Visa for Egypt from UK: Complete Travel & Tourism Guide

Traveling to Egypt from the UK is an exciting adventure filled with ancient history, stunning desert landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re planning to explore the Pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile, dive in the Red Sea resorts, or discover bustling cities like Cairo and Alexandria, one of your first steps is understanding how to get a visa for Egypt from UK. This guide covers everything you need — from the types of visas available to application tips and travel preparation advice.

✈️ Why Visit Egypt?

Egypt is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations with attractions that blend history, culture, and natural beauty:

Ancient Wonders: Visit the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Luxor’s Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.

Nile Cruises: Relax and explore cities along the river — from Aswan to Luxor.

Beach Holidays: Enjoy Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, famous for scuba diving and coral reefs.

Vibrant Cities: Cairo’s mix of modern life and historic markets like Khan El Khalili.

Desert Experiences: Go on a safari in the Sahara or enjoy the Siwa Oasis.

But before you can experience all this, you’ll need the right travel documentation — including a visa.

🛂 Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes — if you’re a British citizen, you must obtain a visa for Egypt before traveling, or you can get one on arrival in many cases. There are three main ways to obtain the visa:

Egypt Visa on Arrival

UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian entry points (airports and borders). You pay the visa fee (usually in cash) and receive a single-entry visa valid for tourism.

✔ Easy and quick
✔ Available at major airports like Cairo International Airport
✖ May involve a queue on arrival

Tip: Have cash (usually US dollars or Euros) ready; UK pounds may not always be accepted.

E-Visa (Egypt Electronic Visa)

You can apply for an Egypt e-visa online before travel. This is often the easiest option to save time at the airport.

✔ Apply from the UK before departure
✔ Receive approved visa electronically
✔ Great if you want arrival peace of mind

Consular Visa from Egyptian Embassy or Consulate

For longer stays, multiple entries, or special cases (like work or study), you might need a visa through an embassy.

📍 In the UK, you can contact the Embassy of Egypt in London to apply in person or by mail.

📝 Visa Types & How to Apply
🟦 Tourist Visa (Single or Multiple Entry)

Most travellers from the UK will apply for a tourist visa, which allows:

Single Entry: Usually valid for 30 days

Multiple Entry: Useful if you plan to leave and re-enter Egypt

📍 Applying for an E-Visa (Step-by-Step)

Visit the official Egyptian e-visa portal
(search “Egypt e-visa official” to find the correct government site)

Fill in your personal details

Upload a passport photo and passport info

Pay the visa fee with a credit/debit card

Receive the e-visa by email

Print it and bring a copy with you for your flight

🛂 Important: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.

💰 Fees & Processing Time

Tourist visa on arrival: Usually set at a fixed fee (check current fees before travel).

E-visa: Price varies based on whether it’s single or multiple entry.

Processing time: E-visas are usually approved within a few business days, but it’s best to apply at least 2–3 weeks before departure.

Fees and processing times change frequently, so check the official Egyptian e-visa website or the Egyptian Embassy before applying.

✈️ Arrival & Entry Tips

When arriving in Egypt:

Have your passport and printed e-visa ready.

Keep visa fee cost in cash if you plan to buy on arrival.

Complete arrival cards truthfully.

Be patient at immigration — it may be busy.

🧳 What Else to Prepare Before You Travel
🩹 Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance that covers medical costs, activities like snorkeling or camel riding, and trip cancellation.

💉 Health Advice

No special vaccines are legally required for Egypt, but it’s wise to be up to date on routine shots. Drink bottled water, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

🏨 Accommodation

Book hotels or tours in advance, especially during peak seasons (October–April).

💵 Money & Currency

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is widely used, but major cards are accepted in tourist areas.

🎒 Extra Tips for UK Travelers

Pack a universal adapter for electronics.

Respect local culture — dress modestly at religious and rural sites.

Learn basic Arabic greetings — locals appreciate the effort!

Bargain politely in markets — it’s part of the culture.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Obtaining a visa for Egypt from the UK doesn’t have to be stressful. You can apply online for an e-visa before your trip or get your visa on arrival when you land. Planning ahead and knowing what to expect not only speeds up your entry but also starts your Egyptian adventure stress-free.

From the Pyramids to the Red Sea, Egypt offers history, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Now that you know how visas work, you’re one step closer to booking your flight and stepping into history!