Published: 2026 | Last updated: September 2026 (reflecting VoA increase confirmed 1 March 2026).
The Egypt eVisa costs $25 USD, processes online in 3 to 7 business days, and requires no embassy visit. Embassy visas suit business travel or ineligible nationalities but take 2 to 10 working days. Since March 2026, visa on arrival costs $30 USD, making the eVisa the cheapest option.
The eVisa is applied for entirely online at visa2egypt.gov.eg, paid by debit or credit card, and delivered as a PDF by email. You keep your passport throughout the process and simply print the approved document before departure. The embassy route handles multiple-entry visas with 6-month validity and business travel requiring an official company invitation letter.
Egypt eVisa vs Embassy Visa: 2026 Comparison Table
The eVisa ($25) is cheaper and faster than embassy visas, but limited to tourism.
| Visa type | Cost | Processing | Validity | Max stay | Entry | Payment | Application | Format | Eligible nationalities | Special requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa single-entry | $25 | 3-7 business days | 90 days | 30 days | Single | Card online | Online at visa2egypt.gov.eg | Printed PDF | UK, USA, EU, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea | Passport 6-month validity, 1 blank page |
| eVisa multiple-entry | $60 | 3-7 business days | 90 days | 30 days | Multiple | Card online | Online at visa2egypt.gov.eg | Printed PDF | Same as single-entry | Passport 6-month validity, 1 blank page |
| Visa on Arrival | $30¹ | On arrival | N/A | 30 days | Single | Cash USD preferred; card at select Cairo kiosks | Bank counter at airport | Sticker | USA, EU, UK, South Korea | Completed landing card, accommodation address |
| Embassy tourist visa | Varies | 2-5 working days | 6 months | N/A | Single/Multiple | USD or GBP equivalent | In-person or postal to London consulate | Sticker | Nationalities not eligible for eVisa or VoA | Passport surrender for postal applications |
| Embassy business visa | Varies | 2-5 working days | 6 months | 90 days | Multiple | USD or GBP equivalent | In-person or postal to London consulate | Sticker | Business travellers | Official company letter required |
| Transit exemption | Free | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | All nationalities | Must remain in airport international zone |
| Quick recommendation: Egypt eVisa for tourist trips; embassy for business or multiple-entry needs. | ||||||||||
¹ VoA increased from $25 to $30 on 1 March 2026 (Ahram Online, Travel and Tour World, Ecofin Agency).
Egypt eVisa vs Embassy Visa Application Process for UK Citizens
Apply for the eVisa online; embassy visas require passport surrender (2-10 days).
As frequent travellers to Egypt report, the eVisa process takes under 5 minutes online, with the PDF arriving within 4 business days. The Egypt eVisa application follows six steps:
Register an account
Register an account with an email address on visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Complete the online application form
Fill in all required fields on the portal.
Upload your passport information page
Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page.
Pay the $25 USD single-entry fee
Pay by debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard).
Receive the eVisa as a PDF by email
Delivered within 3-7 business days.
Print the PDF and present it upon arrival in Egypt
Carry the printed document with you when travelling.
Apply at least 7 days before departure (official portal requirement). The embassy route requires visiting the Egyptian Consulate in London:
2 Lowndes Street, Belgravia, London SW1X 9ETIn-person: 2 working days (10:30-13:30, Mon-Fri); postal: 5 working days, passport surrendered. No expedited service; urgent cases: +44(0)2072359777, [email protected].
Business, Transit, and Multiple-Entry Visas: When to Choose the Embassy
The eVisa is for tourism only; business travel requires an embassy visa with a company letter.
Business visas cannot be issued on arrival and must be applied for prior to travelling. No separate Egypt transit visa exists. Travellers remaining within the airport international zone need no visa at all. Those leaving the airport require a tourist eVisa, a visa on arrival ($30 USD since 1 March 2026), or a business visa depending on purpose.
Multiple-entry visas are available only through the embassy before travelling, offering 6 months validity and a maximum stay of 90 days. The Sinai resort exemption grants 14 days free entry to Sharm El-Sheikh, Taba, Dahab, and Nuweiba, but does not permit travel elsewhere in Egypt.
Avoiding Agency Scams and Extending Your Egypt Visa
Use visa2egypt.gov.eg for eVisa to avoid scams; process extensions in Cairo.
- Red flags for fraudulent agencies: single-entry fees exceeding $50 USD (official eVisa costs $25 USD), URL not ending in .gov.eg, and absence of a privacy policy.
- Agency pricing reality: third-party operators charge $80-$120 for an Egypt eVisa worth $25 USD, per user reports.
- Visa extension location: Mogama’a El Tahrir, El Tahrir Square, Cairo – Immigration Department, Ministry of Interior. Processing takes 1-3 days; the fee is payable in EGP.
- Overstay consequences: financial penalties apply; extend your Egypt eVisa or embassy visa before it expires.
- Non-refundable fees: both eVisa and embassy visa fees are non-refundable if the application is denied.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I get a refund if my Egypt eVisa or embassy visa is denied?
No. Visa fees are non-refundable for both eVisa and embassy applications. This is standard consular practice. The eVisa costs $25 USD and the embassy visa fee varies by type, but neither offers a refund pathway upon denial.
Do I need to leave my passport at the Egyptian Embassy during processing?
For postal applications to the Egyptian Consulate in London, yes. Your physical passport must be sent and will be held for approximately 5 working days. For the eVisa, no. You keep your passport throughout the entire online process and only upload a scan of the passport information page.
Can I get an urgent or expedited Egypt visa from the embassy?
No guaranteed express service exists at the Egyptian Consulate in London. Standard processing takes 2 working days for in-person applications and 5 working days for postal applications. For last-minute cases, contact the consulate directly at +44(0)2072359777 or [email protected].
What is the Egypt visa on arrival fee in 2026?
The visa on arrival fee is $30 USD as of 1 March 2026, increased from the previous $25 USD. This change was confirmed by Ahram Online, Travel and Tour World, and Ecofin Agency. The eVisa remains at $25 USD for single-entry, making it the cheaper option by $5 USD per traveller.
Can I enter Egypt at any airport with an eVisa?
The eVisa is accepted at major airports including Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El-Sheikh, as well as select land borders. Not every port of entry accepts the eVisa. Always verify the current list of eligible entry points at visa2egypt.gov.eg before finalising your travel itinerary.
What medications can I bring into Egypt?
An official letter from your GP detailing your medical condition is required. Methadone is not permitted under any circumstances. For specific medication queries, contact the Egyptian Medical Office in London before travelling. Carry all prescription medications in their original packaging alongside the GP letter.
What are the currency import/export limits for Egypt?
The limits are L.E. 5,000 for Egyptian currency and $10,000 USD or equivalent in GBP for foreign currency. Amounts exceeding these thresholds must be declared upon entry or exit.
How far in advance can I apply for an Egypt eVisa?
The eVisa is valid for entry within 90 days of issue, and you must apply at least 7 days before departure per the official portal requirement at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Embassy visas are valid for 6 months from the date of issue, so you can apply further in advance through the consulate if needed.
Visa fees and processing times are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly at visa2egypt.gov.eg or contact the Egyptian Consulate in London before finalising travel plans.
