How to Get a Visa for Egypt as a UK Citizen – Tips for Avoiding Mistakes!

If you’re wondering about a simple way how to get a visa for Egypt as a UK citizen, you’ve come to the right place!

I had booked my flights, had reserved my first couple of nights at some hotels, started to book in medical appointments and compose a packing list.

Then it dawned on me. Do I need a Visa for Egypt from the UK?

Sounds funny, but I hadn’t even thought about it. A typical always moving traveller haha.

Although a visa for Egypt seems easy, it’s not hard to make some expensive mistakes. For example, if any of the information on your application form is incorrect, your whole visa could be rejected and your fee could be chucked down the drain!

So, to save you some hassle and answer any questions you may have, I’m going to run through all the steps in acquiring your visa for Egypt from the UK. Yalla!

Do I need to get a visa for Egypt and do I need to get it before I leave UK?

Yes, all citizens from the UK will need to apply for a visa before they visit Egypt. Although in the past Sharm El Sheikh was exempt from visa fees, the UK doesn’t directly fly there anymore.

So, it’s safe to say you will need a tourist visa to visit Egypt regardless.

There are two options in securing your Egyptian visa:

1. On arrival at the immigration counter
2. Apply before hand for an e-visa via Visa2Egypt

This all depends on how long you’re staying and how much time you have to prepare beforehand!

For example, if you’re planning multiple trips to Egypt i.e. Egypt > Jordan > Egypt like me, I would apply for the multiple entry Visa beforehand to save any complications.

Egypt Visa on arrival vs. Egypt Visa before you travel

There are pros and cons for both getting a visa for Egypt beforehand and on arrival:

Visa on Arrival:

Pros:

• Allows you flexibility and not have to apply before hand.
• It’s slightly cheaper and avoids admin fees

Cons:

• You need US Dollars cash at hand to buy the Visa
• You need to queue at the immigration counter and it could take a long time which, especially after a long flight, could be annoying

e-Visa beforehand via Visa2Egypt:

Pros:

• Allows you to buy a single or multiple entry Visa beforehand
• Saves queueing on arrival and time after your flight
• You can pay via credit or debit card

Cons:

• It’s slightly more expensive and includes admin fees
• If any information is incorrect on the form you could have it rejected and need to reapply

How long can I stay in Egypt with a tourist visa?

This depends on what type of Visa you have bought:

1. Single Entry Visas are valid for 6 months and allow a maximum stay of 60 days in Egypt.
2. Multiple Entry Visas are valid for 6 months and allow a maximum stay of 90 days in Egypt.
3. A multiple entry visa is valid for one individual passport, and allows the applicant to travel more than once to Egypt, within the 6 months validity.

How much is a Visa to Egypt from UK?

There are different prices for each service and for each type of Visa:

• For an on arrival Visa in Egypt the price is $25 USD in Cash
• For an e-Visa beforehand via Visa2Egypt the prices are $25 USD for a single entry visa or $60 USD for a multiple entry visa:

Step by step instructions on how to get a Visa for Egypt as a UK citizen via Visa2Egypt

So, if you’ve chosen to go with an e-Visa beforehand via Visa2Egypt, let’s go through some instructions on how to apply and make sure your application is mistake-free.

Learning the hard way, I made some mistakes on my first e-visa application attempt. I don’t want this to happen to you!

So, bringing my experience to the table, let’s go through together step by step.

1. Visit Visa2Egypt.gov.eg and click ‘Apply now’

First things first, make sure you apply only via the Visa2Egypt portal.

There are other companies that run a service for you, but to ensure that you’re in the right place and you won’t get scammed only apply via this link.

Once you’re on the home page click ‘Apply Now’ in the top bar or the ‘Get your E-visa now’ button.

2. Sign up for an account and then apply via the application form

You will need to sign up for an account via Visa2Egypt to apply for your e-Visa.

It’s a short form, so should only take a minute or two to set up. Make sure to keep a note of your password as you will need this again to access your e-Visa once it’s approved.

Once you have verified your email address and set up your account. You will need to apply via the e-visa portal by accessing the application form. You can do this by clicking on ‘Create new application’:

Next, fill in all the information as best as you possibly can. There are a few things to note when you’re filling in your application.

Travelling information:

• You don’t need to have your flights booked beforehand, but it’s good to know when you expect to arrive and depart in Egypt

Passport information:

• Make sure you include all your names, first, middle and last
• You will need a copy of your passport to apply. If you don’t have a scanner, a picture via your phone will do. Or, use an app called PDF scanner to help.

Host information for Egypt Visa: 

• If you’re not going on a tour in Egypt and you’re a solo traveller like I was, put in the name of your hotel of where you’re staying in Cairo. You need the Host name, phone number, email and address which should be easy to acquire from your hotel booking site.

3. Once the Egypt visa application form is filled in, enter your card details into the payment gateway and you’re all set

Once you’ve filled in all your information, make sure you go over it again and check everything is correct. Remember, you don’t want your Visa to be rejected!

Then, once you’re happy, you need to submit your card details for payment on the Visa2Egypt website. This shouldn’t take long and you will receive confirmation that they have accepted your Visa application.

How long is the Egypt Visa processing time? How long should I leave it before I apply for my Egyptian visa?

You will need to apply for an e-visa at least 7 days before your arrival in Egypt.

So, if it’s after this time, don’t panic I would just wait to get one on arrival.

The visa processing time via Visa2Egypt should only take one or two days to be approved.

You will find an email in your inbox providing you with a link to access the e-visa via the Visa2Egypt portal. Make sure you print a copy for your arrival at the border to present to immigration.

What to do if your Egypt visa has been rejected?

Most of the time, it will be due to human error i.e. some incorrect information that has been filled in on the application form.

For example, mine was rejected the first time due to me not putting all my names first & middle on the form. D’oh!! facepalm

I can see this must be a common mistake though as now on the application form it has a little caption telling you to do this. When I applied last year it did not.

If your application is rejected, don’t worry. Just read the instructions on how to make it right.

Luckily, I wasn’t charged twice for resubmitting my form. But, lesson learned: make sure you check everything thoroughly before you hit submit!

Do I need a Visa to go to Hurghada in Egypt?

Yes, you will need a visa for Egypt to visit Hurghada. In fact, it’s better this way as you can then visit the historic cities of Luxor and Aswan if that’s your thing! Tours can be organised from your hotel when you get there.

If you’re only visiting Sharm El Sheikh or Taba, you won’t need a visa.

Now, let’s get planning your trip to Egypt!

So, that’s how to get a visa for Egypt as a UK citizen. See? It’s not so bad!

Egypt is one of the most amazing countries I have visited in my entire life. It’s like a historic playground and every city has something unique to offer you.

I travelled six weeks here, mostly solo, so I now know my way around quite well. I’m so excited to kick off my Egypt blog series and share all my information with you.

Watch this space for new articles all about destination guides, top tips and everything you need to know before you visit Egypt!

Read more of my Egypt articles

My perfect 2 week Egypt Itinerary

My top travel tips for Egypt

The perfect Egypt packing list

The most Instagrammable places in Egypt

My guide to the Valley of the Kings

Things to do in Luxor

The ultimate 4-day Nile Cruise

Things to do in Aswan

Top places to visit in Luxor at night

The perfect guide for Abu Simbel

My survival guide for the pyramids

Top things to do in Cairo

Why you NEED to visit Alexandria

Top tips for riding a hot air balloon in Luxor

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