Application Process

British citizens have three ways to obtain an Egypt tourist visa: apply online before travel, get a visa on arrival at the airport, or apply through the Egyptian Consulate in London.1

Option 1: E-Visa (Recommended)

The e-visa is the most convenient option, allowing you to complete the process before leaving home.2

1. Visit the official Egypt e-visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg2
2. Create an account using your email address
3. Select “Tourist Visa” and choose single or multiple entry
4. Complete the application form with your personal and travel details
5. Upload a clear passport scan and compliant photo
6. Pay the visa fee ($25 single, $60 multiple) via credit or debit card
7. Receive your approved e-visa by email within 2-7 days2
8. Print your e-visa and present it at Egyptian immigration

Option 2: Visa on Arrival

If you prefer not to apply in advance, you can obtain a visa at Egyptian airports.1

1. Arrive at an Egyptian international airport (Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Aswan)
2. Proceed to the visa counter before passport control
3. Present your UK passport and $25 in cash (US dollars preferred, but British pounds or euros may be accepted)1
4. Receive your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
5. The entire process typically takes 15-30 minutes

Option 3: Egyptian Consulate in London

For those who prefer a pre-approved visa from the embassy:3

1. Download and complete the visa application form from egyptconsulate.co.uk
2. Prepare two passport-sized photos (45mm x 35mm) on white background
3. Apply in person at the Consulate (card payment only) or by post (postal order only)
4. Pay £28 for single entry or £63 for multiple entry3
5. Processing takes 5-7 business days in person, 5-10 days by post3

Important: Do not buy visas from agents at Egyptian airports. They often charge more than the standard $25 fee. If an agent harasses you, report it to the tourist police.1

Fees

E-visa fees must be paid by credit or debit card.2 Visa on arrival requires cash (US dollars preferred).1 The Consulate does not accept cash: card payments for in-person applications, postal orders for mail applications.3

What You Need to Prove

Egypt’s tourist visa requirements are straightforward for British citizens. You must demonstrate:14

• Valid travel documents: A UK passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page1
• Basic travel plans: Hotel booking or accommodation address
• Intent to depart: Evidence of onward travel or return flight (may be requested)

Unlike many countries, Egypt does not require extensive financial documentation, employment letters, or proof of ties to your home country for tourist visas. The visa is primarily an administrative entry permit.2

Processing Times

The e-visa portal recommends applying at least 7 days before travel.2 During peak tourist seasons (October-April), visa on arrival queues may be longer at airports.

After Your Visa is Approved

If you applied for an e-visa, you will receive approval via email.2 Print a copy of your e-visa to present at Egyptian immigration.

At the Egyptian port of entry, immigration officers will:

• Review your passport and visa (e-visa printout or on-arrival stamp)
• Ask about your accommodation and travel plans
• Stamp your passport with the entry date
• Grant a 30-day stay period1

Your 30-day stay begins from the date you enter Egypt, not from the visa issue date. If you exit and re-enter on a multiple entry visa, you get a fresh 30-day period.2

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for an extension at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices.1 Extensions are typically granted for tourism purposes.

Extension process:

1. Visit a Passport and Immigration Office before your visa expires
2. Bring your passport and a copy of your entry stamp
3. Complete the extension application form
4. Pay the extension fee
5. Wait for processing (usually same day or next day)

Total stay including extensions is generally limited to 6 months.1 Overstaying your visa by more than 14 days results in fines at departure.1

If Your Visa is Refused

E-visa rejections are primarily due to technical errors in the application.4 If your e-visa is refused:

1. Check the rejection email for specific reasons
2. Review your application for typos or document quality issues
3. Correct the errors and reapply with a new application
4. Consider visa on arrival as an alternative if time is limited

The e-visa fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected.2 However, you can still use the visa on arrival option at the airport if you meet all requirements.

Egyptian port authorities retain the right to deny entry even with a valid e-visa, though this is rare for UK citizens with proper documentation.4 If concerned about entry issues, apply through the Egyptian Consulate in London for a pre-screened visa.3

Sinai Peninsula Exemption

If you are only visiting certain Red Sea resorts for 15 days or less, you do not need a visa.1 The Sinai Only permit (free entry stamp) allows visits to:

• Sharm El Sheikh
• Dahab
• Nuweiba
• Taba

This permit restricts you to the Sinai Peninsula only. If you plan to visit Cairo, Luxor, the Pyramids, or any other part of Egypt, you need a full tourist visa.1

Entering Egypt from Israel

If you cross the border from Israel into Egypt at Taba, you must pay a “Sinai Tax” of 720 Egyptian pounds per person.1 This exempts you from needing an entry visa for up to 15 days, provided you stay within the Sinai Peninsula.

If your stay in Sinai exceeds 15 days, or you plan to travel to mainland Egypt (including flying from Cairo or Hurghada), you need a full tourist visa. This can be purchased at the Taba border crossing for $25 or from the immigration office in Sharm El Sheikh.1

Payment tip: There is a bank and ATMs dispensing Egyptian pounds at the Taba border. The tax is payable in Egyptian pounds only, cash.