Most foreign visitors, including British citizens, need a visa or some other entry permission to visit Egypt. Whether you need a full visa depends on six things: your nationality, your passport type, the purpose of your trip, your destination in Egypt, how long you will stay, and where you enter the country.
For holders of a full British citizen passport, the short answer is yes, you normally need a visa. You can get one online as an e-Visa before you fly, buy one on arrival at approved airports, or apply through the Egyptian Consulate in London. The main exception is a short holiday to Sharm El-Sheikh and certain other South Sinai resorts. If you fly into Sharm El-Sheikh and stay only in those resorts for up to 15 days, you may receive a free entry permission stamp instead of a visa.
- British citizens usually need a visa for Egypt. Options are an e-Visa, a visa on arrival (US$30 cash at approved airports, according to GOV.UK), or a visa from the Egyptian Consulate.
- Sharm El-Sheikh is the exception. If you fly into Sharm El-Sheikh and stay only in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba for up to 15 days, you can get a free entry permission stamp instead.
- Hurghada, Cairo, Marsa Alam, and Luxor are not covered by that exception. The standard visa rules apply there, even for a 7-day holiday.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.
Do You Need a Visa for Egypt from the UK?
Yes. British passport holders normally need a visa to enter Egypt as tourists. According to the , British travellers can get a tourist visa in one of three ways:
- Online, before travel, as an Egypt e-Visa through the official . GOV.UK says tourist e-Visas are valid for up to 3 months.
- On arrival at an approved Egyptian airport. GOV.UK lists the fee as US$30, cash only, for a visa valid for up to 30 days. At Cairo International Airport, digital visas on arrival have been available since 1 August 2026 (see below).
- From the Egyptian Consulate General in London, in person or by post, through the .
These rules apply to British citizens travelling to Egypt. If you are an Egyptian national planning a trip to Britain, that is a different process; see our page on .
How long can a UK tourist stay in Egypt?
A standard tourist visa, whether from the e-Visa portal or on arrival, generally allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. If you want to stay longer, you can apply to extend your visa at an Egyptian Passport and Immigration Office while you are in the country. GOV.UK warns that you may be fined if your visa expired more than 14 days before you leave.
Important exceptions for British travellers
- Sharm El-Sheikh and South Sinai: a free entry permission stamp for stays of up to 15 days in named resorts (explained in full below).
- Non-tourist trips: work, study and residence need other permits. A tourist visa does not cover them.
- Other British nationality types: British Overseas Territories citizens, British Nationals (Overseas) and holders of other British passports should check their position with the Egyptian Consulate, because the published guidance is written for British citizens. If you are not sure which type of British nationality you hold, our guide to is a useful starting point.
Do You Need a Visa for Egypt for 7 Days?
For most nationalities, yes. A 7-day holiday to Egypt still needs a visa unless a specific exception applies. The length of your stay does not decide whether you need a visa. A short trip has the same visa requirement as a three-week trip. What matters is your nationality and where you are going.
For British travellers, here is how a typical 7-day holiday works:
| 7-day holiday (UK passport) | Visa needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | Yes | Standard visa rules apply on the Red Sea coast |
| Cairo | Yes | Standard visa rules apply |
| Marsa Alam | Yes | Standard visa rules apply |
| Luxor (or a Nile cruise) | Yes | Standard visa rules apply |
| Sharm El-Sheikh only | Usually no | A free entry permission stamp is available if you fly into Sharm El-Sheikh and stay only in the covered South Sinai resorts |
| Sharm El-Sheikh + day trip to Cairo or Luxor | Yes | Leaving the covered area means you need a full visa |
Do I need a visa for a 7 day holiday to Hurghada?
Yes. British citizens need a visa for a 7-day holiday in Hurghada. The free Sharm El-Sheikh entry stamp does not apply to Hurghada, so you need either an e-Visa arranged before you travel or a visa bought on arrival at Hurghada International Airport. A single-entry tourist visa covers a stay of up to 30 days, which is more than enough for a week-long holiday.
Do You Need a Visa for Hurghada, Egypt?
Yes. If you are travelling from the UK to Hurghada, you need a tourist visa. Hurghada is on the Red Sea mainland in the Red Sea Governorate, not in South Sinai, so the Sharm El-Sheikh exception does not apply.
You have two practical options:
- Egypt e-Visa: apply online before you travel and take a printed copy with you.
- Visa on arrival at Hurghada airport: buy a visa sticker from the official bank kiosk or desk before you reach passport control. GOV.UK states the fee is US$30, cash only.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive, with at least one blank page. A 7- or 14-night package holiday fits within the 30-day stay a standard tourist visa allows. For longer stays, plan to extend the visa in Egypt or apply in advance for the right visa type.
So, do you need a visa for Hurghada, Egypt, from the UK? Yes, every time, whatever the length of your holiday. The free South Sinai stamp is only for arrivals at Sharm El-Sheikh who stay in the covered resorts.
Do You Need a Visa for Sharm El-Sheikh?
British citizens can visit Sharm El-Sheikh without a full visa if they meet specific conditions. You do not automatically qualify just because your holiday is in Sharm El-Sheikh.
According to and the , British travellers can get a free entry permission stamp on arrival instead of a visa if they:
- arrive by air at Sharm El-Sheikh, and
- stay only in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, and
- stay no longer than 15 days.
This stamp is not a visa. It is a limited entry permission that only covers those South Sinai resorts.
What if you leave the permitted area or stay longer?
You need a full tourist visa if you plan to:
- take an excursion outside the covered resorts, such as a trip to Cairo, Giza, Luxor or the mainland,
- stay longer than 15 days, or
- continue your trip elsewhere in Egypt.
If any of these could happen, buy a visa on arrival at Sharm El-Sheikh airport or get an e-Visa before you fly. Some optional excursions sold in resorts go outside the permitted area, so check the itinerary before you book. Without a full visa, you may be refused at a checkpoint or have problems when you leave Egypt.
Does the Sharm El-Sheikh exception apply to Hurghada?
No. Hurghada, Marsa Alam, El Gouna, Soma Bay and Makadi Bay are on the Red Sea mainland, not in the South Sinai resort area. Even though they are beach resorts on the same sea, the standard visa rules apply.
Canada’s official advice describes a similar Sinai-only stamp for travellers entering at the Taba land border. If you arrive by land or sea, or hold a passport other than a British one, check the rules for your exact route rather than assuming the air-arrival rule applies.
Do You Need a Visa for Marsa Alam, Egypt?
Yes. British travellers need a tourist visa for Marsa Alam. Like Hurghada, Marsa Alam is on the mainland Red Sea coast, so the free South Sinai entry stamp available at Sharm El-Sheikh does not cover it.
Holidaymakers flying into Marsa Alam International Airport can use an e-Visa or buy a visa on arrival. Marsa Alam is a smaller airport, and several charter flights can land around the same time, so having an e-Visa already approved means one less queue on arrival.
Marsa Alam vs Sharm El-Sheikh: both are Red Sea diving and beach destinations, but only arrivals at Sharm El-Sheikh who stay in the named South Sinai resorts for up to 15 days can use the free entry stamp. A Marsa Alam holiday always needs a visa for British travellers.
Do You Need a Visa for Cairo, Egypt?
Yes. Tourists visiting Cairo need a visa if their nationality requires one, and that includes British citizens. The South Sinai exception does not apply to Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza or anywhere else outside the named resorts.
Cairo International Airport now has an extra option. GOV.UK says that, from 1 August 2026, travellers arriving at Cairo can get a digital visa on arrival at self-service machines or through the . It costs US$36, which includes a US$6 digital service fee, and is paid by card. Cash visas on arrival and e-Visas remain available.
If you are combining Cairo with a beach resort, such as Cairo plus Sharm El-Sheikh, get a full tourist visa. The Sinai stamp will not cover the Cairo part of your trip.
Do You Need a Visa for Luxor, Egypt?
Yes. A standard Egyptian tourist visa is needed for Luxor by British citizens and other nationalities who need a visa for Egypt. Luxor has no special visa-free arrangement.
Most UK visitors reach Luxor in one of three ways:
- a direct flight to Luxor International Airport, with an e-Visa or a visa on arrival,
- a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, which is covered by the same tourist visa, or
- an excursion from Hurghada or Marsa Alam, which is covered by the visa you entered with.
If you are staying in Sharm El-Sheikh on the free entry stamp, a trip to Luxor takes you outside the permitted area. You need a full visa for that trip.
Do You Need a Tourist Visa for Egypt?
Most visitors need a tourist visa for Egypt, and there are three ways to get one: an e-Visa online, a visa on arrival at an approved airport, or a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
| Option | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt e-Visa | An electronic visa approved online before travel | Travellers who want everything sorted before they leave |
| Visa on arrival | A visa bought at the airport before passport control | Eligible nationals who are happy to pay on arrival |
| Consular visa | A visa issued by an Egyptian embassy or consulate | People who are not eligible for an e-Visa, or who want a multiple-entry visa issued in advance |
| Sinai entry permission stamp | Free permission, not a visa, limited to named South Sinai resorts | Eligible travellers flying into Sharm El-Sheikh for up to 15 days |
Single entry vs multiple entry: a single-entry visa lets you enter Egypt once. A multiple-entry visa lets you leave and come back during its validity, which is useful if you are visiting Jordan or Israel and then returning to Egypt. The Egyptian Consulate in London says its single-entry visas are valid for 6 months with a maximum stay of 30 days, and its multiple-entry visas allow up to 90 days in total within 6 months.
Egypt e-Visa
The Egypt e-Visa is an official electronic tourist visa that you apply for online before you travel, through the government portal at . It replaces queuing at the airport visa desk.
How to apply for an Egypt e-Visa
- Go to the official e-Visa portal and create an account.
- Choose the visa type (single entry or multiple entry).
- Enter your personal details, passport details and travel dates.
- Upload a scan of your passport photo page.
- Pay the fee by debit or credit card.
- Wait for the approval email, then print the e-Visa and take it with your passport.
When should you apply?
Apply at least 7 days before you travel. Approval often comes faster, but leaving time protects you if there are delays or the application needs correcting. Do not book non-refundable travel on the assumption that you will be approved the same day.
Watch out for unofficial websites
Many commercial websites offer to apply for an Egypt e-Visa for you and charge a large service fee on top. The official portal is visa2egypt.gov.eg. Check the address carefully before entering passport or card details.
Why choose an e-Visa?
- Your visa is approved before you leave the UK.
- You do not need US dollars in cash.
- It can save time on arrival, especially at busy airports during school holidays.
- A multiple-entry option is available.
The e-Visa portal is open to many nationalities, but not all. If your nationality is not listed, apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Egypt Visa on Arrival
A visa on arrival is a tourist visa bought at an approved Egyptian airport before passport control. British citizens and many other nationalities can use it.
How much is an Egypt visa on arrival?
GOV.UK states that a standard visa on arrival costs US$30, paid in cash. It is valid for up to 30 days. At Cairo International Airport, a digital visa on arrival introduced on 1 August 2026 costs US$36 (including a US$6 digital service fee) and is paid by card at self-service machines or online.
The cash fee rose from US$25 to US$30 in early 2026, so older guides quoting US$25 are out of date.
Practical tips
- Carry clean US dollar notes. The standard visa on arrival is paid in cash, and dollars are the safest choice. Bring the exact amount if you can.
- Buy the visa before passport control. At most airports you buy a visa sticker from an official bank desk, then show it to the immigration officer with your passport.
- Expect queues when several flights land together, which is common at Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh and Marsa Alam in peak season.
- Ignore unofficial “helpers” who offer to sell visas or fast-track you. Use the official desks only.
Many travellers prefer an e-Visa because it removes the need for cash and confirms the visa before the trip. A visa on arrival is still a widely used and perfectly valid option for eligible nationals.
How Much Is an Egypt Visa?
An Egypt tourist visa costs about US$30 for a single entry, whether you buy it online or on arrival. A multiple-entry visa costs more. The figures below come from official sources. Where official sources differ, or a figure comes from a secondary source, the table says so.
| Visa / entry option | Who it may apply to | Cost | Validity / stay | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (cash) | British citizens and other eligible nationals | US$30, cash only (GOV.UK) | Up to 30 days | Approved Egyptian airports |
| Digital visa on arrival | Eligible arrivals at Cairo International Airport | US$36, including US$6 service fee, by card (GOV.UK) | Check at the time of purchase | Self-service machines at Cairo airport or visaonarrival.gov.eg |
| e-Visa, single entry | Nationalities eligible on the e-Visa portal | US$30 (reported on the official portal since 27 April 2026) | Valid up to 3 months; stay up to 30 days | visa2egypt.gov.eg |
| e-Visa, multiple entry | Nationalities eligible on the e-Visa portal | US$65 (reported on the official portal since 27 April 2026) | Valid 6 months; up to 30 days per stay | visa2egypt.gov.eg |
| Consular visa, single entry | Applicants in the UK | £33 (Egyptian Consulate, London) | Valid 6 months; maximum 30-day stay | |
| Consular visa, multiple entry | Applicants in the UK | £68 (Egyptian Consulate, London) | Up to 90 days in total within 6 months | |
| Sinai entry permission stamp | British and other eligible travellers flying into Sharm El-Sheikh | Free | Up to 15 days, only in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba | Issued on arrival at Sharm El-Sheikh |
The e-Visa portal charges in US dollars, so your bank may add a foreign transaction fee. Fees can change at short notice, so check the official portal on the day you apply.
Which Countries Are Visa-Free for Egypt?
Very few nationalities can visit Egypt without any visa or entry permission. Most tourists, including those from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada and Australia, need a visa or a visa-substitute permission. Visa-free access depends on your nationality, where you enter, where you go and how long you stay.
The arrangements fall into three groups:
- Nationality-based visa exemptions. Egypt has bilateral or regional arrangements with a limited number of countries. These change and are not published in one reliable English-language list, so check with the Egyptian embassy or consulate for your country.
- Destination-based permission. The free South Sinai entry stamp lets eligible travellers, including British citizens, visit Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba for up to 15 days without a full visa. This is limited permission, not unrestricted visa-free travel to Egypt.
- Visa on arrival and e-Visa nationalities. Many countries are not visa-free but can get a visa easily on arrival or online. This is not the same as visa-free entry.
If you are British, Egypt is not a visa-free country for you, apart from the South Sinai arrangement. For a wider view of where a British passport can go without a visa, see our article on .
Egypt Visa Requirements for Different Nationalities
Most Western passport holders need a visa for Egypt but can get one online or on arrival. Always confirm with your own government’s travel advice before booking, because rules can differ by nationality.
| Nationality | Visa usually required? | e-Visa available? | Visa on arrival? | Important exception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK (British citizen) | Yes | Yes | Yes, US$30 cash (US$36 digital at Cairo) | Free Sinai stamp for up to 15 days if you fly into Sharm El-Sheikh and stay in the named resorts |
| Canada | Yes | Yes, according to | Yes, 30-day visa, paid in US dollars cash | A 14-day Sinai-only stamp is available at the Taba land crossing |
| USA | Yes | Generally yes | Generally yes | A Sinai-only stamp is widely reported to be available; confirm with the US State Department |
| Australia | Yes | Generally yes | Generally yes | Check Smartraveller for current details |
| Ireland | Yes | Generally yes | Generally yes | Check the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs |
| South Africa | Yes | Check the portal; South Africa has not been consistently listed | Reported as available since 2022; confirm before travel | Confirm with the Egyptian Embassy in Pretoria |
Do you need a visa for Egypt from Canada? Yes. Canadians can use the e-Visa portal or buy a 30-day visa on arrival. Canada’s advice also says your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Egypt.
Do you need a visa for Egypt from the USA, Australia or Ireland? Yes. In each case a tourist visa is required. Travellers from these countries can generally choose between an e-Visa and a visa on arrival.
Do you need a visa for Egypt from South Africa? Yes. South African passport holders should confirm the current options with the Egyptian Embassy in South Africa before booking. Reports differ on whether South Africans can use the e-Visa portal.
Do You Need a Visa for Egypt on a Cruise?
It depends on your nationality, your ports of call and whether you leave the port area. There is no single rule that covers every cruise passenger.
What to consider:
- Red Sea and Mediterranean cruises that call at ports such as Alexandria, Port Said, Safaga or Sokhna often sell shore excursions to Cairo, Giza or Luxor. If you go ashore, you pass through Egyptian immigration.
- Cruise lines often handle visa or shore-pass arrangements for passengers on their organised excursions. They may collect passports and charge a fee to your onboard account. This varies by cruise line and itinerary.
- Going ashore independently rather than on the ship’s tour may mean you need your own visa. Check with the cruise line first.
- Multiple Egyptian ports on one voyage may mean you need a multiple-entry visa, depending on how the cruise line has arranged it.
- Nile cruises (Luxor to Aswan) are domestic trips. You are already in Egypt, so the visa you arrived with covers them.
Check the cruise line’s own pre-departure instructions and the official Egyptian requirements for your nationality. If they seem to conflict, ask the cruise line in writing.
Do You Need a Transit Visa for Egypt?
If you stay airside at Cairo airport and catch your connecting flight without passing through immigration, you do not normally need an Egyptian visa. Once you pass through passport control, you need the right entry permission for your nationality.
| Transit situation | Likely position |
|---|---|
| Staying airside, same airport, through-ticketed | No visa normally needed, but check with your airline |
| Collecting bags and checking in again (separate tickets) | You must pass through immigration, so you need a visa |
| Changing airports | You need a visa |
| Leaving the airport during a long layover or overnight stay | You need a visa |
| Overnight connection in an airport hotel landside | You need a visa |
Transit rules can vary by nationality, and some passengers may need specific transit arrangements. Ask your airline before you fly, especially if you are on separate tickets, because missed connections on separate bookings can force you to go landside.
Do You Need a Visa for Egypt with TUI?
Booking with TUI or any other tour operator does not change Egypt’s visa rules. Your visa requirement depends on your passport, your destination in Egypt and your itinerary, not on who sold you the holiday.
In practice:
- A TUI holiday to Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Luxor still needs a visa for British travellers.
- A TUI holiday to Sharm El-Sheikh may qualify for the free Sinai stamp if you stay in the covered resorts for up to 15 days. A Cairo or Luxor excursion would mean you need a full visa.
- Package holiday prices do not normally include the Egyptian visa fee. Check your booking documents.
Tour operators often give helpful pre-travel guidance, such as reminders to carry US dollars. The authoritative sources are still GOV.UK and the Egyptian authorities.
Egypt Passport Requirements
For British travellers, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Egypt and must have at least one blank page. GOV.UK warns that you may be refused entry if these requirements are not met. Some other governments, such as Canada, measure the 6 months from your departure date, so check your own country’s advice if you are not British.
Other points to check before you travel:
- Damaged passports. A passport with water damage, a torn page or a detached cover can be refused by airlines or immigration. Replace it in good time; GOV.UK explains how to .
- Emergency travel documents. A UK emergency travel document is designed for getting home, not for starting a holiday. If you plan to enter Egypt on one, check with the Egyptian Consulate first.
- Dual nationals. GOV.UK advises British citizens to carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. If you also hold Egyptian nationality, Egyptian rules for its own nationals may apply. Check with the Egyptian Consulate before travel.
- Name consistency. Your e-Visa, booking and passport should show your name in exactly the same way.
If you are not sure which nationality rights you hold, see our guidance on .
Why Do You Need a Visa for Egypt?
Egypt, like most countries, decides which foreign nationals can enter, for how long and for what purpose. A visa is the formal permission to enter as a visitor. It lets the Egyptian authorities record who is arriving, charge an entry fee and set a time limit on your stay.
The free South Sinai stamp shows how Egypt balances border control with tourism. It makes short beach holidays in the Sinai resorts easier while keeping standard visa checks for travel elsewhere in the country.
When Do You Need a Visa for Egypt?
You need a visa for Egypt if any of the following applies to you:
- your nationality is not exempt from Egyptian visa requirements,
- you are visiting anywhere outside Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba,
- you will stay longer than 15 days, even if you are only visiting the South Sinai resorts,
- you are entering somewhere other than Sharm El-Sheikh airport and do not otherwise qualify for a Sinai-only stamp,
- you are going landside during a transit or layover, or
- your trip is for work, study or residence rather than tourism, in which case you need a different permit.
You may not need a full visa if: you are a British citizen flying into Sharm El-Sheikh, staying only in the named South Sinai resorts and leaving within 15 days. In that case you receive a free entry permission stamp instead.
Egypt Visa Decision Table for UK Travellers
| Traveller / trip | Visa requirement | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| UK traveller to Hurghada | Visa needed | e-Visa or visa on arrival; the Sinai exception does not apply |
| UK traveller to Sharm El-Sheikh | Free entry stamp possible | You must fly into Sharm El-Sheikh, stay only in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, and stay up to 15 days |
| UK traveller to Cairo | Visa needed | Cash visa on arrival, digital visa on arrival at Cairo (US$36) or e-Visa |
| UK traveller to Marsa Alam | Visa needed | Mainland Red Sea resort; standard rules apply |
| UK traveller to Luxor | Visa needed | Also needed for excursions to Luxor from Sharm El-Sheikh |
| 7-day Egypt holiday | Usually visa needed | Length of stay does not decide it; the destination and nationality do |
| Cruise passenger | It depends | Check your cruise line’s arrangements and whether you go ashore independently |
| Transit passenger | It depends | Airside transit normally needs no visa; going landside does |
Documents Checklist for Egypt
| Item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Passport valid for 6+ months from arrival, with a blank page | Entry requirement (GOV.UK) |
| Printed e-Visa, or US dollars in cash for a visa on arrival | Proof of visa or payment |
| Return or onward ticket | May be checked by the airline or immigration |
| Hotel booking or holiday confirmation | Useful evidence of your plans |
| Travel insurance details | Strongly recommended |
| Yellow fever certificate (only if arriving from a risk country) | Required in certain cases, according to GOV.UK |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a visa for Egypt from the UK?
Yes. British citizens normally need a visa for Egypt. You can get an e-Visa online, buy a visa on arrival at approved airports, or apply through the Egyptian Consulate in London. The exception is a stay of up to 15 days in the named South Sinai resorts after flying into Sharm El-Sheikh.
Do I need a visa for a 7 day holiday to Hurghada?
Yes. A 7-day holiday to Hurghada needs a tourist visa for British citizens. The free Sharm El-Sheikh entry stamp does not cover Hurghada.
Do you need a visa for Hurghada, Egypt, from the UK?
Yes. UK travellers to Hurghada need either an e-Visa arranged before travel or a visa bought on arrival at Hurghada airport.
Do you need a visa for Sharm El-Sheikh?
Not always. British travellers who fly into Sharm El-Sheikh and stay only in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba for up to 15 days can get a free entry permission stamp. Longer stays or trips outside those resorts need a full visa.
How much is an Egypt visa on arrival?
GOV.UK lists the standard visa on arrival at US$30, payable in cash. At Cairo International Airport, a digital visa on arrival introduced in August 2026 costs US$36, including a US$6 service fee, payable by card.
Can I get an Egypt visa on arrival?
Yes, if your nationality is eligible. British citizens can buy a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at approved Egyptian airports.
Can I apply for an Egypt e-Visa before travelling?
Yes. Eligible nationals, including British citizens, can apply on the official portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Apply at least 7 days before departure and print your approved e-Visa.
Do you need a visa for Cairo, Egypt?
Yes. The South Sinai exception does not apply to Cairo. British citizens need an e-Visa or a visa on arrival.
Do you need a visa for Marsa Alam, Egypt?
Yes. Marsa Alam is on the mainland Red Sea coast, so British travellers need a standard tourist visa.
Do you need a visa for Luxor, Egypt?
Yes. Luxor has no visa-free arrangement. British citizens need a tourist visa, including for day trips from Sharm El-Sheikh.
Do you need a visa for Egypt on a cruise?
It depends on your nationality, your ports and whether you go ashore. Cruise lines often arrange visas or shore passes for their own excursions, but independent sightseeing may need your own visa.
Do you need a transit visa for Egypt?
Not usually, if you stay airside and connect on the same ticket. If you pass through immigration, change airports or leave the airport, you need a visa.
Which countries are visa-free to Egypt?
Only a limited number of nationalities can enter Egypt without a visa. Most visitors, including those from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Ireland, need a visa, although many can get one online or on arrival.
Do UK citizens need a tourist visa for Egypt?
Yes, for most trips. The only common exception is the free entry stamp for short stays in the named South Sinai resorts.
Does a TUI holiday include an Egypt visa?
Package holidays do not normally include the Egyptian visa fee. Booking with TUI does not change the visa rules, which depend on your passport and destination. Check your booking documents.
How long can a tourist stay in Egypt?
A standard single-entry tourist visa allows up to 30 days. The free South Sinai stamp allows up to 15 days. Extensions can be requested at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices.
Conclusion
So, do you need a visa for Egypt? For most travellers, including British citizens, the answer is yes. Your nationality decides whether you need a visa and which options are open to you. Your destination decides whether an exception applies. Sharm El-Sheikh and the named South Sinai resorts are the only common route to entry without a full visa for UK holidaymakers, and only for stays of up to 15 days. Hurghada, Cairo, Marsa Alam and Luxor follow the standard rules, whatever the length of your stay.