Egypt is one of those bucket-list destinations that feels huge in both history and scale, but the visa process is actually far simpler than most people expect. Whether you are visiting the pyramids in Cairo, cruising the Nile or heading to the Red Sea resorts, understanding the visa rules in advance can save you stress at the airport.
This Egypt visa guide explains who needs a visa for Egypt, how to get one, how much it costs and the different options available depending on how you are travelling.
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Do You Need a Visa for Egypt?
Most travellers, including UK passport holders, do need a visa to enter Egypt. The good news is that it is a very straightforward process compared to many other countries.
If you are visiting for tourism and staying for a short period, you will usually have two main options: applying online before you travel or getting a visa on arrival.
Egypt Visa Options Explained
There are three main ways to enter Egypt with a visa depending on where you are going and how you are travelling.
- Egypt eVisa (online before travel)
- Visa on arrival (at the airport)
- Sinai-only visa (free, limited area)
Choosing the right one depends on your itinerary and how organised you want to be before departure.
Egypt eVisa (Online Application)
The Egypt eVisa is the easiest and most recommended option, especially when travelling with children or if you prefer everything sorted before you arrive.
You apply online before your trip and receive approval by email.
Key details:
- Available to UK, EU, US and many other nationalities
- Apply through the official Egypt eVisa portal
- Processing time is usually 1 to 7 days
- You must print a copy to show on arrival
There are two types:
- Single entry visa: valid for one entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days
- Multiple entry visa: allows multiple visits within a set period, useful if you plan to leave and re-enter Egypt
Visa on Arrival in Egypt
You can also get a visa on arrival at most Egyptian international airports, including Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh.
How it works:
- You purchase a visa sticker at a bank counter before passport control
- You pay the fee (usually in cash, often USD and must have the right amount because they often do not have change for you)
- You place the sticker in your passport and proceed to immigration
While this option is convenient, queues can be long, especially during peak travel times. If you are travelling with children or want a smoother arrival, the eVisa is usually the better choice.
Sinai Peninsula Visa Exemption
If you are only visiting certain areas in the Sinai Peninsula, you may not need to pay for a visa at all.
This applies to resorts such as
- Sharm el Sheikh
- Dahab
- Nuweiba
- Taba
Conditions:
- You must stay within the Sinai region
- The exemption is valid for up to 15 days
- If you plan to travel outside this area (for example to Cairo or Luxor), you will need a full visa
Egypt Visa Costs
At the time of writing, the standard visa fees are:
Single entry visa: around 25 USD (approximately £20)
Multiple entry visa: around 60 USD (approximately £45 to £50)
The price is the same whether you apply online or get a visa on arrival, but using the eVisa can save time and reduce stress.
How Long Does an Egypt Visa Last?
Most tourist visas for Egypt allow:
A stay of up to 30 days with an entry within a validity period (usually 90 days from issue).
It is important to check your approval carefully, especially if applying early, to make sure your travel dates fall within the validity window.
Egypt Visa Requirements
To apply for an Egypt visa, you will typically need:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
- A completed application form (for eVisa)
- Travel details such as your accommodation address
- A payment card for the visa fee
You may also be asked for:
- Return or onward travel details
- Hotel booking confirmation
Applying For an Egypt eVisa Step-By-Step
- Go to the official Egypt eVisa website
- Create an account
- Complete the application form with your passport and travel details
- Upload any required documents
- Pay the visa fee online
- Wait for approval and print your eVisa
Find it here: Official Egypt eVisa website
It is best to apply at least one week before travel, although many approvals come through much faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying through unofficial websites that charge extra fees
- Not printing your eVisa approval
- Arriving without cash if planning to get a visa on arrival
- Assuming the Sinai visa covers all of Egypt
- Not checking passport validity
A few minutes of planning with this Egypt visa guide can avoid delays or issues at the airport.
Is The Egypt Visa Process Easy?
Yes, for most travellers the Egypt visa process is one of the simpler ones globally. The option to apply online or get a visa on arrival gives flexibility, and the cost is relatively low compared to many other destinations.
If you want the smoothest possible experience, especially when travelling with children, applying for the eVisa in advance is usually the best option.
Ready to plan your trip to Egypt? My Egypt with autistic children is your best place to start. There you’ll find information on what to do before you travel, things to do, where to stay including Hurghada and so much more.
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