British passport holders need a visa for Egypt. The recommended option is an eVisa for Egypt from UK at visa2egypt.gov.eg for $25 USD (single) or $60 USD (multiple), applied at least 7 days before departure. A Visa on Arrival costs $30 USD cash at airports.
The eVisa is delivered as a PDF to your registered email, typically within 5 to 7 business days. Validity starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry. Single-entry eVisas are valid for 90 days; multiple-entry eVisas for 180 days. Both allow a maximum stay of up to 30 days per entry for tourism purposes only.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. All prices and rules verified against visa2egypt.gov.eg and gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt. This guide is maintained by our travel regulations team with 10+ years of experience in visa processing for UK travellers.
Do British Passport Holders Need an eVisa for Egypt? – eVisa vs Visa on Arrival
British passport holders normally need a visa for Egypt, available as an online Egypt eVisa ($25 USD single entry) or a Visa on Arrival ($30 USD cash). The Egypt eVisa is obtained via the visa2egypt.gov.eg portal before departure.
Choose the eVisa to skip queues and secure pre-approved entry, or choose the Visa on Arrival for last-minute trips. From 1 August 2026, Cairo International Airport will offer a digital VoA kiosk for $36 USD (card only) (gov.uk). The UK government’s FCDO offers external travel guidance at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt.
| Feature | Egypt eVisa | Visa on Arrival | Cairo Digital VoA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25 USD / $60 USD | $30 USD | $36 USD |
| Payment | Credit/debit card | USD cash only | Card only |
| Location | Online | Airport kiosks | Cairo Airport (from 1 Aug 2026) |
Egypt eVisa Requirements & Eligibility for UK Residents
The Egypt eVisa for UK citizens and residents requires applicants to hold a passport valid for 6+ months with at least 1 blank page, plus a digital scan and travel proof.
- Passport validity: At least 6 months after the date of arrival in Egypt, with a minimum of 1 blank page (gov.uk, accessed 1 June 2026: “British passport holders must have at least 6 months validity on their passport from the date of arrival in Egypt”).
- Digital passport scan: A clear scan or photo of the passport information page must include the machine-readable strip at the bottom; do not crop the image.
- Non-British UK residents: Provide proof of UK residency (BRP card, Home Office Share Code, or UK residence permit printout) valid for at least 6 months from the date of issuing the visa (egyptconsulate.co.uk). New Zealand citizens resident in the UK are exempt from this document requirement.
- British Overseas Territories / Crown Dependencies passport holders: The Egypt eVisa online portal does not accept these passports; applicants must use the consular route or a Visa on Arrival (gov.uk).
- UK Travel Document holders: Consular visa only, with pre-entry security clearance processing of up to 3 months by competent authorities in Egypt (egyptconsulate.co.uk). Israeli-issued document holders also require pre-entry security clearance of up to 3 months.
- Children: Each child must hold their own passport meeting the 6-month validity rule and have a separate Egypt eVisa application submitted on their behalf.
Single Entry vs Multiple Entry eVisa: Which One Should You Choose?
The Egypt eVisa for UK travellers comes in two tiers, both restricted to tourism purposes. The single-entry eVisa costs $25 USD and permits one stay of up to 30 days within a 90-day validity window from the date of issue. The multiple-entry eVisa costs $60 USD and allows unlimited stays of up to 30 days per entry within a 180-day validity period.
| Feature | Single Entry | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee (visa2egypt.gov.eg) | $25 USD | $60 USD |
| Validity from issue date | 90 days | 180 days |
| Maximum stay per entry | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| Entries permitted | 1 | Multiple |
| Best for | One holiday | Multiple trips in 6 months |
The Egypt eVisa validity begins on the date of issue, not the date of entry, so applicants applying well in advance should account for the window closing before departure.
How to Apply for an Egypt eVisa from the UK
The Egypt eVisa for UK citizens and residents is submitted at visa2egypt.gov.eg, requires submission at least 7 days before departure, and typically processes within 5-7 business days. In our own application test in March 2026, the eVisa was approved in 4 business days. We recommend applying 2-3 weeks in advance for a safety margin.
Create an account
Register with a valid email address.
Complete the form
Provide full name, nationality, passport number, and travel dates. Fill all “complementary information” fields without blanks.
Upload documents
Provide a clear JPEG/PNG scan of the passport information page including the machine-readable strip; do not crop.
Pay the fee
Pay in USD via credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard).
Track and receive
Monitor status via portal login; the approved Egypt eVisa is delivered as a PDF to the registered email.
The eVisa validity period starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry. Print the PDF on A4 paper – Egyptian immigration officers may request a printed copy at passport control.
Egypt eVisa Cost Breakdown & 2026 Cairo Digital Visa on Arrival
The Egypt eVisa for UK travellers costs $25 USD (single) or $60 USD (multiple) on the government portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Third-party agencies add service surcharges on top of this statutory fee.
| Channel | Single Entry | Multiple Entry | Payment | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) | $25 USD | $60 USD | Card | No |
| Visa on Arrival (airport kiosk) | $30 USD | N/A | USD cash only | N/A |
| Cairo digital VoA (from 1 Aug 2026) | $36 USD | N/A | Card only | N/A |
| Third-party agency (Sherpa) | $49.99 USD | $84.92 USD | Card | Check T&Cs |
| Third-party agency (Travel Visa Co.) | From £59.95 GBP | Available | Card | Check T&Cs |
| Consular (Egyptian Consulate London) | £33 GBP | £68 GBP | Card / Postal Order | No |
Government processing fees for the Egypt eVisa are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. The Cairo digital Visa on Arrival, launching 1 August 2026 at Cairo International Airport only, charges $36 USD total ($30 visa fee + $6 digital service fee) and accepts card payment only.
Entry Ports, Sinai Resort Exemption & Overstay Rules
The Egypt eVisa is accepted at six international airports (including Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh) but is not valid at the Taba land border. Overland travellers from Israel or ferry arrivals from Jordan must purchase a visa at the point of entry.
British passport holders visiting the Sinai resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba by air for less than 15 days receive a free entry permission stamp and need no visa. Travel beyond these designated resorts requires a full Egypt eVisa, obtainable at Sharm El Sheikh Airport or online.
At the Taba land crossing, the eVisa is not accepted. Fees: $20 USD for Taba-only, $120 USD for Sinai Peninsula, ~$170 USD for full Egypt access. Cash only in USD; ATMs unreliable. Obtain USD before travelling or in Eilat.
Overstaying the Egypt eVisa by more than 14 days triggers fines, potential detention, and a flag on future entry applications. Visa extensions are processed at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices before the 30-day stay expires.
At customs, declare foreign currency exceeding $10,000 USD on arrival. Satellite phones and radio communication equipment require clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications and will likely be confiscated without it. High-value electronics and recording equipment must be declared on arrival. LGBT+ travellers should note that Egyptian authorities may deny entry if gender expression or appearance does not match the passport sex marker or photo (gov.uk).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to print my Egypt eVisa?
The eVisa is a digital PDF, but Egyptian officers may request a printed A4 copy. Carry a printed copy alongside the digital version.
How early should I apply for an Egypt eVisa from the UK?
Submit your application at least 7 days before departure via visa2egypt.gov.eg. Applying 2-3 weeks in advance is advisable. Standard processing typically takes 5-7 business days.
Is the eVisa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No. The government processing fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. If you used a third-party agency, check their specific T&Cs.
Can UK residents with a BRP apply for an Egypt eVisa online?
Yes, provided you hold a passport from a nationality eligible for the eVisa scheme. Upload proof of UK residency (BRP or Home Office Share Code). The BRP must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa issuance. Restricted nationalities, including Sudanese passport holders and British Travel Document holders, must apply at the Egyptian Consulate in London instead.
Do British-Egyptian dual citizens need an eVisa?
If you hold a valid Egyptian national ID or passport, you may not need a visa. Entry rules are ultimately determined by Egyptian authorities at the border. Carry both passports and check with the Egyptian Consulate before travel.
Do I need a visa for a layover at Cairo International Airport?
If you remain airside and do not pass through passport control, you generally do not need a visa for transit. If you wish to leave the airport during a layover, you need either an eVisa or a Visa on Arrival.
Are there any health or COVID-19 forms required to enter Egypt in 2026?
No. As of 2026, Egypt does not require any health declaration forms, COVID-19 testing, or vaccination proof for entry. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required only if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Can I use my eVisa to enter Egypt overland from Israel at Taba?
No. The eVisa is not accepted at the Taba land border crossing. You must purchase a visa at the border: $20 USD for Taba-only stay (up to 15 days), $120 USD for the Sinai Peninsula, or approximately $170 USD for full Egypt access. Payment is cash only in USD, and ATMs at the border are unreliable.
