Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Have you been dreaming of a sun‑soaked escape during colder moments? Close your eyes and picture yourself drifting down the Nile, tracing the footsteps of the Pharaohs at Luxor or diving under the sapphire waves off of Hurghada.
Here’s a quick wishlist for Egypt:
- Cairo’s timeless skyline: Watch the Pyramids glow at dusk.
- Luxor’s Valley of the Kings: A time‑travel thrill.
- Aswan’s temples and felucca rides: Serenity on the Nile.
- Hurghada’s underwater world: Vibrant reefs and marine life.
Before you pack your sunscreen and shawl, let’s tackle the big question: do I need a visa for Egypt? This guide will break everything down for you, including cost, timing, application steps and insider tips, so you can focus on planning your next great adventure.
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
The short answer is yes. If you’re a British passport holder, you must obtain a tourist visa before travelling to Egypt. However, several options are available, including eVisas, visas on arrival, and consular visas. Citizens of all European Union member states (for example, Germany) travelling solely to the Sinai resorts (Sharm el‑Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba) for up to 14 days receive a free entry‑permission stamp on arrival and do not require a visa.
Most countries need a visa to visit Egypt, with only a few exceptions, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which all get a 6-month visa-exempt stay
Do you need a visa for Egypt if you’re a UK citizen?
All UK nationals must have a visa to explore Egypt’s treasures. There are three main options:
- e‑Visa (online): A single‑entry tourist visa, valid for up to 30 days. Apply through the Egypt e‑Visa Portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg).
- Visa on arrival: Available from Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and other international airports for a single‐entry fee.
- Consular visa (in‑person or by post): Available through the Egyptian Consulate General in London. This is recommended if you prefer paper documentation or need multiple‑entry visas for extended travel.
For the easiest trip, most travellers choose the e‑Visa because it halves your airport wait time and lets you zip through immigration with a digital slip.
How much is a visa for Egypt from the UK?
Visa fees vary by type and entry count:
- Single‑entry e‑Visa: USD 25 (≈ GBP 20)
- Multiple‑entry e‑Visa: USD 60 (≈ GBP 48)
If you choose a visa on arrival, the same fees apply and must be paid in cash. USD is preferred, but GBP and EUR are usually accepted. Fees are subject to change without much notice, so make sure you check on the official portals, like visa2egypt.gov.eg, before booking your tickets.
How long does it take to get a visa to visit Egypt?
The time to obtain a visa to Egypt depends on which visa you prefer:
- e‑Visa processing typically takes 5–7 working days. You must submit at least 7 days before departure to allow for official review.
- Visa on arrival is instant at the airport kiosk, but the queues can stretch for 30 minutes to over an hour during peak season.
- Consular visas can take up to 10 business days once the embassy or the consulate receives your documents. You should plan at least 3 weeks ahead if you pick this route.
How to apply for an Egypt visa from the UK
Here is the step-by-step on how to get a visa for Egypt.
Online (e‑Visa)
- Visit the Egypt e‑Visa Portal: visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa
- Create an account and upload a scanned passport bio‑page, as well as a passport‑style photo.
- Add in your details and intended entry date.
- Pay the visa fee online with a credit or debit card.
- Once approved, you can download your e‑Visa PDF and print a copy for immigration.
You can expect an email confirmation within 5–7 working days after applying. Make sure to check your spam folders.
Visa on arrival
- You fly into Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh or another approved major airport.
- Head to the visa kiosk before immigration.
- Fill out the form, pay USD 25 (≈ GBP 20) in cash, and collect your visa stamp.
Visas on arrival are popular choices for spontaneous plans, but you can expect long wait times on arrival, especially during peak times of the year.
Consular application
- Download the UK Consulate visa form from the Egyptian Consulate London website.
- Gather supporting documents like a passport copy, photos, a UK address and a travel itinerary.
- Mail or deliver in person with a cheque or money order for the fee.
- Wait up to 10 business days, then collect or receive your visa.
Final thoughts on Egypt visa requirements
Getting an Egyptian visa isn’t as daunting as it seems. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy paperless route with the e-Visa, the traditional visa on arrival or a stamped consular visa, planning ahead makes sure your journey through Cairo’s historic streets or the Red Sea’s turquoise depths kicks off on the right foot.
Get ready to lock in those desert sunsets and ancient marvels!
For more sunshine escapes, check out our Dominican Republic Holidays | Packages for 2025/2026 and check out these expert tips on our Advice page.
FAQs
How soon before travelling to Egypt should I sort a visa out?
You should aim to apply at least 7 working days before departure for e‑Visas. Apply within 3 weeks if you’re applying via the consulate.
Can I pay for my Egypt visa in British pounds?
Yes. You can pay at airport kiosks. GBP and EUR are usually accepted, but USD cash is preferred
Is the e‑Visa valid for Nile cruises and multiple stops?
The single‑entry e‑Visa covers all travel within 30 days, but only covers one arrival. Choose the multiple‑entry option via the consulate if you plan to exit and re‑enter Egypt.
What happens if my visa expires while I’m in Egypt?
You must apply for an extension at the Passport and Immigration Office nearest to you before your visa expires to avoid fines. If your visa accidentally expires, go as soon as possible.
Can I enter Egypt without a visa if I’m transiting?
Transit without a visa is allowed if you’re staying less than 48 hours, under strict conditions. It’s better to apply for a visa to make sure you have entry.
Are you ready to explore Egypt’s(https://bluebaytravel.co.uk/holidays/egypt) wonders? Start your visa application today and let Blue Bay Travel guide you through your Egyptian adventure.
