Egypt Visa for United Kingdom Citizens

For citizens of the United Kingdom, Egypt has long been a favorite escape. Whether it’s a winter sun holiday in Sharm El Sheikh, a cultural expedition to the Pyramids of Giza, or a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, the connection between the UK and Egypt is strong. With direct flights from London, Manchester, and Birmingham, the land of the Pharaohs is just a few hours away.

However, travel rules have evolved. Navigating the visa requirements can be confusing with options like "Visa on Arrival," "Sinai Stamps," and the "Electronic Visa." Common search queries like "Egypt visa cost for UK citizens" and "Do Brits need a visa for Hurghada?" show the need for clarity.

This guide covers everything regarding the Egypt eVisa for UK citizens, including requirements, costs (in GBP/USD context), processing times, and expert tips to ensure your holiday starts without a hitch.

Why is the Government Site Cheaper?"

• Government Website: It is cheaper because it is a "Do It Yourself" service. You are paying strictly for the visa processing, with no customer service, no document checking, and no safety net if things go wrong.
• evisa-to-egypt.info: We charge a service fee because we do the work for you. We verify your documents, format your photos, fix errors, and provide 24/7 support. Think of it as paying for insurance against rejection and the peace of mind that a professional is handling your case.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt in 2025?

Yes, United Kingdom citizens need a visa to enter Egypt.

Unless you are visiting specific Sinai resorts for a short period (see below), British passport holders must have valid entry authorization. You cannot enter mainland Egypt (Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada) without a visa. You generally have two options: applying for the Egypt eVisa online before you travel, or queuing for a Visa on Arrival when you land.

Is It Better to Get an Egypt eVisa or Visa on Arrival?

This is the most frequently asked question by British tourists. While both are valid, the Egypt Tourist Visa is widely recommended for peace of mind and convenience.

• Egypt eVisa (Recommended): You apply online from the UK weeks before your trip. You pay securely online (avoiding the need to carry cash) and arrive with your entry guaranteed. You can often head straight to the passport control line, bypassing the bank kiosks.
• Visa on Arrival: You must queue at a bank kiosk in the arrival hall before immigration to buy a visa sticker. You typically need to pay $25 USD in cash. While they often accept GBP (Sterling) or Euros, the exchange rate given at the counter can be poor, and you will receive change in Egyptian Pounds (EGP). If multiple flights land at once (common in Hurghada and Sharm), queues can take over an hour.

What Is the "Sinai Only" Visa Exemption?

Many UK travelers search for "Sharm El Sheikh visa free."

If you hold a British passport and are traveling directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba, you can obtain a free entry permission stamp (Sinai Only) upon arrival, provided:

1. Your stay is less than 15 days.
2. You do not leave the Sinai Peninsula.

Warning: This stamp does not allow you to visit Cairo (Pyramids), Luxor, or go scuba diving at Thistlegorm (which is outside the zone). If you plan to take a day trip to Cairo or stay longer than 14 days, you must get the full Egypt Visa (eVisa or Visa on Arrival).

What Are the Egypt eVisa Requirements for UK Citizens?

To successfully apply online, you need to meet a few simple requirements:

1. Valid British Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of arrival in Egypt.
2. Digital Copy: A high-quality scan of the passport bio page (JPG or PNG).
3. Email Address: To receive the approved visa PDF.
4. Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard) to pay the fees.

Is Providing Accommodation Details Mandatory?

Yes. The Egyptian government requires "Host Information" for all eVisa applicants. You cannot leave this section blank.

• Staying at a Hotel: You must provide the Hotel Name, Address, Email, and Phone Number. Keep your booking confirmation handy (Booking.com, Expedia, etc.) while filling out the form.
• Staying with Friends/Family: If staying with a friend in Cairo or Alexandria, you must provide their full name, home address, and local Egyptian phone number.
• Staying on a Cruise: Use the contact details of the cruise operator or the agency managing your tour.

Does My British Passport Really Need 6 Months Validity?

Yes. This is a strict rule enforced by Egyptian immigration and UK airlines.

If your passport expires in less than 6 months from the day you enter Egypt, you will likely be denied boarding at Heathrow or Gatwick.

• Example: If you travel on August 1st, your passport must be valid until at least February 1st of the following year.

How Much Does the Egypt eVisa Cost for UK Citizens?

Users often search for "Egypt visa price." The total cost is generally broken down into the Government Fee and the Service Fee.

Total Fee = Government Fee + Processing Fee

1. Government Fee:

• Single Entry Visa
• Multiple Entry Visa
• Note: The base fee is in USD, so the final amount in GBP depends on your bank's exchange rate.

1. Processing/Service Fee: This fee goes to the visa agency for verifying your documents, resizing photos to meet strict government standards, and providing 24/7 support.

Why Was My Payment Declined and What Methods Are Accepted?

Occasionally, UK travelers face payment issues during the application.

• Accepted Methods: Most portals accept Visa, MasterCard, and sometimes American Express or PayPal.
• Common Reasons for Decline:
• International Security Block: Your UK bank (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, etc.) might flag the transaction as "suspicious" because it is an international payment to Egypt.
• 3D Secure Failure: Failing to verify the transaction via your banking app.
• Typing Errors: Incorrect CVV or expiry date.
• Solution: If declined, contact your bank to authorize the international payment, or try a different card. Using a digital bank card (like Monzo or Revolut) often works well for international fees.

What Is the Processing Time for an Egypt Visa for UK Residents?

How long does it take? It depends on the processing speed you select. Based on standard timelines:

• Normal Processing: Takes 10 - 12 Working Days. Best for travelers planning their holiday well in advance.
• Rush Processing: Takes 7 - 10 Working Days. Ideal if your trip is about two weeks away.
• Super Rush Processing: Takes 5 - 7 Working Days. Essential for last-minute bookings.

Tip: Apply at least 7 days in advance to account for weekends or public holidays.

How Do I Apply for the Egypt eVisa from the UK?

The process is 100% digital:

1. Fill Out the Application: Enter your personal details (Name, Passport Number, Birth Date) exactly as they appear on your passport.
2. Select Visa Type: Choose Single Entry or Multiple Entry.
3. Upload Documents: Attach the clear scan of your passport bio page.
4. Pay Securely: Use your UK bank card.
5. Receive & Print: Once approved (sent via email), print 1-2 physical copies.

What If I Make a Small Mistake on the Form?

• Government Website: Even a small typo (like a wrong digit in a passport number) can lead to a visa rejection or denial of entry at the border. The government site does not warn you about these errors.
• evisa-to-egypt.info: We act as a safety net. Our experts manually review every field. If we spot a typo or inconsistency, we fix it or contact you immediately before the application goes to the authorities.

Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry: Which is Right for You?

• Single Entry: Valid for 90 days, allowing one entry for a stay of up to 30 days. Perfect for a standard one-week or two-week holiday.
• Multiple Entry: Valid for 6 months, allowing unlimited entries (max 30 days per stay). Choose this if you plan to visit Egypt, travel to a neighboring country (like Jordan or Israel), and then return to Egypt.

Do I Need a Transit Visa for a Layover in Cairo?

If you are flying via EgyptAir with a stopover in Cairo:

• Transit < 48 hours: Generally, you do not need a visa if you stay in the airport transit area.
• Leaving the Airport: If you have a long layover (e.g., 12 hours) and want to leave the airport to see the Pyramids or stay at a hotel, you must obtain a visa (eVisa or VoA).

Can I Convert My Tourist Visa to a Work or Student Visa?

A common question for expats: "Can I work on a tourist visa?"

• Strict Rules: You cannot legally work in Egypt on a standard Tourist eVisa.
• The Process: To obtain a work or student residency, you typically need to apply for the correct visa type at the Egyptian Consulate in London or follow complex residency procedures at the Mogamma complex in Cairo.

Can I Extend My Visa While in Egypt?

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you cannot extend the eVisa online. You must visit the Passports, Emigration and Nationality Administration (Mogamma) in Cairo or equivalent immigration offices in major cities like Alexandria or Sharm El Sheikh to apply for an extension in person.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Can I pay for the Visa on Arrival in Pounds (GBP)?

Yes, immigration counters often accept GBP, Euros, or USD. However, they only accept notes (no coins) and will give change in Egyptian Pounds (EGP). It is safer and often cheaper to pay online for the eVisa to avoid poor exchange rates at the airport.

Is the Egypt eVisa valid for business?

The standard eVisa is for tourism. If you are attending a conference or trade show, you may be able to use it, but for active employment or long-term business projects, you should contact the Egyptian Consulate.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying your visa in Egypt can lead to a fine paid at the airport upon departure. If you overstay significantly, you may face difficulties leaving the country. Always extend your visa if you plan to stay longer than 30 days.

Conclusion: Start Your Egyptian Adventure

Applying for an Egypt eVisa for UK citizens is the smartest way to start your holiday. It removes the uncertainty of airport queues and gives you peace of mind before you even leave home.

Check your passport validity, choose the Rush or Super Rush option if your trip is soon, and get ready to explore the wonders of the Nile!