Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt? 2026 Guide

Egypt is one of Africa's most visited tourist destinations and a popular long-haul destination for UK travellers. British citizens can visit Egypt but do need a visa. Here is exactly what you need to know.

Do British citizens need a visa for Egypt?

Yes. British passport holders require a visa to enter Egypt. There are three main options: a tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports, an e-Visa applied for in advance online, or a visa from the Egyptian consulate in the UK. The e-Visa and visa on arrival are both widely used.

e-Visa for Egypt

• Apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg -- the official Egyptian e-Visa portal
• You will need: a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining, a credit card, and an email
• Processing typically takes 2-3 business days; apply at least a week before travel to be safe
• Single entry: approximately $25 USD; multiple entry: approximately $60 USD
• Valid for 30 days from arrival, extendable in-country

Visa on arrival at Egypt

British citizens can also obtain a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor). The cost is approximately $25 USD, paid in cash (USD, euros, or GBP are accepted). Queues can be long, so the e-Visa is recommended to save time on arrival.

Entry requirements for Egypt

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival
• Return or onward ticket may be required at the border
• Confirm yellow fever vaccination certificate requirements based on your travel history
• Travel insurance strongly recommended -- medical costs can be high for uninsured visitors

Staying connected in Egypt

Egypt has reasonable 4G coverage in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh. Coverage is limited in more remote areas. A travel eSIM that covers Egypt is convenient for navigation and keeping in touch during your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for an Egyptian visa at the airport? Yes, most major Egyptian international airports offer visa on arrival for British citizens. However, queues can be long and the e-Visa is a more convenient option if you prefer to avoid the wait.