Last updated: 9 September 2026. This article is reviewed quarterly; next review scheduled for December 2026. Change log: 9 Sep 2026 – updated with the launch of Digital VOA at Cairo International Airport and the new $36 USD fee structure.
This is an independent informational guide, not a government website. Visa decisions are made solely by Egyptian authorities. Always verify your situation with the Egyptian Consulate before applying. On 9 September 2026, we contacted the Egyptian Consulate in London and confirmed that Convention 1951, Convention 1954, and Certificate of Travel holders cannot use the eVisa portal and must apply through the consular route with security clearance.
Most UK travel document holders, including refugees and stateless persons, cannot apply for an Egypt eVisa or use Visa on Arrival. You must apply through the Egyptian Consulate in London with mandatory security pre-approval. The consular visa fee is £103, non-refundable, with processing taking at least 8 weeks. BRP holders may apply for an eVisa only if they also hold a valid national passport.
📌 FCDO Travel Advice: The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Egypt and against all but essential travel to other parts. Check the latest advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt before departure.
Which UK Travel Document Do You Hold?
The UK issues three travel document types: Convention 1951 (Blue), Convention 1954 (Red), and Certificate of Travel. All require the same consular visa route to Egypt. Egyptian authorities do not distinguish between them: every holder must apply through the Egyptian Consulate in London with mandatory security clearance, because the Egypt eVisa portal accepts only national passports.
| Document Type | Who Holds It | Egyptian Visa Route | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convention 1951 (Blue) | Recognised refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention | Consular application with security clearance | Fee: £103 |
| Convention 1954 (Red) | Stateless persons under the 1954 Stateless Persons Convention | Consular application with security clearance | Same process as Blue document |
| Certificate of Travel | Persons with UK leave to remain but no national passport | Consular application with security clearance | Treated identically by Egyptian authorities |
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is proof of UK immigration status, not a travel document. BRP holders who also hold a valid national passport from their country of nationality may use that passport on the Egypt eVisa portal. BRP-only holders without a national passport must follow the same consular route as all UK travel document holders. Regardless of whether you hold a Blue, Red, or Certificate of Travel document, Egyptian authorities require you to apply for a visa through the Egyptian Consulate.
Can UK Travel Document Holders Apply for an Egypt eVisa or VOA?
UK travel document holders are not eligible for the Egypt eVisa or Visa on Arrival. The eVisa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg requires a national passport and does not accept Convention 1951 (Blue), Convention 1954 (Red), or Certificate of Travel documents. Travellers who attempt the eVisa route with a UK travel document may be refused entry.
BRP holders face a distinct situation: a Biometric Residence Permit alone does not qualify for the Egypt eVisa. However, BRP holders who also hold a valid national passport may use that passport to apply online. British passport holders can use both the eVisa portal and Visa on Arrival; UK travel document holders can use neither.
Visa on Arrival is closed to UK travel document holders. Standard VOA: $30 USD, cash only, at kiosks before immigration counters. Digital VOA at Cairo International Airport from 1 August 2026: $36 USD ($30 visa plus $6 digital service fee, card payment only) via self-service machines. For a full comparison of both entry methods, see our guide on Egypt eVisa vs Visa on Arrival. The free Sinai Resort entry stamp (15 days, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Nuweiba) targets national passport holders; UK travel document holders must confirm with the Consulate before relying on this route.
Security Clearance and Visa Fees
Egypt eVisa requirements for UK travel documents include a mandatory security clearance stage and a £103 consular visa fee that is non-refundable, even if clearance is denied.
- Security clearance is required for all UK travel document holders regardless of nationality. The document type itself triggers vetting by Egyptian state security authorities before any visa can be issued. Applicants from high-scrutiny origins (Syria, Sudan, Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iran) may face longer clearance times.
- Processing time takes at least 8 weeks and may extend up to 3 months depending on the applicant’s country of origin and case complexity. Apply at least 3 months ahead. For context on standard eVisa timelines, see our Egypt eVisa processing time guide.
- Visa fee for UK travel document holders is £103. By comparison, British passport holders pay £33 (single-entry tourist) or £68 (multiple-entry). For a full breakdown of all eVisa costs, see our guide on Egypt eVisa fees.
- Payment in person at the Consulate General of Egypt in London: card only. Payment by post: Postal Order only, typed (not handwritten), payable to “Consulate General of Egypt”, with the sender’s initials and postcode on the back.
- Non-refundable policy: the £103 fee is forfeited if Egyptian state security refuses clearance. If the postal order amount is incorrect, documents and postal order are returned and the visa is not issued.
For the current consular visa fee and official forms, always check the Egyptian Consulate General in London visa section (accessed 9 September 2026).
How to Apply: Required Documents and Process
UK travel document holders apply in person or by post with the following:
Required Document Checklist
- Valid UK travel document with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Egypt
- 2 recent photographs: 35 mm × 45 mm, white background, applicant’s name written on the back. For detailed specifications, see our Egypt eVisa photo requirements guide
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host’s invitation letter)
- Flight itinerary or travel confirmation
- Proof of UK residence: BRP, Share Code, or printed Home Office digital profile with at least 6 months validity from the visa issuance date
In-Person Application
Submit documents at the Egyptian Consulate in London. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days. Pay by card only. Passports must be collected in person by the applicant.
Postal Application
Send documents via Royal Mail Registered or Special Delivery. Include a typed postal order for the exact fee, payee “Consulate General of Egypt,” with sender’s initials and postcode on the back. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days from receipt. Enclose a self-addressed return envelope in BLOCK CAPITAL letters with Registered or Special Delivery stamps; franked mail is not accepted. The applicant must be present to sign for delivery. The Consulate accepts no liability for items lost in transit.
UK travel document holders who need to confirm specific case details before submitting can contact the Consulate at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use my BRP to apply for an Egypt eVisa?
No. A BRP proves UK immigration status but is not a travel document. Use your national passport for the eVisa, or apply at the Egyptian Consulate if you do not hold one.
Do UK refugee travel document holders need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. No visa-free entry or eVisa option exists. You must apply through the Egyptian Consulate in London with mandatory security clearance. Fee: £103.
How long does security clearance take for UK travel document holders?
At least 8 weeks minimum, up to 3 months depending on your country of origin and case complexity. Apply at least 3 months before travel.
Is the £103 visa fee refundable if my application is denied?
No. The £103 fee is strictly non-refundable, even if Egyptian state security refuses clearance.
Can I travel to Egypt using the Sinai Resort free entry stamp?
The 15-day free Sinai stamp targets national passport holders. UK travel document holders must confirm with the Consulate before relying on it.
What is the difference between a Convention 1951 and 1954 travel document?
1951 (Blue) is for recognised refugees; 1954 (Red) is for stateless persons. Both require the same consular visa route for Egypt.
Can I transit through Cairo Airport without a visa?
Airside transit rules for UK travel document holders are unconfirmed. Check with your airline and Egyptian authorities before booking.
What happens if my postal order amount is wrong?
The Consulate will return your documents without processing. Always send the exact correct amount of £103 using a typed postal order.
Do I need bank statements for my visa application?
Bank statements may be requested, especially for travel document holders. Carry a recent statement or employer’s letter as a precaution.
Can the Egyptian Consulate refuse my visa even if I have all the right documents?
Yes. The Consulate reserves the right to refuse visa issuance at its discretion, even with complete documentation.
