Visas & entry

Egypt: which visa do I need?

UK passport, holidayVisa on arrivalChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 4 August 2026

Most UK visitors need a visa, but it's easy to get: an e-visa online or a US$30 visa on arrival. Flying into Sharm el Sheikh for under 15 days in the South Sinai resorts? You get a free entry stamp instead.

No visa needed
Apply online before you go
Visa on arrival
Visa in advance

RatingVisa on arrival

Emergency number123

Official advice updated4 August 2026

Areas covered4 on this page

Egypt has an unusual exception for Sharm holidays. If you fly into Sharm el Sheikh and stay in Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba for under 15 days, you only need a free stamp. Book a day trip to Cairo or Luxor, though, and you need a full visa.

Your options

Sinai-only stampNo visa needed
Free. For trips of under 15 days in the South Sinai resorts, flying into Sharm el Sheikh.
e-VisaVisa on arrival
Applied for online before you travel. Valid for up to 3 months.
Visa on arrival (kiosks)Visa on arrival
US$30 cash at airport bank kiosks, valid for 30 days.
Digital visa on arrival, CairoVisa on arrival
From 1 August 2026, US$36 by card at self-service machines or online.

Before you go

Carry clean US dollar notes for the kiosk visa.
Your passport needs 6 months' validity and 1 blank page.
Emergency (ambulance): 123.

Official advice: FCDO entry requirements for Egypt

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Questions people ask

Do I need a visa for Sharm el Sheikh?

Not if you fly into Sharm and stay under 15 days in the South Sinai resorts. You'll get a free stamp. Going anywhere else needs a visa.

How much is an Egypt visa on arrival?

US$30 at our last check, paid in the arrivals hall before passport control.

Can I get an e-visa for Egypt?

Yes. Apply online on the official Egyptian government site before you travel, and avoid lookalike sites that add fees.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.