UK passport holders need an Egypt eVisa or visa on arrival to enter Egypt for tourism. The eVisa costs $25 USD for single entry and $60 USD for multiple entry, processed within 3 to 7 business days via the visa2egypt.gov.eg portal.
The Egypt eVisa is an online travel authorisation for UK tourists visiting Egypt. UK passport holders need one (or a visa on arrival) to enter. The official fee is $25 USD for a single-entry eVisa, valid for 30 days’ stay within a 90-day window. Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days before travel.
What Is the Egypt eVisa?
The Egypt eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation issued by the Egyptian government (Ministry of Interior) via the portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. The portal is operated directly by the Egyptian government, not a third-party agency; all payments are processed through the government’s secure payment gateway with no additional service fees. The Egypt eVisa is available to citizens of 74 eligible nationalities, including UK passport holders.
The Egypt eVisa permits entry for tourism only (holidays, sightseeing, visiting family/friends) – not work, study or residence. It is pre-approved online, eliminating airport queues. Upon approval it is linked to your passport; a printed copy is recommended at the border.
Who Needs an Egypt eVisa in 2026?
UK passport holders must obtain an Egypt eVisa or visa on arrival, as Egypt grants no visa-free entry to British citizens.
- British passport holders: fully eligible to apply for the Egypt eVisa online or purchase a visa on arrival at approved airports.
- Eligible nationalities: citizens of 74 countries can apply online, e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, EU states.
- Non-eligible nationalities: must apply at an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
- British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies passport holders are not eligible for the Egypt eVisa.
Egypt eVisa for Children and Minors
Every traveller, including infants, needs a separate Egypt eVisa application and their own valid passport. No family or group application option exists on the portal. Parents or guardians submit on behalf of minors, but each child requires an individual application. The visa on arrival also applies to children at the same cost (~$30 USD per person). Apply for all family members simultaneously for consistent processing.
Egypt eVisa Eligibility Criteria for Tourists
To qualify for an Egypt eVisa, UK tourists need a passport valid at least 6 months from entry date, one blank page, and proof of return travel and accommodation.
- Passport validity: Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival into Egypt and contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp.
- Purpose of visit: The Egypt eVisa covers tourism only, including holidays, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends. It does not permit work, study, or long-term residence.
- Return or onward ticket: You must hold a confirmed return or onward flight itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation: A hotel booking, host address, or invitation letter from friends or family is required.
- Passport bio-page scan: clear JPEG/PNG/PDF showing photo, personal details and the full machine-readable strip. A common mistake is cropping the strip at the bottom – the system requires the entire strip visible, or your application will be rejected within 24 hours. Scan the full page at 300 DPI.
- Digital photograph: passport-style colour image on white background.
- Gender expression: Your physical appearance must match the sex marker in your passport. A mismatch may result in denied entry at the Egyptian border.
Non-UK Passport Holders and Dual Nationals
Non-UK nationals living in Britain can apply for an Egypt eVisa if their nationality appears on the 74-country eligible list and their UK Residence Permit (BRP) holds at least 6 months’ validity. Accepted proof formats include a BRP card or a Home Office Share Code. New Zealand citizens are exempt from the BRP requirement entirely.
British-Egyptian dual nationals may enter Egypt on an Egyptian passport or ID without needing an Egypt eVisa. The FCDO recommends carrying both passports to facilitate return travel to the UK.
British Travel Document holders cannot apply for an Egypt eVisa online. They must apply at the Egyptian Consulate General in London, paying a fee of £103, with security clearance processing taking up to 3 months. Israeli nationals also require pre-travel security clearance from Egyptian authorities, with processing times of up to 3 months before any application can proceed.
Travellers crossing the Egypt-Sudan land border at Argeen should note there is almost no infrastructure and visa on arrival is no longer possible. The nearest Egyptian consulate in Wadi Halfa, 30 km from the border, processes visa applications but processing can take upwards of 6 months. The British Embassy in Cairo does not have staff at this border.
Egypt eVisa Types, Validity & Costs (2026)
The single-entry Egypt eVisa costs $25 USD and allows one 30-day visit within 90 days; the multiple-entry Egypt eVisa costs $60 USD and permits unlimited 30-day visits within 180 days. Both types are issued for tourism only and cannot be extended. All fees are non-refundable once processing begins.
| Option | Cost | Validity | Entries | Max Stay | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry eVisa | $25 USD | 90 days from issue | 1 | 30 days | Card (Visa, Mastercard) |
| Multiple-entry eVisa | $60 USD | 180 days from issue | Multiple | 30 days per visit | Card (Visa, Mastercard) |
| Physical visa on arrival | $30 USD | Up to 30 days | 1 | 30 days | Cash only |
| Digital visa on arrival (from 1 August 2026) | $36 USD | Up to 30 days | 1 | 30 days | Card only |
| Consular visa (UK citizens) | £33 single / £68 multiple | Per consulate rules | 1 or multiple | 30 days | Card (in person) / Postal Order (by post) |
| Third-party agency | From £59.95 | Varies | 1 or multiple | 30 days | Per agency |
The digital visa on arrival is available at Cairo International Airport only.
Egypt eVisa Exemptions and Visa-Free Entry
The Sinai Resort Free Entry Stamp grants visa-free access for up to 15 days when arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba. This free stamp is limited to the Sinai region only and cannot be renewed. If you plan to stay longer than 15 days or travel beyond the designated Sinai resorts, an Egypt eVisa or visa on arrival is required instead. The Sinai free entry stamp does not cover travel to Cairo, Luxor, or any destination outside the Sinai Peninsula.
How to Apply for the Egypt eVisa Online
The Egypt eVisa is obtained entirely online through the government portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. The process takes four steps and most applications are processed within 3 to 7 business days. Submit your application at least 7 working days before departure to allow for Egyptian weekends and public holidays.
Create an account
Register at visa2egypt.gov.eg using your email address, a password and complementary personal information.
Complete the application form
Enter your nationality, passport details, travel dates and accommodation information.
Upload your documents
Provide your passport bio-page scan (JPEG/PNG/PDF) and a passport-style colour photo on white background.
Pay the fee
Pay by Visa or Mastercard: $25 USD for single entry or $60 USD for multiple entry.
If you make an error, contact the eVisa helpdesk via the portal immediately. Once processing begins, the fee is non-refundable and you may need to cancel and re-apply.
Egypt eVisa vs Visa on Arrival – Which Should You Choose?
The Egypt eVisa costs $25 USD (single-entry) or $60 USD (multiple-entry) and is pre-approved online, letting you skip airport queues. The physical visa on arrival costs $30 USD cash at airport kiosks. A new digital visa on arrival launches at Cairo International Airport from 1 August 2026, costing $36 USD (card payment only) via the Visa on Arrival portal.
| eVisa | Physical VOA | Digital VOA (from 1 Aug 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| $25 single / $60 multiple USD | $30 USD | $36 USD ($30 + $6 service fee) |
| Card payment online | Cash only | Card only |
| Pre-approved, 3-7 business days | On the spot at airport kiosks | On the spot via Visa on Arrival portal |
| No queue at immigration | Queues at busy airports | Cairo International Airport only |
| All international airports, seaports, Taba land crossing | Same eligible airports | Cairo only |
Choose the eVisa Egypt for pre-approval, physical VOA for flexibility, or digital VOA for card payments at Cairo.
Border Entry, Rules & Practical Tips for 2026
The Egypt eVisa grants a 30-day stay stamped into your passport at immigration. Present your passport (valid at least 6 months from entry) alongside a printed Egypt eVisa approval at all international airports, major seaports and the Taba land crossing.
- Taba land border: Cash-only. Carry at least $170 USD per person. Taxes: $20 (Taba stay) to $120 (Sinai Peninsula). Letter of guarantee ~$20 from travel agents. ATMs unreliable – obtain USD beforehand.
- Ferry from Jordan (Aqaba to Nuweiba): Entry visa at port costs $30 at Nuweiba or $35 at Taba Heights, paid in cash (USD).
- Avoid airport visa agents: Not required and often charge $50+ versus the standard $30. Use signposted government kiosks and report persistent agents to tourist police.
- Overstay: A 14-day grace period applies after your Egypt eVisa expires; fines and exit difficulties follow beyond that window.
- Customs: Declare EGP 5,000 or more, or foreign currency exceeding $10,000 USD.
- FCDO advisory: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk) advises against travel near the Libya and Sudan borders. Check gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt before departure.
- Print your Egypt eVisa: Carry a paper copy as backup rather than relying solely on a digital version.
Egypt eVisa FAQ: Top Questions for UK Tourists (2026)
Do UK citizens need an eVisa for Egypt in 2026?
Yes. British passport holders need an Egypt eVisa or visa on arrival; no visa-free entry is available to UK tourists.
How much does the Egypt eVisa cost?
The fee is $25 USD for a single-entry Egypt eVisa and $60 USD for a multiple-entry eVisa. Visa on arrival costs $30 USD cash, or $36 USD digitally at Cairo airport from 1 August 2026. Fees are non-refundable once processing begins.
How long does Egypt eVisa processing take?
Most Egypt eVisa applications are processed within 3 to 7 business days. Submit at least 7 working days before departure. No guaranteed expedited option exists.
What passport validity is required for the Egypt eVisa?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival into Egypt and have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
Can I use the Egypt eVisa at any airport?
Yes. The Egypt eVisa is accepted at all international airports, major seaports, and the Taba land border crossing.
Does my child need a separate eVisa for Egypt?
Yes. Every traveller including infants needs their own Egypt eVisa application and their own valid passport. No family or group application option exists on the portal.
What happens if I overstay my Egypt eVisa?
A 14-day grace period applies after your Egypt eVisa expires. Beyond that, fines apply and you may face difficulties leaving Egypt. Contact Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices for assistance. The eVisa itself cannot be extended; any extension is a separate in-country process.
What is the digital visa on arrival from August 2026?
From 1 August 2026, a digital visa on arrival is available at Cairo International Airport only. It costs $36 USD ($30 base plus $6 digital service fee) with card payment only, purchased via the Visa on Arrival portal. This is separate from the Egypt eVisa.
Can British Overseas Territories passport holders apply online?
No. British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies passport holders are not eligible for the Egypt eVisa online. They must apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in London, where single-entry consular visas cost £33 and multiple-entry cost £68 for UK citizens.
What should I do if I made a mistake on my eVisa application?
Contact the eVisa helpdesk via visa2egypt.gov.eg immediately. If processing of your Egypt eVisa has already begun, you may need to cancel and re-apply. The fee is non-refundable once processing starts.
