Egypt Visa for UK Citizens: eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Entry Requirements 2026

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?

In most cases, yes. British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa. However, there is one notable exception - if you are flying directly to certain resort areas on the Sinai Peninsula, you may be exempt from the visa requirement for short stays.

The Sinai exemption (sometimes called the "Sinai Tax" exemption) allows UK citizens visiting Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba to receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival, valid for up to 15 days. This only applies if you remain within the Sinai Peninsula for the entire duration of your stay. If you plan to travel beyond the resorts - including flying onward from mainland airports such as Cairo or Hurghada - you will need a full entry visa.

For the vast majority of UK tourists visiting Egypt, a visa is required. The good news is that there are three straightforward ways to obtain one, and Bhatti Travel can arrange the right option for your trip.

Three Ways to Get an Egypt Visa from the UK

Option 1: Egypt eVisa (recommended)

The Egypt eVisa is available through the official portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. You can apply online before your trip and receive your approved visa electronically by email. This is generally the most convenient option, as it avoids queuing at the airport on arrival. Tourist eVisas are available as single-entry or multiple-entry and are valid for up to three months from the date of issue. Each entry permits a stay of up to 30 days.

Option 2: Visa on arrival

UK citizens can purchase a visa on arrival at approved Egyptian airports. Kiosks are located before the immigration counters where you can buy a single-entry visa. Payment must be made in cash - US dollars are preferred, though British pounds and euros may also be accepted. The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days.

Option 3: Egyptian Consulate

You can also apply in person or by post through the Egyptian Consulate General in London. This option is suitable if you need a longer stay, a business visa, or if you hold a non-standard British travel document (holders of British Overseas Territories passports cannot use the eVisa system).

Passport Requirements for Egypt

To enter Egypt, your British passport must have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive. You will also need at least one blank page for the visa stamp. If your passport does not meet these requirements, you should renew it before booking your trip.

If you are travelling with children, each child must have their own valid passport. Children cannot be included on a parent's passport for entry to Egypt - every traveller, including babies, needs a visa registered to their own passport.

Travellers using UK travel documents rather than a standard British citizen passport should be aware that the eVisa and visa on arrival options may not be available. In these cases, you must apply for a visa in advance through the Egyptian Consulate. Bhatti Travel can advise on the correct process based on your document type.

Popular Destinations and What to Expect

Egypt remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers, with between 200,000 and 500,000 British tourists visiting each year. Whether you are planning a Red Sea beach holiday in Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, a Nile cruise through Luxor and Aswan, or a cultural break exploring the pyramids and museums of Cairo, having your visa sorted in advance means one less thing to worry about.

If your travel plans include multiple destinations in North Africa or the Middle East - perhaps combining Egypt with a trip to Turkey or Saudi Arabia - Bhatti Travel can arrange visas for all your stops and ensure your travel documents are complete before departure.

Visa Extensions and Overstaying

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the 30-day limit, you can apply for a visa extension at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices within Egypt. Extensions are not guaranteed and you should not assume approval. Overstaying your visa can result in fines and difficulties when attempting to leave the country.

For longer stays, work, or study purposes, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa category through the Egyptian Consulate before travelling.

Get Your Egypt Visa Sorted with Bhatti Travel

Bhatti Travel takes the hassle out of Egypt visa applications. Whether you need an eVisa arranged before departure, advice on the Sinai exemption, or help with a consulate application, our experienced team handles everything. With over 40 years in the travel business, we know how to get your documents right first time.

Contact us on WhatsApp at 07932 741 210 or visit our Oldham office for a complete quote on your Egypt visa and holiday package.