uk travel to egypt visa

Do you need a visa to go to Egypt?

Sep 3, 2023 • 4 min read

Most travelers need a visa to visit Egypt, but you'll soon get to see the Pyramids of Giza © SrdjanPav / Getty Images

Almost all travelers require a visa to enter Egypt, but fortunately, the process is pretty simple, and a little advance planning goes a long way.

This guide will walk you through the entry requirements for visiting the land of pyramids on a tourist visa.

Who needs a visa to visit Egypt?

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Egypt, but citizens of many countries can apply for an e-Visa in advance or obtain a visa on arrival at Egypt’s international airports. Both cost US$25.

Getting an e-Visa is generally a smoother process than getting a visa at the airport. Apply for a tourist visa online in advance on  the Egyptian Government's official e-Visa website . All you have to do is fill out the online application form and pay.

If you decide to get a visa at the airport when you land in Egypt, be prepared to wait in line – bring your own pen to fill out the paperwork in line or on the plane – and pay in cash (US dollars, euros or British pounds only, not Egyptian pounds).

Citizens of Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Macau, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can enter Egypt visa-free for up to 90 days. Citizens of Malaysia can enter for up to 14 days.

If you're not eligible to get a visa on arrival or an e-Visa, head to the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country and apply in person. The visa process can take several weeks.

How to get an e-Visa for Egypt

To save time, apply for an e-Visa before your trip to Egypt. Citizens of these countries are eligible for Egypt’s e-Visa and can apply on the Egyptian government's official website . Your passport must be valid for at least six months before the date you intend to arrive. 

The process is simple: sign up for an account, fill the form and pay the US$25 using a credit or debit card. You’ll receive email notifications as the application is processed.  

If you’re issued a visa, you’ll be emailed a link to your e-Visa to download and print the document. When you land in Egypt, present the e-Visa to the Egyptian border patrol with your passport. Have a copy of your accommodation details or tour booking in case you’re asked to show them at the airport.

Egypt’s e-Visa can be single or multiple entry. The single-entry visa allows visitors one entry into the country for stays of up to 30 days. The multiple-entry visa allows travelers to come into  Egypt an unlimited number of times over a period of 180 days and for up to 30 days at a time. Apply for a multi-entry visa at least seven days before your trip.

Visa on arrival in Egypt

If you don’t have time to apply for an e-Visa, you can still get a visa on arrival at the airport if you’re eligible. Visas are available for purchase (US$25) at a kiosk in the arrivals hall before the immigration counters. 

Have the correct amount in cash in a major foreign currency (US dollars, euros or British pounds) to avoid delays.

The visa comes in the form of a stamp that you’ll need to put into your passport to present at the immigration counters and passport control. 

If you opt for a visa on arrival, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months from your arrival date, a travel itinerary and documentation to show you've booked accommodations or tours.

Visa on arrival is available at all of Egypt’s international airports. The downsides are that you can be issued a single entry visa only, and the lines at the airport can be long.

You don't need a visa to stay in Sinai on short trips

If you are visiting the resort towns on the Gulf of Aqaba coast and won’t be going to mainland Egypt, you can stay in Sinai for 14 days without buying an Egyptian visa. The Sinai-only visa allows travellers to visit Sharm El Sheikh , Dahab , Nuweiba , Taba and St Catherine, but you cannot go to Ras Muhammad National Park.

The Sinai-only visa is available at the airport in Sharm El Sheikh and the Egypt–Israel border crossing at Taba. If you arrive at Taba and plan to visit mainland Egypt, you must purchase a visa online in advance or at an Egyptian embassy abroad.

This article was first published June 2022 and updated September 2023

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Arab Republic Of Egypt

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Is it safe to travel to Egypt? Travel advice from the UK explained

By Olivia Morelli

In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel, Hamas and Iran, there are concerns about the safety of travellers visiting nearby regions. Below, find everything you need to know about the UK advice for visiting Egypt, including the latest update from FCDO.

What does the FCDO say about travel to Egypt?

The UK Foreign Office has updated their advice on travel to Egypt following military activity and explosions in Iran, Syria and Iraq. While it doesn’t explicitly advise against travel to Egypt as a whole, it does advise caution and notes ongoing unrest in the country: “In response to events in Israel and the OPTs, a number of demonstrations have taken place in Egypt and protests have been planned, including after Friday prayers. Demonstrations could take place at short notice, with a heavy security presence in place. You should avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests,” says the gov.uk website .

The FCDO website also highlights the following areas as places to avoid travelling to, and reminds travellers that “travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel”. For the full advice, check gov.uk .

• Within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border
• North Sinai
• Northern part of South Sinai
• The eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate
• Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid
• Western Desert (the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, with some exceptions)

Always check FCDO Egypt page for the latest advice, as the situation is changing rapidly.

Are flights still operating to Egypt?

At the time of publishing, flights are still continuing to run between the UK and Egypt. Typically for UK airlines, the flight path crosses over Italy, other parts of Europe and across the Mediterranean before reaching Egypt (instead of crossing over any Middle Eastern territories).

Can I cancel my holiday to Egypt?

Holidays to Egypt are operating as usual and the FCDO is not advising against all travel to the country, so cancellations might be tricky. But as the situation is continuously developing, we would advise talking to your holiday provider, airline and hotel to discuss options for postponing the trip. If the advice changes and advises against all travel to Egypt, it is likely that you would be able to cancel and get a refund without penalty.

Obtain Your Egypt Visa Easily

Egypt visa for UK Citizens

Evisa requirements for british citizens.

British tourists travelling to Egypt must make sure they have the right travel documents to enter the country.

The Egypt e-Visa for British citizens is the most straightforward way of obtaining an Egyptian visa from the UK.

This online visa makes travelling to Egypt more convenient for Brits visiting destinations like Cairo, Luxor, Sharm El-Sheikh , and Hurghada .

Do British citizens need a visa for Egypt?

Yes, all passengers arriving in Egypt with a UK passport must have a valid visa to clear border control and gain entry to the country. You will not be permitted to enter Egypt with just your British passport.

Options for obtaining an Egyptian visa for Brits

British citizens travelling to Egypt on holiday can do one of the following:

• Apply online for an Egypt e-Visa in advance of their trip
• Obtain a visa on arrival

The Egyptian online visa application is regarded as the more convenient option . It has been designed to save Brits and other eligible travellers the hassle of queueing for a visa at the border.

If you're planning to stay in Egypt long term or are visiting for non-tourist purposes , you must get a different type of visa .

You can find more information and apply for non-tourist visas at Egyptian diplomatic missions, such as the Embassy of Egypt in London.

How do I get a visa for Egypt from UK?

The Egypt e-Visa application for UK passport holders is a short form that only takes a few minutes to complete.

Once approved, the e-Visa is then sent to the email address registered in the application.

British applicants must simply answer the questions on the online form , entering their information into the fields provided. This is quick and easy to do.

You must provide the following information :

• Basic personal details
• UK passport information (your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Egypt)
• Travel plans

Step-by-Step Egypt e-Visa application process for Brits

Here are steps to follow to apply for an Egypt e-Visa for British citizens:

• Complete the e-Visa form
• Pay the visa processing fee
• Receive the approved visa by email

Our online application process has been designed to be as simple as possible . By following these steps you can receive your visa in a matter of days.

Egypt eVisa processing time for UK citizens

British travellers are advised to apply for an Egypt e-Visa at least 2 days before the date they arrive in Egypt to allow plenty of time for their application to be processed .

UK Embassy registration service with VisasEgypt.com

When you apply for your Egyptian visa with VisasEgypt.com, you can benefit from our embassy registration service.

This allows you to register your trip with the British Embassy in Egypt, giving you peace of mind when travelling.

To opt for embassy registration, simply select this option when you reach the e-Visa payment screen.

Documents to Prepare for an Egypt e-Visa From the UK

You only need the following documents to apply for an Egyptian visa as a UK citizen:

• British passport
• Email address
• Debit and credit card

Providing you have the items listed above you can request your visa in a matter of minutes.

Visiting Egypt from the UK

Egypt is a popular destination for Brits , with between 200,000 and 500,000 tourists travelling from the UK to Egypt each year.

British visitors are frequently in the top 5 nationalities visiting Egypt annually, which means it is essential for Brits to know about the country’s visa policy.

The arrival of the e-Visa for Egypt has made it easier than ever for UK passport holders to visit the nation, whether staying at its Red Sea resorts, seeing the ancient sites, or taking a Nile cruise.

What to present on arrival in Egypt from the UK

When arriving in Egypt, British passengers should present the e-Visa, along with their registered UK passport , to the Egyptian border authorities.

Please note that an approved visa for Egypt does not guarantee entry . The final decision is with Egyptian border officials.

Can british citizens gets a visa on arrival in Egypt?

British travelers can queue at the kiosks at airport terminals to process the Egyptian visa on arrival application . It is necessary to complete the application form and buy the visa sticker to present at the immigration desks.

To be able to obtain one, the applicant need to have a UK passport with at least six months remaining and pay the visa fee .

It is still possible to obtain a visa on arrival though many travelers prefer to obtain an Egypt e-Visa in advance to save the hassle. A visa on arrival is a single-entry visa which is valid for up to 30 days within a three-month period.

Can Brits pay an Egypt visa on arrival with UK pounds?

It’s possible to pay for a visa on arrival in Egypt in GBP, however the preferred currency is USD.

British traveler cannot pay the fee using a credit or debit card so you need to take cash. It is best to have the exact amount.

FAQs on Egypt's E-Visa: What UK Travelers Need to Know

What is the validity period of an e-visa for uk citizens visiting egypt.

The single-entry and multiple-entry Egypt e-Visas for Brits are valid for 3 months . You have this amount of time to use your visa to enter the country, after this date your visa will become invalid.

Do minors from the UK need an e-Visa?

Yes, all British passengers must have a visa for Egypt. This includes children and dependants . Each child travelling to Egypt needs to have a visa registered to their UK passport.

When completing the online application for British children, their parents or guardians may do the form on their behalf.

What should British citizens do if their e-Visa application for Egypt is denied?

It is unusual for Egypt e-Visa applications to be denied to British citizens. The most common reason is that there were errors or inconsistencies in the information the applicant provided on their online form.

If you think this could have been the case, you can simply reapply and take care to check all your answers before submitting your application.

When should UK passport holders apply for the Egypt e-Visa?

British passport holders are recommended to send off their Egypt e-Visa application at least 2 days before they plan to travel.

How will I receive my Egypt e-Visa from UK?

British applicants and other eligible travellers who have applied online will receive their Egypt e-Visa by email .

You must provide an email address as part of the e-Visa application. The visa will be delivered to this account within 2 days, if approved.

Do UK citizens need a visa to go to Hurghada in Egypt?

Yes, British citizens need a visa to visit all parts of Egypt . The only exception is if you’re travelling to certain Sinai resorts.

Do you need any vaccinations to go to Egypt?

The only mandatory vaccine for Egypt is for yellow fever, but only if you’re arriving from a country that’s at risk of the virus.

• Handyvisas.com >
• Egypt e-Visa Online >

Egypt e-Visa for Citizens of the United Kingdom

The Egyptian Electronic Visa (e-Visa) for British citizens is an online tourist visa. Simply fill in a short form online and you will receive an Egypt visa for UK citizens.

The most convenient way for United Kingdom citizens to travel to Egypt is with an Egyptian e-Visa. It is quick and easy to apply for and permits British passport holders to visit Egypt for up to 30 days.

Travelers from the United Kingdom must meet a few basic Egypt e-Visa requirements for British citizens to apply.

Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes, citizens of the United Kingdom must have a valid visa to enter Egypt. To visit the country on holiday, British passport holders can get a tourist visa quickly and easily online.

The Egypt e-Visa for British citizens allows visits for up to 30 days for tourism. Brits can choose either a single or multiple-entry visa.

The user-friendly digital platform makes it simple to apply for the e-Visa for Egypt from the UK. After filling in a short form online, you will receive your Egypt visa for British travelers by email within a few days at most.

Citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland who plan to move to Egypt, stay long-term, and/or perform non-tourist activities while staying in the country should inquire about the relevant type of visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate .

What Is the Egyptian e-Visa for UK Citizens?

The Egyptian e-Visa for citizens of the UK is an electronic tourist visa obtained online. It was introduced in late 2017 as a convenient way for eligible citizens to travel to Egypt for the purpose of tourism and visiting the country.

The visa policy of Egypt states that Egyptian e-Visa is available for citizens of more than 40 countries, including those from the United Kingdom. The application process is quick, simple, and should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.

The process of applying for the Egyptian e-Visa can be done entirely online . There is no need to travel back and forth to your nearest Egyptian embassy, submit mountains of paperwork, or queue in long lines to submit a visa on arrival application at the border.

Egypt e-Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

Applicants must meet a few simple Egypt e-Visa Requirements for United Kingdom citizens to apply.

These include providing the following documents and items:

• UK passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival
• D igital copy of the information page of the applicant’s UK passport
• Recent d igital photo of the applicant
• E mail address in order to receive a copy of the approved Egyptian e-Visa
• Details of the traveler’s itinerary in Egypt which includes the address of their accommodation(s), intended arrival/exit dates, and proof of funds
• A valid payment method such as a credit or debit card, in order to pay the application processing fee

Once travelers have all of the required documents above, they are ready to apply for the Egyptian e-Visa for UK citizens.

How Do UK Citizens Apply for the Egyptian e-Visa?

It is very simple to apply for an Egyptian e-Visa for British citizens. You will need a device with internet access , such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desk computer to fill out and submit the online Egyptian e-Visa application form.

The application takes less than 15 minutes to complete and will ask for your basic information, contact details, and passport data . There is also a section that will ask about your intended plans in Egypt, including the address of your accommodation and intended date of arrival.

Before submitting the application, travelers are encouraged to go through the form and double check to make sure the information is accurate and spelled correctly. If there is a mistake on the application, Egyptian Immigration authorities may refuse to issue an e-Visa to the traveler or it may take longer to process.

British travelers applying with HandyVisas receive their Egyptian e-Visa within 4 business days , and often even sooner. We guarantee a 4-day turnaround — a faster service than the 7-day guarantee on the government site. It is advisable to apply in good time before traveling in case of unexpected delays.

Applicants who are traveling with children or other family members should note that each person must have their own visa . Parents and guardians may complete an application for the Egyptian visa online on behalf of their dependents.

How Will UK Citizens Receive their Egyptian e-Visa?

Once a UK citizen is approved for his or her Egyptian e-Visa, they can expect to receive an email with a copy of the visa attached . Please provide an address that you check frequently so that you do not miss the email.

After receiving the e-Visa for Egypt, print a copy to present on arrival.

The Egyptian e-Visa for United Kingdom citizens  allows travelers to stay in Egypt for 30 days .

Traveling to Egypt from the United Kingdom with the e-Visa

The single-entry e-Visa can be used to enter Egypt within 3 months from the date of issue. The multiple-entry option allows Brits to enter the country at any point within 6 months of issue.

The e-Visa is registered to the traveler’s UK passport . Because of this, travelers must enter Egypt on the same passport that they used on the application form.

If that passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise rendered invalid, you must apply for a new Egypt e-Visa for British nationals with your new passport.

British visitors who wish to stay in Egypt longer than 30 days can apply for an extension . It may be simpler to leave Egypt for a few days and apply online for a new e-Visa, rather than going all the way to the General Administration of Passports, Immigration, and Nationality to submit the paperwork.

Application Steps for Egypt

Egyptian embassy in the united kingdom.

There is an Egyptian Embassy in the United Kingdom, as well as a consulate. Both are open for those UK citizens needing documents to visit Egypt.

However, for most citizens of the United Kingdom, an in-person visit is not necessary, thanks to the eVisa option. This can be done from anywhere.

Below, the addresses for the Egyptian Embassy and Consulate in the UK can be found if needed for more complex matters:

Country policy

Familiarize yourself with the visa policy for Egypt and discover Egyptian visa requirements for your nationality.

Travel to Egypt from the United Kingdom

When choosing a route to travel from the United Kingdom to Egypt, British citizens have many options, being able to leave from Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and of course London (among others). Possible destinations include Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, and Sharm El-Sheikh

Since there are approximately 2,600 miles (4,200 km) between the UK and Egypt, nationals from the United Kingdom can expect these direct flights to last around 5 hours and 30 minutes.

British Tourism in Egypt

The UK is one of the main sources of tourists for Egypt, which places British travelers as a priority for Egyptian authorities when it comes to tourism, leisure, and international arrivals.

In recent years, Egypt has expanded its tourism offering to cover the new needs and interests of visitors from the United Kingdom by adding adventure tourism activities, cultural tours, and beach locations to its leisure packages.

The following table shows the number of non-resident arrivals from the UK for the given years as registered by the UNWTO:

Arrivals from the United Kingdom

This content has been reviewed by

Sherin Sherif – Alzayat Law Firm

Expert in international legal situations.

Sherin Sherif of Alzayat Law Firm is an expert in international legal situations. Alzayat has been a leading international law firm for 20 years. Based in Egypt and working with Swiss standards, Alzayat provides various legal services to both corporations and individuals.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ for British Citizens Visiting Egypt

Do british citizens need a visa to enter egypt.

Yes, those British citizens do need a visa to enter Egypt. An on-arrival visa exists, but the easiest option tends to be the eVisa which can be obtained before traveling

How much is a visa for Egypt from the UK?

There is not a single price for a visa to enter Egypt from the UK, this price fluctuates depending on how many entries are needed and other institutional factors. Enter our Egypt visa application form in order to consult prices for the option you require.

How long is an Egyptian visa for British citizens valid for?

Egyptian visas for British citizens are valid for entry to Egypt for 3 months (single-entry e-Visas) or 6 months (multiple-entry e-Visas) from the date of issue. They can be used to stay in the country for up to 30 days at a time. British visitors in Egypt are advised against overstaying the allotted time for the visa they have.

Does a visa guarantee entry to Egypt for British visitors?

No, as with any country, border control officers have the final say on who can enter Egypt. However, almost all visa holders will be allowed to pass through, and it is impossible for British citizens to enter Egypt without a visa. If a visa holder is denied entry, it is likely due to a security issue.

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Disclaimer Handyvisas.com is not owned by, or affiliated with any government agency. We are a private, online agency that provides assistance in submitting applications for tourist visits to different countries around the world. Applications can also be made directly through government websites.

Do you need a visa for Egypt? 

The short answer is yes; foreign nationals from most countries - bar 10 - must obtain a visa before travelling to Egypt. For most nationalities, organising a visa for Egypt  can be done on arrival at Cairo International Airport or online via the Egyptian government's official e-visa portal. This includes citizens of Australia , New Zealand , the EU and the USA *. If you're not eligible to apply for a visa online, you'll need to do so through your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate. 

A single entry visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month of travel in Egypt. If you're from a country that doesn't require a visa before travel, such as Bahrain, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon, you can stay in Egypt for up to 3 months. 

*As of September 3rd, Canadians can no longer apply for a visa on arrival and will have to obtain an e-visa before travelling. 

If you wish to obtain your visa on arrival at Cairo Airport:

• Purchase the visa at an approved bank kiosk within the arrivals hall before proceeding to the immigration counters.
• You will be given a stamp to put on your passport.
• Proceed to the immigration counters and a passport control official. Here, you must present your stamped passport with at least six months validity after arrival, a travel itinerary and documentation outlining accommodation and tour bookings.

Visas on arrival can be purchased in US dollars, British pounds or euros, and only in cash. Currently, the cost for a single entry tourist visa is equivalent to AUD$38 (USD$25).

• Go to  visa2egypt.gov.eg . This is Egypt's only official government e-visa portal; however, other websites falsely claim to provide this service, sometimes at double the price. 
• Follow the prompts to sign up, sign in, apply, and pay online. Please note that Egypt e-visas can only be paid for in US dollars or euros. Egyptian pounds are not accepted as a form of payment for e-visas.
• After your visa application has been processed, you will receive an email updating you on the status of your application.
• If successful, you will be emailed a link to download your e-visa to present on arrival in Egypt. Passport control officers at Egyptian ports of entry will verify your e-visa on their system.

If you are eligible for an Egypt e-visa, you must create an application at least seven days before arrival. Currently, the cost for a single-entry tourist e-visa is equivalent to AUD$38 (USD $25). On arrival in Egypt, you must present a printout of your e-visa, along with a passport of at least six months validity after your arrival date, a travel itinerary, and documentation outlining accommodation and tour bookings.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 14/06/2023

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• Birth Certificate
• Death Certificate
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• Dual Citizenship ( retain or not retain Egyptian citizenship)
• Obtaining Egyptian Citizenship
• Exemption from Military Service
• Authentication/ endorsement of British / Foreign Marriage
• Travel Document
• Applying for Egyptian Travel Document for Palestinian Refugees
• Rectifying Civil Registry Certificates
• Renewing National ID
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Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Everyone needs a visa in order to travel to Egypt, irrespective of nationality, age or purpose of travel

Can I get the visa on arrival?

Nationals of the following countries have the option to obtain a visa on arrival:

• New Zealand
• Republic of Korea
• Russian Federation

How much does the visa cost on arrival?

Visa fee payable on arrival is 25 US dollars or equivalent in Egyptian pounds.

I am travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, do I need a visa?

Nationals of UK, EU & USA travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Taba, Dahab and Nuweiba for up to 14 days stay, are visa exempt. However, please note that only these resorts are visa exempt, so if travelling elsewhere in Egypt the usual visa requirements will apply.

How can I obtain a tourist visa beforehand? How long does it take?

Do i need clearance prior to applying for a visa how can i get it.

Travel Document holders as well as nationals of the following countries: Iran, Tunisia, Somalia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Djibouti, Mauritania, Comoros, Burundi, Rwanda, Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, Chad, Israel, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Moldova, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, need to apply for clearance from the authorities in Cairo (via the Egyptian Consulate), as a preliminary stage to their visa application.

To apply for clearance, kindly apply via the Consulate with 1 photocopy of your travel document or passport, 1 photograph with a white background and 2 visa application forms duly completed and signed, with visa fee. This process may take from 2-6 weeks.

I am from China, how can I apply for a visa?

Apart from the usual visa requirements, Chinese nationals must also supply a Letter from their Employer or their University, as well as return tickets.

I am from South Africa; can I apply for a visa on arrival?

South African nationals must apply for their visa prior to travelling to Egypt, either in person (2 working days), or by post (5 working days). South Africans are exempt from paying the visa fee.

I am from Malaysia do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Malaysian nationals can stay in Egypt for up to two weeks without a visa. If the stay exceeds 2 weeks, the usual visa requirements apply.

I did not find anything about my nationality on the website, how can I apply for a visa?

Please read carefully all information provided, paying special attention when mentioned “all other nationalities, other than the ones listed” as you may fall under this category and there may be information relevant to you.

I would like to apply for residency and a work permit. Can I apply at the Consulate?

Resident permits can only be applied for in Cairo, Mogama’a El Tahrir, El Tahrir Square, Immigration Department, Ministry of Interior.

Work permits can only be applied for in Egypt, by approaching the local authorities under jurisdiction of the Ministry of Labour, together with representatives of your Employer.

My passport is valid for less than 6 months can I apply for a visa?

All passports must be at least 6 months valid before expiry date.

What is a multiple-entry visa?

A multiple-entry visa can only be applied for prior to travelling and valid for the applicant the right to a maximum 90 days stay in Egypt, 6 months, during which the applicant can enter Egypt more than once.

Can I get a visa the same day I apply?

Please allow 2 working days for processing, if applying in person.

Transit visa

No transit visa is required if you do not leave the international area at the airport, whilst you are waiting between two flights. However, if you do intend to leave the airport and enter Egypt on a stopover before catching your connecting flight, then you must have a tourist visa or a business visa depending on the purpose of your visit.

Can someone else apply on my behalf?

Yes, however, each applicant must complete and sign his/her own application form.

I am travelling with my family/friends, can one of us apply for all applicants?

Yes, however, each applicant must complete and sign his/her own application form. In case of underage children, the legal guardian or parent can sign on their behalf.

Can someone else collect my passport on my behalf?

Yes, however, this person must carry an authorization letter from the applicant, as well as provide the ticket showing a tracking number which was given to the applicant. This person will also be required to identify himself/herself with an ID card / passport and sign in order to acknowledge receipt of the applicant’s passport.

Do I need to send my passport, if applying by post?

Yes, a visa sticker will be affixed to one of your passport pages. At least one whole blank page is required.

Can I apply for a visa to be valid from the start date of my travel?

No, our automated visa system at the Consulate, validates the visa automatically, set at the date of issue, and cannot be altered. Visas are valid for 6 months.

Do I need more than one visa to go to different cities in Egypt?

No, you require just one visa entry or multiple whether it be single.

Can I get a business visa on arrival?

Business visas must be applied for prior to travelling to Egypt. Apart from the usual visa requirements, kindly supply an official letter with regard to your business visit to Egypt.

I want to work in Egypt for 1 year. Can you grant me a work visa for this period?

As work permits can only be issued in Egypt, please apply for a multiple-entry business visa, which will entitle you to a maximum of 90 days stay in Egypt and 6 month visa validity. Thus, whilst being in Egypt, you will be able to approach the local authorities under jurisdiction of the Labour Ministry, together with representatives of your employer and apply for your work permit.

I need to take some medication during my visit to Egypt, what shall I do?

An official letter from your GP is required, specifying that the medication you are taking to Egypt is for your personal use only, the quantity you will be carrying and details of your condition. Please note that any medication  containing Methadone is NOT permitted into Egypt . For further details please contact the Egyptian Medical Office in London.

Can I take my pets with me? What are the required documents?

• An Official Export Health Certificate from your Vet and legalised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and then legalised at our Consulate office.
• Passport & Proof of Vaccinations for rabies, blood test (to show rabies antibodies, please ask your Vet when to administer the test. Please contact DEFRA (tel: 01228403600) and your Vet for advice.
• Legalise the above Certificate at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (Norfolk House (West), 237 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 2AH Tel: 01908 295 111/Fax: 01908 295 122.
• Send all documents to our Consulate together with a postal order in respect of our fee (GBP20) and include a self-addressed pre-paid return envelope so we can post it back to you when it is ready. If you choose to bring it in person, please pay our fee in cash and the legalisation can be done the same day.

How much money can I take with me to Egypt?

There is a limit of L.E. 5,000 and $10,000 or equivalent GBP on the amount of cash allowed to be carried in or out of Egypt.

I want to invite my Egyptian friend to come to the UK, how do I go about it?

You must contact the British Embassy in Cairo on Tel.: (002) (02) 27916000 or by email: [email protected], as only the British government can advise on how to enter Britain.

• Skilled Worker Visa (Formally Tier T2 general)
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 Everything you need to know about Egypt Visa

Visa Exemption

If you hold a British passport and travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts, you can avail visa exemption for a stay of up to 15 days.

You shall get a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. However, if you need to visit other areas apart from the ones mentioned above or your stay exceeds 15 days, you require a visa.

Again, if you have entered any of the South Sinai Red Sea resorts without a visa and your itinerary changes, you can obtain a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport.

Visa on Arrival

British nationals can also buy a visa on arrival at any of the international airports, after payment of a fee of $25, payable in Sterling, US Dollars or Euros. The payment can be done at approved bank kiosks located inside the airport arrival halls, prior to reaching immigration counters.

These visas offer a maximum validity of 30 days.

If you are planning to stay in Egypt for more than 30 days or entering for business or work-related purposes, you should get a visa before you travel.

As per our recommendation, you should get a visa prior to your plans because at times, you may have to face long waiting queues before immigration counters. Also, it’s better to come prepared so as to avoid any unforeseen complications.

Tourist E-Visa

One of the easiest methods to get entry into Egypt for tourism purposes is to apply for an e-visa. These visas are available in single entry and multiple entry types. Each visa comes with a maximum validity of 3 months and allows you a stay up to 1 month.

All applicants are required to submit a scanned copy of their passport. The entire process is electronic and you do not need to submit or mail any documents. Just make the visa fee payment online and your evisa is sent to your registered email address.

After you arrive at the airport, present the following documents at the immigration counter:

• A passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Egypt and a minimum of two blank pages
• A printout of your e-visa
• Travel itinerary
• An invitation letter if you are visiting family and relatives
• Hotel bookings and details about the places you are planning to visit

Once the immigration official verifies your documents, he will stamp the visa on your passport.

Regular Tourist Visa

Now, if you wish to avoid any hassle at all in the airport and wish to reach your destination as soon as possible, you can also apply for a regular tourist visa via the Egyptian Embassy in London.

It is available in single and multiple entry types, each with a validity of 6 months, and allowing a maximum stay of up to 3 months per visit

For this, you will need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival and a minimum of two blank pages
• Two recent, colored, passport-size (45 mm x 35 mm) photographs, against a white background. These should be attached to your application form and must have your name at the back.
• A completely filled and signed application form. You can download it here. You may also get it from the Egyptian Embassy.
• The required visa fees.
• A copy of your round trip tickets or confirmed itinerary.

Note: If you are a traveler with Egyptian roots or are the spouse of an Egyptian national, you can get a free, multiple entry visa if you provide official proof such as an Egyptian ID or a Marriage Certificate.

For minors with their own passport, they do need a visa stamped on the passport. If aged below 16 and he/she applies without an adult, then a letter from the parent or legal guardian is required.

Regular Business Visa

A business visa is required if you are planning to enter Egypt for carrying out business related activities, without seeking employment.

It is available in single entry and multiple entry types. Both the visas are valid for 6 months. A single entry visa allows a maximum stay period of 60 days and a multiple entry visa allows up to 90 days.

• An invitation letter that is issued by the concerned organization or inviting company in Egypt.
• An employment letter from your employer in the UK employer. It should confirm your employment with the company and should be on a company letterhead paper, including your name, explanation of the purpose of journey, expected return date. It must be typed and signed in original by your supervisor or HR department.

Visa Extension

If you enter Egypt and for some reason, you need to extend your stay in the country, you can apply for a visa extension at any of the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices.

It is important that you extend your visa if it has expired; or else you may face difficulties when exiting Egypt with an out of date visa.

Note that if the expiry period has exceeded the limit of 14 days, you may be able to leave the nation, but only after paying a fine.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are recognized by the Egyptian government, only for exit purposes. You cannot use an ETD for entering or transiting the country.

In order to obtain an ETD, you need to go to an Egyptian Passport and Immigration Office and complete all the documentation requirements for leaving the borders.

You may receive assistance at passport offices outside of Cairo, but you need to complete all the formalities at National HQ in the Immigration Office Mogammaa El Tahrir, Tahrir Square, Down Town, Cairo.

 The entire process can take up to five business days. Hence, if you need to change any travel plans, make the alterations accordingly.

Medical Requirements

When you apply for an Egyptian work permit, you need to present evidence of testing for HIV.

As for other medications, do note that some common over the counter drugs are considered to fall in the category of controlled substances in Egypt.

In these cases, you cannot carry such medicines without obtaining prior permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health. If you fail to adhere to these regulations, you may even be prosecuted by law.

Again, if your luggage has prescription medication, please remember to accompany it with a credible medical certificate, which states that the drugs have been prescribed for your ailment. 

The prescription should be in the form of an official letter from your GP, that should explain all the details of your illness, specify the quantity of medication that you will have with you, and state that you will be using it only for personal purposes.

As for yellow fever certification, any traveller above the age of nine months is required to carry one if he/she is arriving from or transiting for more than 12 hours from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

If you don’t hold the certificate, you shall be detained in quarantine for up to 6 days. A yellow fever certificate comes with a lifetime validity and can be used even if its more than 10 years since you had your last vaccine.

 It also nullifies the requirement of any boosters or revaccination.

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Travel Advisory July 13, 2023

Egypt - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Egypt due to  terrorism . Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to  the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.

Do not travel to:

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to  terrorism .
• The Western Desert due to  terrorism .
• Egyptian border areas due to  military zones .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities. Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.

The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Egypt.

If you decide to travel to Egypt:  

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)   to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on   Facebook   and   Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report   for Egypt.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest   Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the   Traveler’s Checklist .

Sinai Peninsula – Level 4: Do Not Travel The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy cairo.

Consular Section 5 Tawfik Diab Street Garden City, Cairo Egypt Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300 Fax: +(20) 2-2797-2472 Email:   [email protected] Facebook

The American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit uses an  online appointment system  for those coming to the Embassy to receive routine consular services Sunday through Wednesday, except for official holidays (U.S. and Egyptian). U.S. citizens with non-emergency inquiries may send an email to the ACS Unit at  [email protected] .

For emergencies during and after business hours, including on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the ACS Unit via the Embassy switchboard at 02-2797-3300. The mailing address from the United States is: Consular Section, Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900. Within Egypt or from a third country, it is 8 Kamal el-Din Salah Street, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt. Express mail services also use the physical address.

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Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Passport and Visas:

• U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt.
• U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for a 25 USD fee. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD.
• The Government of Egypt has created a website for the issuance of “ e-visas .” There are other websites purporting to offer electronic visas, some of which reportedly charge double the official price, but this is the only official Government of Egypt portal for this service. U.S. citizens and the citizens of 44 other countries are eligible to apply through this means in advance of their travel.
• Egyptian immigration officials occasionally have denied entry to travelers without explanation. 
• U.S. citizens who have experienced difficulty with their visa status in Egypt or are concerned about their eligibility for a visa upon arrival should apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate prior to travel, but a visa obtained prior to entry does not guarantee admission to Egypt.
• Visas for gainful employment or study in Egypt must be obtained prior to travel.

Entry from Israel:

• U.S. citizens arriving from Israel at the Taba border crossing should obtain a visa ahead of time.
• If travelers do not obtain a visa prior to arrival, they may either apply for a no-fee, 14-day visa that is only valid for travel within the Sinai Peninsula, or they may obtain a 30-day tourist visa valid for travel throughout Egypt for 25 USD.
• The 30-day visa requires the submission of a travel agency support letter that may be obtained from travel agents at the border; their fees for providing this service vary.
• The Government of Egypt opens this border on an infrequent and unpredictable basis.
• Travel groups and/or humanitarian aid convoys that wish to cross at Rafah would need to contact the  Egyptian Embassy  in Washington for permission prior to travel.
• The Egyptian government screens travelers before allowing entry/exit through the Rafah border crossing with Gaza.
• The U.S. government advises its citizens to avoid travel to Gaza; the U.S. Embassy does not issue travel letters or provide any assistance in crossing to and from Gaza.
• Travelers to Gaza from Egypt should read the  Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza and are reminded the Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) attacks on security forces and civilians.

Diplomatic and Official Passports:

• Diplomatic and Official passport holders, when entering Egypt for official business, are required to have visas  before arrival in Egypt.
• Diplomatic or Official passport holders must not use these passports to enter Egypt for unofficial travel, and should use their personal passports, following all appropriate regulations.
• Travelers attempting to enter Egypt with diplomatic or official passports who do not have visas will be denied entry and required to remain in the airport transit area, at their own expense, until their immediate departure from Egypt can be arranged.
• The U.S. Embassy in Cairo is unable to intervene in such situations. Military personnel arriving on commercial flights are not exempt from passport and visa requirements.
• The  Egyptian Embassy  in Washington currently requires at least three weeks, and sometimes much longer, to process official and diplomatic visa requests, an expedite letter from the Department of State notwithstanding.
• It is incumbent upon all official travelers to submit their visa requests and passports to the Egyptian Embassy well in advance of travel.

Work Permits:

• U.S. citizens who wish to come to Egypt for work must obtain work permits and work/business visas before arrival.
• All work permits must be obtained through the employer. These permits may be acquired from the Ministry of Manpower and Migration offices in the district of the employer; accordingly, these permits authorize residency in the country.
• U.S. citizens who arrive as tourists but want to change their status after arrival in country may acquire a three-month tourist/non-working residency visa to allow sufficient time to change their status from tourist to worker.
• U.S. citizens in Egypt on tourist visas are not permitted to work. 

For additional information on entering Egypt, please contact the nearest  Egyptian Embassy  or Consulate.

Medical Requirements:

• U.S. citizens arriving from an area that has been infected with yellow fever will need to provide proof of immunizations.
• Please verify this information with the  Egyptian Embassy  before you travel. 

Exit Requirements:

• U.S. citizen women married to Egyptians do not need their spouse's permission to depart Egypt as long as they have a valid Egyptian visa or valid Egyptian passport.
• A U.S. citizen departing Egypt with a dual-national child (U.S.-Egyptian) may be required by Egyptian immigration officers at the airport to demonstrate that they have proof of consent of the non-traveling Egyptian parent.
• If travelers attempt to depart Egypt after the expiration of their visa, they may be required to pay a fine at the airport. Travelers should ensure that they arrive to the airport early with sufficient Egyptian currency to pay any fines.
• The U.S. Embassy does not issue travel letters to exit Egypt.

Dual Nationals:

• If a dual national has the annotation “Egyptian origin” on their entry visa, they will require proof of Egyptian citizenship in order to exit Egypt. 
• This is also true for dual nationals who remain in Egypt for more than six months.
• In some cases, if a dual national loses their U.S. passport, they will be required to present their parents’ Egyptian birth certificates and be documented as Egyptian citizens in order to obtain a temporary/replacement entry stamp to facilitate their travel out of Egypt.
• Male U.S. citizens who also hold Egyptian nationality, between 18-40 years old, who have stayed in Egypt more than 180 days, are required to finalize their Egyptian military status before departure, or risk being refused departure from Egypt by Egyptian Immigration officials. The U.S. Embassy is unable to intervene in these situations. For more information see: https://tagned.mod.gov.eg/ .

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

The Department of State Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert. Travel to the Libyan and Sudanese borders is also not recommended. U.S. citizens in Egypt should maintain a high level of vigilance throughout the country due to the threat of terrorism.

Between December 2018 and May 2019, terrorist incidents in tourist areas in greater Cairo killed four tourists and wounded at least 18 others. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, resorts, and local government facilities. There is a possibility of terrorist attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. In August 2019, a car bomb explosion outside of a hospital in Cairo killed at least 20. Additionally, terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

The Egyptian government has attempted to address security concerns and has visibly augmented its security presence at tourist locations, but challenges persist, and the threat of terrorism remains. Police and military are also engaged in operations to combat terrorism and disrupt terrorist cells in the Sinai Peninsula and the Nile Valley.

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.

The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent terrorist attacks on security forces and civilians.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air).

• The Western Desert due to terrorism.
• Egyptian border areas other than official ports of entry.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Egypt’s borders are under military control; movement of non-military persons and vehicles is substantially restricted, and in some cases prohibited, within these areas. U.S. citizens should not travel in these border zones.

It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings.

U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments, avoid demonstrations, and be vigilant regarding their personal security at all times throughout the country. U.S. citizens should also carry identification and a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Egypt, and it is advisable to pre-program the U.S. Embassy’s telephone number (+20 2 2797-3300) and email address ( [email protected] ) into the device.

Travelers must obtain permission and a travel route from the Egyptian Military Intelligence and the Tourist Police Headquarters via a local or overseas travel agency to access Egypt's frontiers, including the borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and parts of the Sinai Peninsula off paved roads.

High concentrations of World War II-era unexploded landmines are located in the World War II battlefields along the Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria, the Eastern Desert between Cairo and the Suez Canal, and much of the Sinai Peninsula. Travelers are urged to be especially cautious in these areas.

Crime:  Crime levels in Cairo and Alexandria are moderate.

The vast majority of criminal acts against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. 

Harassment of women, including foreigners, remains a serious problem. Incidents of harassment range from lewd comments and gestures to indecent exposure and inappropriate physical contact.

Tourists should be alert to being overcharged for various services and for being victimized in scams common to tourist destinations worldwide. Tourists should expect to encounter aggressive vendors at Egypt’s shops in urban areas, as well as at the many temples and archaeological sites. Some will offer “free” gifts to tourists which, once accepted, lead to demands for money. Most sites have specially designated tourist police who can assist in uncomfortable situations.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Egypt. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:

• Romance/Online dating
• Money transfers

The U.S. Embassy receives frequent reports of online financial scams, often involving a fraudulent romantic partner requesting money for hospital bills or legal expenses to depart Egypt. Be skeptical about sending money to anyone known only through online contact.

Victims of Crime:

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 122 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(20) 2-2797-3300. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. The Embassy cannot intervene in legal disputes.

Failure to report crimes before leaving Egypt will make it impossible to seek prosecution at a later date. U.S. citizen tourists can forward their complaints for investigation to the Tourist Police Headquarters. For crimes involving children, you may call Egypt’s Child Emergency Help line by dialing 16000 . Egypt’s National Council for Women provides some assistance to women who are victims of domestic violence, or other complaints, at phone number 15115 or website: http://www.oo-ncw.org .  

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call the State Department in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department's travel website .
•  Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook . 
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and adventure facilities may not frequently occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are not always able to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: Travelers are subject to local laws. The Egyptian legal system is different from the legal system in the United States, with significantly different standards of evidence, due process, and rule of law. Travelers should be conscious of their behavior and how it may be interpreted by Egyptian authorities. If one  violate local laws, even unknowingly, one may be denied entry, expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

• Egyptian police and security forces do not require probable cause in order to stop, question, and detain individuals. Failure to carry proper identification, such as a passport, may result in detention and questioning.
• Suspects may be detained without charges or access to immediate legal counsel for months during the investigative stage of a criminal case.
• U.S. citizens have been detained for several days or more in non-criminal cases, including immigration violations.
• Local laws prohibit protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Even being in the vicinity of anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police or security forces, including demands to search personal electronic devices. U.S. citizens have been detained for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.
• Punishments often can be harsher in Egypt for comparable crimes than they are in the United States. Penalties for drug offenses can be particularly severe, including life in prison or the death penalty.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Dual U.S.-Egyptian Citizens : Egyptian law considers dual nationals to be Egyptian citizens and thus the Egyptian authorities do not automatically notify the U.S. Embassy when a dual national is detained, or provide information about their alleged crime. Family members, friends, and/or traveling companions may notify the ACS Unit at U.S. Embassy Cairo if the arrested U.S. citizen is unable to do so. U.S. citizenship does not provide protection from detention or arrest by Egyptian authorities and individuals detained may be subjected to prolonged interrogations and extended detention.  U.S. citizens arrested for any reason in Egypt may be deported, even if they are not convicted of a crime.  Detained U.S.-Egyptian citizens have been asked by the Government of Egypt to renounce their Egyptian citizenship as a condition of their deportation to the United States.

Consular officers must obtain authorization from Egyptian authorities to visit American detainees.

• Entering or exiting Egypt with more than $10,000 is prohibited. Attempting to enter or depart Egypt with any instruments of currency in the sum of more than $10,000 could result in the confiscation of the money over $10,000 and other penalties.

Importation of all types of drones, including small civilian drones used for personal or touristic purposes is strictly prohibited. Potential penalties for violating are harsh, and a recently passed law authorizes the death penalty for using a drone in support of terrorist activity.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Cultural Property:  Travelers should note that Egyptian law prohibits the unauthorized removal of antiquities (including historic coins, ceramics, and architectural elements) both from archaeological sites and other sources in Egypt. Egyptian law also forbids the intentional damaging of antiquities, such as inscribing or painting on them or attaching advertisements. The trade, sale, or export in antiquities is also heavily restricted and regulated. Travelers may be prosecuted if found to be looting or damaging archaeological sites, buying antiquities, or smuggling antiquities out of Egypt. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the  Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .

LGBTI Travelers: LGBTI individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination in Egypt. Egyptian law does not criminalize same-sex sexual activity, but LGBTI persons and advocacy groups have reported harassment, intimidation, arrests, and other forms of abuse, including by police. There are also reports that authorities have used social media, dating websites, and cell phone apps to entrap persons suspected of being gay or transgender in an act of “debauchery,” which is a criminal offense that carries sentences of up to 10 years. Police have confiscated rainbow flags and sometimes detained their owners. See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and sections 1c and 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

ACCESSIBILITY:  While in Egypt, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. Businesses and institutions in Egypt generally do not make special accommodations for persons with disabilities, and Egyptian authorities do not enforce laws mandating access to transportation, communication, and public buildings by persons with disabilities. Pedestrian sidewalks and walkways are limited, uneven, high, and sometimes used by cars and motorcycles.

Accommodations on public transportation are not offered for elderly individuals or persons with disabilities. Crosswalks are not in widespread use and motorists have the right of way. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution.

Students:  See the  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  Many women travel safely each year without incident. However, when it comes to health and security, women travelers are more likely to be affected by religious and cultural beliefs of the foreign countries they visit. The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when travelling alone.

Women, especially those traveling alone, should exercise particular care in crowds, on public transportation, in rural areas, and in isolated sections of temple and pyramid complexes. Women have been groped in taxis and while in public places.

The Embassy continues to receive reports of U.S. citizen women subject to domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and rape in Egypt.

Some Egyptian NGOs provide assistance to victimized women within the Egyptian community. Women victimized overseas may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocating back to the United States.

For further information see the travel tips for  Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Egypt, dial 123 .

Ambulance services are not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.

Insurance:  Travelers should make sure their health insurance plan covers them when outside of the United States.

• The U.S Embassy cannot pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare does not pay overseas.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services.
• The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation, since medical transport out of the country can be prohibitively expensive or logistically impossible. 
• See the webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

Medical Care:

Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Most Nile cruise boats do not have a ship's doctor, but some employ a medical practitioner. Hospital facilities in Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm el Sheikh are adequate, but they are inadequate at most other ports-of-call. The Egyptian ambulance service hotline is 123. Although availability of ambulances is improving, getting them through Cairo traffic can be very challenging.

Beaches on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are generally unpolluted. However, persons who swim in the Nile or its canals, walk barefoot in stagnant water, or drink untreated water are at risk of exposure to bacterial and other infections and the parasitic disease schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

It is generally safe to eat freshly prepared cooked food in hotels, on Nile cruise boats, and in mainstream restaurants. When selecting a restaurant, travelers should select a clean and reputable place, eat only freshly prepared, cooked foods, avoid all uncooked food including raw fruits and vegetables. Tap water in some locations is not potable. It is best to drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Well-known brands of bottled beverages are generally considered to be safe if the seal is intact.

Although the Embassy cannot provide medical advice or provide medical services to the public,  a list of hospitals and doctors in Egypt  can be found on the Embassy website.

Prescriptions:  Travelers should carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations:  Travelers should be up-to-date on all recommended  vaccinations , per CDC’s information. 

Further Health Information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Traffic Laws:  Although the enforcement of traffic laws generally is lax, foreigners are subject to extra scrutiny and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in arrest or detainment.

Road Conditions and Safety:  Driving in Egypt is extremely hazardous. Egypt has one of the highest occurrences of road fatalities per mile driven in the world. Intercity roads are generally in good condition, but unmarked surfaces, pedestrians, stray animals, sandstorms and fog, vehicles without lights, and disabled vehicles without reflectors are among the many hazards present on highways, especially after dark.

Driving Cairo’s busy maze of streets can be an extreme challenge to foreigners, especially those used to a culture of structured rules and regulations. Even residents of Cairo must use extreme care and situational awareness to navigate the capital’s hectic streets. Impatient drivers typically ignore traffic rules, which police seldom enforce. Most traffic lights in Cairo do not function; instead, police officers, using finger and hand movements to direct traffic, normally staff the main intersections.

Vehicle accidents remain a significant safety concern.

Visitors thinking about driving in Egypt should carefully consider other options, such as a taxi or hired driver. If visitors decide to drive, it is essential that they take the utmost precautions and drive defensively. Drivers should be prepared for unlit vehicles at night, few road markings, vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, vehicles traveling the wrong way on one-way streets, divided highways, and connecting ramps, pedestrians dodging in and out of traffic, and domesticated animals on the roadways. Motorists should be especially cautious during the rare winter rains, which can cause extremely slippery road surfaces and localized flooding; Egyptian drivers are not familiar with driving in wet conditions, making such periods particularly hazardous.

Pedestrians should also exercise extreme caution on high-volume/high-velocity streets, like Cairo’s Corniche, which follows the eastern bank of the Nile River, and Alexandria’s Corniche along the Mediterranean.

Public Transportation:  Public buses and microbuses are not safe, and Embassy personnel are prohibited from using them. Embassy personnel are also prohibited from traveling on Cairo’s metro system. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling by train, which is a particularly unsafe means of transportation, with regular accidents that sometimes involve mass casualties.

Embassy personnel are generally prohibited from traveling outside the greater Cairo and Alexandria areas by motor vehicle, with the exception of travel to beach resorts on the western side of the Red Sea and near Alexandria. Furthermore, Embassy policy prohibits personal travel via privately-owned vehicle to any part of the Sinai Peninsula or the Western Desert.

Please refer to our  Road Safety page  for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Egypt’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Egypt should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website . 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .

Egypt was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Egypt . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

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• UK Visa Application in Egypt

UK Visa Application Centre in Egypt

Welcome to TLScontact UK in Egypt . Please choose the Visa Application Centre where you would like to submit your application. This should be the same Visa Application Centre as your appointment.

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance

eVisa rollout begins with immigration documents replaced by 2025

Millions are being invited to switch from physical immigration documents to an eVisa – a key step in creating a modernised and digital border.

Photo: Getty Images

The next stage in the government’s plan to modernise the border and introduce a digital immigration system is under way, as the Home Office moves closer to the implementation of eVisas for nearly all visa holders living in the UK by 2025.

From today (17 April 2024), the Home Office will begin to send emails to all those with physical immigration documents, called biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account to access their eVisa, a digital proof of their immigration status.

Invitations will be issued in phases before the process opens to all BRP holders in summer 2024.

eVisas are central to making the UK safer by reducing the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents, strengthening border security, and providing a more secure way to prove immigration status. This will pave the way for increased automation to deliver the government’s vision for a contactless border.

It is free and straightforward for customers who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove customers’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.

Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, said:  

We’ve already taken really significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process.  Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost savings for UK taxpayers.

eVisas bring substantial benefits to the UK public and to visa customers. They are secure, and, unlike a physical document, cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. They can be accessed anywhere and in real time, putting customers in control of their own data and allowing them to swiftly update the Home Office with new contact or passport details.

An eVisa is securely linked with the holder’s unique biometric information in the same way as a BRP or BRC , to protect against identity fraud.

People checking immigration status will be able to conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK. Selected public bodies are already able to access immigration status to determine eligibility for public services automatically through system to system checks.

eVisas are tried and tested, with millions of customers already using them across routes including the EU Settlement Scheme ( EUSS ). Most physical documents, such as biometric residence permits or cards (BRPs or BRCs), are being gradually phased out, with most BRPs expiring at the end of 2024.

This move to eVisas is in line with other countries which have replaced, or are planning to replace, their physical immigration documents with digital forms of immigration status.

Customers who already have an eVisa do not need to do anything as we make this change, but should continue to update their UKVI account with any changes to personal information, such as a new passport or contact details. Customers should continue to carry their in-date physical immigration documents with them when they travel internationally, until they expire.

Physical immigration documents will be gradually phased out by 2025, as we transition to a fully digital border and immigration system for new and existing customers. This will deliver enhanced security and cost savings for the UK public and greater convenience for customers and status checkers. 

Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any passport on which they intend to travel using the online Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details service on GOV.UK, if this is not already linked to their account, to avoid delays when travelling.

As part of the wider transformation of the UK border and immigration system, the government has already introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation ( ETA ) scheme. ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK for those wanting to visit but who do not need a visa. It gives the government greater ability to screen travellers in advance of travel and prevent those who pose a threat from coming here.

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