UK passport holders can apply for the Egypt eVisa online through the official portal. This guide covers the specific requirements, fees, and entry conditions for British citizens traveling to Egypt in 2026.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt
Yes, UK citizens need a visa to enter Egypt. British passport holders are fully eligible for the Egypt eVisa, which is the recommended method for obtaining an Egypt visa. UK citizens can alternatively obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports.
The eVisa application is made through the official Egyptian government portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. The application covers England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – all UK passport holders are treated the same for Egypt visa purposes.
Egypt eVisa Requirements for UK Citizens
| Requirement | Details for UK Citizens |
|---|---|
| Valid UK passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date |
| Passport scan | Color scan of the photo page |
| Digital photo | Recent, white background, face clearly visible |
| Travel itinerary | Return flight booking |
| Accommodation | Hotel reservation or invitation letter |
| Payment card | Visa or MasterCard (charged in USD) |
Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Egypt. UK adult passports are valid for 10 years. If your passport was issued when you were under 16, it is valid for 5 years. Check your passport expiry date and renew if necessary before applying.
Egypt eVisa Fees for UK Citizens
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Approximate GBP* |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | $30 | ~GBP 24 |
| Multiple entry | $65 | ~GBP 52 |
*Approximate GBP amounts based on typical exchange rates. Your bank will apply the rate on the day of payment.
The eVisa fee is charged in US dollars. UK bank cards typically incur a foreign transaction fee of 1-3% on USD payments. Some travel credit cards offer fee-free foreign transactions – check with your card provider before applying.
UK Bank Cards and Foreign Transaction Fees
| UK Bank | Foreign Transaction Fee | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Most high street banks | 2.99% | Consider a travel card |
| Specialist travel cards | 0% | Best for Egypt eVisa payment |
| Revolut / Wise | 0% on weekdays | Good option for payment |
How UK Citizens Apply for the Egypt eVisa
The application process follows these steps, with specific tips for UK travelers:
Step 1: Visit visa2egypt.gov.eg and register an account.
Step 2: Select “United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales)” as your nationality. The portal lists UK nations separately to confirm coverage.
Step 3: Enter your personal details exactly as on your UK passport:
- Your name as printed on the photo page
- Your passport number (9 characters for UK passports)
- Date of birth in the required format
- Passport expiry date
Step 4: Upload a clear scan of your UK passport’s photo page.
Step 5: Enter your travel details including accommodation and flight information.
Step 6: Pay using your UK Visa or MasterCard. The payment will be processed in USD with automatic conversion by your bank.
Step 7: Wait 3-5 business days for processing, then download your approved eVisa.
UK Government Travel Advice for Egypt
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides specific travel advice for Egypt:
- FCDO advises against travel to parts of the Sinai Peninsula (north of the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road)
- FCDO advises against all travel to the Libya border area within 20km
- Tourist areas including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh are generally considered safe
- Register with the British Embassy in Cairo upon arrival
- British Embassy address: 7 Ahmed Ragheb Street, Garden City, Cairo
- Emergency contact: +20 2 2791 6000
Egypt eVisa vs Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens
| Feature | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $30 (single) | $25 (single) |
| Application | Online from UK | At Cairo airport |
| Processing | 3-5 days | Immediate queue |
| Multiple entry | $65 | Not available |
| Payment | UK card (USD) | Cash USD only |
| Airport wait | None | 15-45 minutes |
For British travelers, the eVisa is recommended because it removes uncertainty. The $5 premium over visa on arrival is minimal compared to the convenience of skipping the airport queue, especially after a 4-5 hour flight from the UK.
Direct Flights from the UK to Egypt
Several airlines operate direct flights from UK airports to Egypt:
| Airline | UK Airport | Egypt Destination | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| EgyptAir | London Heathrow | Cairo | 4h 45m |
| British Airways | London Heathrow | Cairo | 4h 50m |
| EasyJet | Various UK airports | Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh | 5h 30m |
| TUI | Various UK airports | Hurghada, Marsa Alam | 5h 30m |
| Jet2 | Various UK airports | Sharm El Sheikh | 5h 15m |
Flight time from the UK to Egypt is approximately 4.5-5.5 hours. Egypt is 2 hours ahead of the UK (GMT+2).
Travel Insurance for UK Citizens in Egypt
While not a visa requirement, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for UK citizens visiting Egypt. Your policy should cover:
- Medical treatment and hospital stays in Egypt
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
- Lost or stolen belongings
- COVID-19 related disruptions
UK citizens are not covered by the NHS while abroad. Medical treatment in Egypt can be expensive at private hospitals, and the standard of care at public hospitals varies significantly.
Practical Tips for British Travelers
Currency: The Egyptian pound (EGP) is the local currency. British pounds can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaus in Egypt, but rates are generally better with US dollars. ATMs are widely available.
Plugs and electricity: Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs (European two-pin). UK travelers need a plug adapter. Voltage is 220V, which is compatible with most UK devices.
Best time to visit: October to April offers the most comfortable weather. Summer temperatures in Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) can exceed 45C.
Alcohol: Egypt is a Muslim-majority country where alcohol is available in tourist hotels, restaurants, and licensed bars but is not widely available elsewhere. Import limits apply at customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an Egypt eVisa with an Irish passport living in the UK?
Yes, Irish passport holders are eligible for the Egypt eVisa. Apply using your Irish passport nationality. The process and fees are the same as for UK citizens.
Do British Overseas Territory citizens need an Egypt eVisa?
British Overseas Territories citizens (e.g., Bermuda, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands) should check their specific passport eligibility on the Egypt eVisa portal. Eligibility depends on the passport nationality, not the issuing territory.
Can I work remotely from Egypt on an eVisa?
The Egypt eVisa is for tourism and short visits only. Remote work is a grey area – technically, any form of work requires a work permit. For short tourist stays where you may check work emails, this is generally not enforced, but extended stays for remote work could be problematic.
Is there a British expat community in Egypt?
Yes, there is a significant British expat community in Cairo, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts. Online groups and forums provide useful local information for UK citizens planning to visit or stay in Egypt.
What about taking prescription medication to Egypt?
Egypt has strict rules on medication. Some common UK prescription drugs (including certain codeine-based painkillers and ADHD medication) are controlled or banned in Egypt. Carry a doctor’s letter and keep medication in original packaging. Check the Egyptian embassy website before traveling.
*The evisaegypt.info editorial team provides Egypt visa guidance for UK travelers. Always verify current requirements at visa2egypt.gov.eg and check FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt.*
