Egypt Visa Requirements For British Citizens (2025)

British citizens generally do need a visa to visit Egypt, but several streamlined options exist depending on your travel plans. Here, we will explore all you need to know.

Egypt Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date, with at least one blank page
Yellow fever vaccination: Required only if arriving from a country with transmission risk.

Short Resort Stays (Sinai Peninsula)

No visa required for British holidaymakers staying up to 14 or 15 days in Sharm el‑Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba.
You’ll receive a free entry stamp on arrival

Visiting Beyond Resorts or Longer Stays

If you plan to go beyond Sinai or stay longer than 15 days, you’ll need a visa:

e‑Visa (recommended):
- Single-entry: Up to 30 days; valid for a period (usually 3 months from issue)
- Multiple-entry: Valid for 6 months, each stay up to 30 days.
- Processing time: Typically 3–5 working days, sometimes as fast as 24 hours; apply at least 2–7 days before travel.
- Fee: ~$25 (single entry), ~$60 (multiple entry)
Visa on Arrival at airports:
- Available at major international airports.
- Fee: $25 cash (USD, GBP or EUR sometimes accepted)
- Valid for up to 30 days.
- Brits need valid UK passport; offshore nationals may need visa on arrival rather than e‑visa
Consulate-applied Visa:
- For stays longer than 30 days, business trips, or multiple entries.
- Can apply in person or by post via the Egyptian Consulate General in London (2–5 working days turnaround).
- Multiple-entry visas (up to 90 days stay within a 6-month period) are also available.

Key Tips & Warnings

Use only the official e‑Visa portal or apply via the embassy to avoid scams
Avoid paying agents at the airport—they often overcharge.
Extensions are possible within Egypt at Passport & Immigration Offices—leave and re-enter or pay a fine if overstaying more than 14 days.
If traveling to Luxor or Aswan by direct flight, a temporary visa waiver may apply from May to October (waives the usual £20/$25 visa fee).

Summary Table

Situation	Visa Needed?	Options
Sinai stays ≤15 days	❌ No visa	Free entry stamp upon arrival
Tourist stay ≤30 days (most areas)	✔️ Yes	e‑Visa online (~$25–60), or visa on arrival at airport ($25 cash)
Tourist stay >30 days or multiple entries	✔️ Yes	Apply via Consulate – takes 2–5 working days; multiple-entry visas available
Business or non-tourist travel	✔️ Yes	Apply ahead through Consulate with supporting documents

Action Steps:

Check your passport – ensure it’s valid for at least 6 more months and has a blank page.
Decide your travel plan:
- Staying only within Sinai resorts: rely on the free stamp.
- Visiting other areas or staying >15 days: apply for an e‑Visa at least a week early, or expect delays on arrival.
- For longer/multiple visits or business: arrange consulate visa well in advance.
Prepare documents: passport scan, digital photo, accommodation info, and valid credit/debit card for online payments.
Avoid agents and use only official visa portals or the embassy for reliability and cost-effectiveness

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Egypt?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Egypt, except in specific exceptions for short stays in certain resort areas

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Egyptian Visa?

If you’re a British citizen planning a trip to Egypt, here’s a breakdown of typical visa processing times depending on how you apply:

1. e-Visa (online)

Processing time:
- Generally 2–7 business days, though most UK applications are approved within 3–5 working days
- Some sources indicate most are approved in 24–72 hours, and rarely up to 72 hours .
Recommendation: Apply at least 4–7 days before travel to avoid hiccups.

2. Visa on Arrival (airport)

Processing time: Minutes to a few hours at the airport’s kiosk
Requirements: £25–$25 cash.
Note: Valid for 30 days single-entry. Available only at select airports and for tourism under approved conditions

3. Through Egyptian Consulate (UK)

In‑person applications:
- Usually 2 business days turnaround at the London consulate
By post:
- Allow around 5 working days
Alternate sources mention 15–20 business days for standard embassy tourist/business visa

Comparison Summary

Method	Typical Time	Best If…
e-Visa online	2–7 working days (avg 3–5)	You want to avoid airport queues; plan ahead
Visa on Arrival	Minutes–hours	You’re flying into an approved airport and travel soon
Consulate in‑person	~2 working days	You want a guaranteed early pick‑up or longer stay
Consulate by post	~5 working days	You can mail it before travel plans get closer
Consulate standard	15–20 working days	Business or long-term/non-tourist visas

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Egypt

Moving to Egypt as a British citizen can be an exciting and life-changing experience. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the peaceful shores of the Red Sea, Egypt offers a unique blend of ancient culture, warm climate, and welcoming people. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or simply seeking a change of scenery, life in Egypt provides a rich and immersive environment that’s both different and familiar at the same time.

One of the first things British expats often notice about Egypt is the pace of life. Compared to the UK, things tend to move a little slower in many parts of the country. This relaxed pace can take some getting used to, especially when dealing with day-to-day matters like bureaucracy, shopping, or transportation. However, it also contributes to a more laid-back lifestyle that many people grow to appreciate deeply.

Egypt’s cost of living is generally lower than that of the UK, especially outside the major tourist hubs. Housing, food, public transport, and entertainment are all relatively affordable. For many British citizens, this means they can enjoy a higher standard of living than they might afford at home. Larger cities such as Cairo and Alexandria offer a wide range of housing options, from modern apartments in gated compounds to traditional villas in quieter neighborhoods.

The cultural transition can be both fascinating and challenging. Egypt has a deep-rooted heritage influenced by thousands of years of history, and daily life is infused with a strong sense of tradition and community. Arabic is the official language, and while English is commonly spoken in business and tourist areas, learning a few basic Arabic phrases can go a long way toward building connections and showing respect for local customs. Egyptians are known for their hospitality, and many British expats find it easy to make friends and integrate into their communities with time and openness.

Food is another highlight of life in Egypt. British citizens often enjoy discovering the country’s rich culinary traditions, from savoury street food like falafel and koshari to sweet treats like basbousa and baklava. Dining out is generally affordable, and many local markets offer fresh produce, spices, and ingredients that make cooking at home both enjoyable and budget-friendly.

Healthcare is another consideration. While public healthcare exists, many expats prefer to use private medical services, which are widely available in urban areas and offer a higher standard of care. British citizens often choose to take out private health insurance for greater peace of mind, especially if they plan to stay long-term or have specific medical needs. Pharmacies are easily accessible and well-stocked, and many common medications are available without a prescription.

The education system in Egypt includes a variety of options for families with children. International schools are found in most major cities and provide British-style curriculums, often with high teaching standards and English-speaking staff. These schools can be more expensive, but they are popular among expat families who want continuity in their children’s education.

Transportation within Egypt is affordable and diverse, though it may take time to adjust to local traffic patterns. In cities like Cairo, public transport includes buses, microbuses, and a metro system that’s both cheap and efficient. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also widely used, though driving your own vehicle is possible if you’re willing to navigate the sometimes chaotic roads. Outside of urban centres, travel by train or domestic flights connects the country’s main regions.

Social life in Egypt can be vibrant and varied. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, diving in the Red Sea, or enjoying a sunset by the Nile, there’s no shortage of things to do. The country has a strong expat community, especially in places like Cairo, Alexandria, and resort towns like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Many British expats join clubs, attend cultural events, or connect through online forums and social groups. Egyptians are friendly and social, and it’s common to be invited to family gatherings, weddings, or religious festivals.

Religion plays a visible role in everyday life, with Islam being the dominant faith. Respect for local customs, such as modest dress in certain areas and sensitivity during religious periods like Ramadan, is appreciated and often reciprocated with kindness. British citizens generally find that being respectful and curious opens doors to deeper cultural understanding and friendships.

Working in Egypt is a popular choice for some expats, especially in sectors like education, tourism, construction, and international business. Networking is essential, and many job opportunities come through personal connections. Others choose to start their own businesses or work remotely. Whatever path you take, adjusting to local business practices and communication styles is key to success.

Retiring in Egypt is another attractive option for British citizens. The warm climate, low cost of living, and scenic beauty of locations like Luxor or coastal towns make it an appealing destination. Many retirees enjoy a peaceful lifestyle with time to explore historic sites, participate in local communities, and enjoy the outdoors.

Conclusion

Moving to Egypt as a British citizen opens up a world of opportunity, adventure, and discovery. It’s a place where ancient history meets modern life, and where British expats can find a welcoming home away from home. With an open mind, a bit of patience, and a willingness to embrace a different way of life, settling into Egypt can be not only possible but incredibly rewarding