Egypt, you need a standard visa.
What happens if my Egypt e-visa is rejected?
You will receive an email explaining the reason. Common issues include typos in your application or poor document quality. You can reapply after correcting the errors. The fee is non-refundable.
Can I extend my Egypt tourist visa?
Yes, you can extend your stay at any Egyptian Passport and Immigration Office before your visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for up to 6 months total stay. Overstaying results in fines at departure.
What documents do I need for Egypt visa on arrival?
Bring your valid UK passport (6+ months validity), $25 in US cash, and proof of accommodation. Have your return flight details ready as immigration may ask about your travel plans.
Is the Egypt e-visa official website safe?
The only official Egypt e-visa portal is visa2egypt.gov.eg, operated by the Ministry of Interior. Be wary of third-party sites charging higher fees. Always verify you are on the .gov.eg domain.
Can I apply for an Egypt visa at the Consulate in London?
Yes, you can apply in person or by post at the Egyptian Consulate General in London. The fee is £28 for a single entry tourist visa or £63 for multiple entry. Processing takes 5-10 business days.
What is the Sinai Tax when entering from Israel?
If you cross from Israel at Taba, you pay a Sinai Tax of 720 Egyptian pounds. This allows visa-free entry for up to 15 days if you stay within the Sinai Peninsula. Travel to mainland Egypt requires a full visa.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/entry-requirements
https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Home
https://egyptconsulate.co.uk/visas/
https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/FAQ
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-cairo