Visa requirements for British citizens visiting Egypt
For entry into Egypt, the British must acquire either an electronic visa or a visa on arrival at the airport.
Visa on arrival in Egypt for British citizens
Travelers can apply for a visa upon arrival directly at the airport. Visa upon arrival is available only as a single-entry visa valid for a 30-day stay
Documents needed on arrival in Egypt from the United Kingdom
When arriving, Egyptian immigration officers will request the following documents:
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
- A printed copy of the eVisa.
- Travel itinerary.
- A cover letter (e.g., a business letter or invitation for family visits).
- Hotel reservations or details about the places to be visited if the trip is for tourism.
Turkish citizens aged 45 or older can obtain a visa upon arrival. Additionally, individuals over 18 holding a residence permit from Australia, Canada, the EU, or the US can also apply for a visa upon arrival in Egypt. Sudanese nationals can apply if they possess a residence permit from Australia, Canada, an EU country, or the US.
How can British citizens get a visa in Egypt?
- Obtain a migration card.
- Fill it out in English.
- In the visa window, purchase an entry stamp.
- Pass through passport control without affixing the stamp.
- Present your passport along with the card and stamp to the border guard.
- The border guard will check your documents, confirm the absence of entry prohibitions, affix the stamp, mark the border crossing, and permit entry into the country.
Regional travel peculiarities
Tourists planning to visit the Red Sea provinces (Hurghada, Marsa El Alam, El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay, and Safaga) must apply for a visa upon arrival and pay a fee of $25.
Important tip
To ensure a successful trip to Egypt, consider consulting with specialists. Our qualified professionals can help you navigate potential issues during your stay abroad. After your consultation, feel free to ask additional questions. We are dedicated to resolving your case completely and offer a full range of legal services conveniently and efficiently. Order a consultation today!
Evisa to Egypt for British citizens
What are the types of evisas for citizens from the United Kingdom?
- Single Entry eVisa: This visa allows for a 30-day stay in Egypt and is valid for three months (90 days) from the date of issue. The applicant can visit Egypt once during this validity period for both tourism and business purposes.
- Multiple Entry (Multivisa) eVisa: This visa also permits a 30-day stay but expires six months after issuance. The applicant can enter Egypt multiple times within this period, staying up to 30 days on each visit.
It is essential to note that the eVisa is only available to citizens who apply for it in advance (at least 7 days before their trip) and is not an option for those seeking a visa upon arrival.
Exceptions: Citizens from the US, EU, or UK do not require an Egyptian online visa if traveling to and staying in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba. In this case, a stamp reading “SINAI ONLY” will be placed in the passport, and no visa fee will be required. The Sinai Only regime allows visa-free entry into Egypt but comes with two restrictions:
- Free stay is permitted only on the Sinai Peninsula.
- The maximum duration for free stay under the Sinai stamp is 15 days (14 nights) from the date of entry. Violating this rule may result in a fine of 1,053 Egyptian pounds.
Procedure for visa-free entry to Egypt
- Indicate “Sinai Only” on the back of the migration card.
- Go straight to border control without purchasing an entry stamp.
- Present your passport to the border guard and say, “Sinai Only, please.”
- If denied, politely but firmly request visa-free entry.
Important note
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Requirements for applying for an Egyptian eVisa for British citizens
The Egyptian government has set specific requirements that must be met before filling out the online eVisa application. These include:
- A valid passport that must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Egypt.
- Several blank pages (preferably two) for entry/exit stamps.
- A valid email address.
- A valid credit or debit card.
- Completion of the online eVisa application for Egypt.
What is the procedure for filling out an eVisa application for the British?
To apply for an Egyptian eVisa, you will need to complete an online application form with details such as your name, date of birth, address, phone number, travel dates, and passport information. Applicants will also need to answer questions about their medical history and criminal records. It’s crucial to ensure all information provided is accurate to avoid processing delays or visa denials.
To submit your Egyptian eVisa application, you must pay the processing fee using a valid debit or credit card. Before final submission, travelers will have the chance to review the information entered to confirm its accuracy.
Once you have submitted your application for an Egyptian eVisa, you can expect to receive it via email within three business days. Travelers must print a copy of the eVisa to present to Egyptian authorities upon arrival.
Traveling with minors
Minors can be included on the visa application form of the adult accompanying them. They do not need a separate tourist visa to enter Egypt.
Required documents for entry to Egypt with an evisa from the United Kingdom
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Egypt
- Printed copy of the eVisa
- Travel itinerary
- Supporting documents, such as a letter from the company or a business invitation
- Hotel reservation confirmation
What Is Visa Sponsorship for Egypt?
Visa sponsorship for Egypt is necessary if the applicant cannot cover their expenses for educational or tourism purposes during their stay. The sponsor can be a parent, sibling, other relative, or friend. However, having a first-degree relative or a sponsor with a permanent residence permit or citizenship in Egypt increases the chances of obtaining a visa.
Required documents from the sponsor
- An invitation letter detailing accommodation if the sponsor is a resident or citizen of Egypt. The letter should clearly state the relationship with the applicant, how expenses will be covered, and contact information for both parties.
- A scanned copy of the identity card or passport for both the applicant and the sponsor.
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or paychecks.
- Proof of ownership or title to a business, if applicable.
Visa sponsorship for Egypt can also be granted to legal entities or individuals for long-term or short-term stays for business or cultural purposes.
Important registration note
According to Egypt's visa policy, all foreigners entering the country (except for EU and US citizens) must register with the police within a week of arrival. Hotels can assist foreigners with this process. If a traveler is not staying in a hotel, they should ensure compliance with this requirement.
Travel with pets is allowed.
dial 123 for medical and emergency services, 122 for the police and 180 for the fire service.
1. Learn to bargain - this is one of the most important tips when traveling to Egypt - because you will have to do it, and you will have to do it a lot.
If a taxi driver, salesperson, travel agency employee - literally anyone - is overcharging you, try to get it down to an unreasonably low price. For example, if you are offered 200 euros, give 20 euros in return.
2. Walking in Egypt is dangerous for a number of reasons:
- traffic and streets are not adapted for pedestrian traffic. If you try to walk, there is a high probability that you will be run over.
- as soon as you leave the main street, everything changes very quickly and becomes very dangerous.
- crossing busy streets in Egypt is extremely dangerous.
3. Download the ride-sharing apps Uber and/or Careem as an alternative to hiring a taxi or renting a car in Egypt.
4. Unmarried couples may not be able to book a hotel room without a valid marriage contract. Check with the hotel or Airbnb before booking.
5. After receiving your luggage, purchase a SIM card at one of the telecom kiosks. You'll need to show your passport and visa to get a 30-day data and phone plan.
6. While paying by card is usually not a problem in many large establishments such as hotels, large restaurants, and supermarkets, it can be a problem in smaller shops and at ticket booths for some attractions.
For example, while you can pay for pyramid tickets with a card, the machine is often out of order - so it's best not to rely on the card as your only option.
7. Avoid traveling near risky areas, such as the Libyan and Israeli borders and the Gaza Strip. These areas are under strict military supervision.
8. Egyptian laws strictly prohibit tourists from photographing military installations or being near them. It is also forbidden to take pictures of public buildings and infrastructure such as railway stations and bridges. To use drones for aerial photography, you must obtain permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Sources:
https://www.thediscoveriesof.com/egypt-travel-tips/
https://heyhurghada.com/visiting-egypt/
https://theholisticbackpacker.com/50-important-egypt-travel-tips/