Cairo

Passport validity requirements

To enter Egypt, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page.   

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa.

If you are arriving by air to Sharm El-Sheikh and staying for less than 15 days at resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you do not need a visa. You will get a free entry permission stamp on arrival at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport. If you plan to travel outside the resorts or stay more than 15 days, you must get a visa. You can get a visa at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport or online.

If you arrive in South Sinai by land through the Taba Border Crossing, see ‘Entering Egypt from Israel’.

Applying for a visa

You can apply for a visa:

• online – getting an e-visa in advance can help to prevent delays, tourist e-visas are valid for up to 3 months
• in person or by post – apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK
• on arrival in Egypt – approved airports have kiosks before you reach the immigration counters where you can buy a physical visa for 30 US dollars (cash only). Visas on arrival are valid for up to 30 days.

Starting from 1 August 2026, travellers arriving at Cairo International Airport can also purchase digital visas on arrival (card payment only) via self-service machines or the Visa on Arrival portal for 36 US dollars, including a 6 US dollar digital service fee.

British passport holders from British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies cannot apply online. 

Visa extensions

You can apply for a visa extension at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. If you try to leave Egypt on an expired visa, you may face difficulties, including a fine if your visa has expired by more than 14 days. Contact the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK for more information.

Visa agents in airports

You do not need to buy a visa from an agent. Agents often charge more than the required 30 US dollars. If an agent harasses you, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.

Gender expression

You may be denied entry if your gender expression or physical appearance does not match the sex marker in your passport or your passport photograph. See general advice for LGBT+ travellers

Entering Egypt from Israel 

If you plan to cross the border from Israel into Egypt at Taba, we recommend you bring at least 170 US dollars (cash) per person, with some extra US dollars in cash to cover any further expenses. Since early March 2026, border crossing charges at Taba have been subject to increases at short notice.

• If staying in Taba, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 20 US dollars. The border tax allows you to obtain an entry permission stamp for a stay of up to 15 days

• If travelling further than Taba, including to Sharm El-Sheikh, but remaining within the Sinai Peninsula, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 120 US dollars. The border tax allows you to obtain an entry permission stamp for a stay of up to 15 days

• If travelling beyond the Sinai Peninsula, including to fly from airports such as Cairo and Hurghada, travellers will need to pay a border tax of 120 US dollars and purchase a standard entry visa for 30 US dollars. At Taba, this entry visa also requires a “letter of guarantee”, provided by travel agents and costing around 20 US dollars. Both the visa and the “letter of guarantee” can be purchased at the Border Crossing

If travelling by car through the Taba Border Crossing, you may also be required to pay 100 US dollars, with additional charges for parking.

Please note that ATMs at the Taba Border Crossing are unreliable and frequently run out of cash. Travellers should obtain US dollars before travelling or in Eilat before arriving at the Crossing as all payments are required in cash. 

Border officials may ask travellers to remove hats, coats or other items of clothing, including religious clothing, as they pass through the Taba Border Crossing terminal.

Entering Egypt from Jordan 

Ferry services operate between Aqaba, Jordan and Taba Heights and Nuweiba in Egypt. Contact ferry operators directly for schedules and availability. Please check Travel Advice for Jordan for latest on exit requirements. 

If your stay in Sinai will exceed 15 days, or you are planning to travel in Egypt beyond the Sinai Peninsula, including to fly from mainland airports, for example Cairo or Hurghada, you will need an entry visa. If entering at Taba Heights, this costs 35 US dollars.  If entering at Nuweiba, this costs 30 US dollars. Visas can be purchased at the port terminals. Travellers should obtain USD in cash before travelling given payments are often required in cash.

Entering Egypt from Sudan 

The situation at the Egypt-Sudan border remains unclear. There are 2 main land border crossings, Qustul and Argeen. There is almost no infrastructure at these crossings, and it is no longer possible to obtain a visa on arrival at these locations. The Egyptian consulate is based in Wadi Halfa, 30km from the border, applications for Egyptian visas can be made here, but visa approvals can take upwards of 6 months. 

The British Embassy in Cairo does not have staff at the border and our ability to provide assistance is very limited. Travel in and from Sudan is at your own risk. See Sudan travel advice. 

If you are a British national and have crossed into Egypt from Sudan without valid documents, contact the British Embassy in Cairo for support.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Egypt, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Egypt guide.

HIV test for work permits

You will need to show HIV test results to apply for a work permit.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Egypt. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Contact the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK for more information about customs rules.

Taking money into or out of Egypt

You can bring up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt.

You must declare foreign currency worth more than 10,000 US dollars on arrival – there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring.

Electronic and communication devices

You should declare high value electronic devices and recording equipment when you arrive. Officials are likely to confiscate satellite phones or radio communications equipment unless you have prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Egypt. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Contact the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK for more information about customs rules.

Taking money into or out of Egypt

You can bring up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt.

You must declare foreign currency worth more than 10,000 US dollars on arrival – there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring.

Electronic and communication devices

You should declare high value electronic devices and recording equipment when you arrive. Officials are likely to confiscate satellite phones or radio communications equipment unless you have prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Emergency services in Egypt

Ambulance: 123

Fire: 180

Police: 122

Tourist police: 126

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Egypt
• dealing with a death in Egypt
• being arrested in Egypt
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Egypt on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where we advise against all but essential travel.

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate.

Northern part of South Sinai

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

Western Desert

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
• the Faiyum Governorate
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
• the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road
• the oasis town of Siwa
• the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
• the White Desert and Black Desert
• the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
• the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley:
  • the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
  • the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
  • the road between Kharga and Baris
  • the road between Baris and Luxor

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the region remains unpredictable. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. 

Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. On 29 July, an apparent drone strike and fire caused damage to two ships moored off Damietta, in northern Egypt.

Conflict in Israel and Palestine  

International borders in Israel and Palestine could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. Check with local authorities and read Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice before trying to cross.

Entering Egypt from Gaza     

The Rafah border crossing is currently closed. When re-opened, Israel, Egypt and the authorities in Gaza may determine procedures for who is permitted to cross and when.

If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, see Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice.  

Concern for friends and family

If you are concerned about friends or family, or need support from the UK government, call the British Embassy in Cairo.

Telephone: + 20 (0)2 2791 6000

If you have technical difficulties using this number, call +44 1767 667 600 (UK number). 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. Take care to respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Seek to avoid offence, especially during Ramadan or when you visit religious areas.

Religion

It is illegal to encourage people to convert to Christianity or any other religion.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country and you should check this before you travel. During this time, it is culturally insensitive to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. It is advisable not to play loud music, dance or swear in public. 

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. 

You should also: 

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants 

• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate non-fasting guests, for example with screens 

• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time 

• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk 

• be patient and show tolerance

Personal ID

Police check ID regularly and will ask to see your passport. They may detain you if you cannot show your ID and your visa (or a digital/paper copy).

Dress code

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets).

Behaviour in public

Couples showing physical affection in public is frowned upon. Holding hands is generally fine. Behaviour accepted in tourist resort areas may not be accepted elsewhere.

Alcohol laws

Drinking alcohol anywhere other than licensed restaurants, bars, or private homes or certain tourist resorts is illegal and can lead to arrest.

Illegal drugs penalties

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. People who get a life sentence on drugs charges normally spend the rest of their lives in prison with no chance of parole or a pardon.

Khat is illegal in Egypt.

Photography and filming restrictions

You must get a permit to enter Egypt with professional photography or film equipment. This includes photography umbrellas, artificial outdoor lighting gear and any equipment that occupies or blocks public roads.

It is illegal to take or share photos that could be considered damaging to the country’s image.

Ministry of Tourism regulations on photography say that you must get an Egyptian citizen’s written permission before you take their photo. Taking pictures of children is prohibited. Do not photograph officials without their consent.

It is illegal to take photos of, or near, military property. This includes the Suez Canal.

If you are in any doubt, get permission before taking photos. There are sensitivities about taking photographs of:

• embassies
• government buildings and infrastructure
• religious buildings

Drones

It is illegal to use radio-controlled helicopters or drones to take photos near sensitive sites.     

Do not import, use or produce drones in Egypt unless the Egyptian Ministry of Defence gives you permission beforehand. Anyone who uses or imports drones without permission could get a prison sentence of up to 7 years or a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 Egyptian pounds.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt. However, the Egyptian authorities have prosecuted LGBT+ people under ‘debauchery’ laws, including people flying rainbow flags at public events.

There is little public acceptance of same-sex relationships in Egypt. Same-sex couples showing affection in public are likely to receive negative attention.

Be cautious about sharing content or having discussions of a sexual nature on social media, especially about sexual acts that are considered illegal. Some travellers have been arrested and imprisoned for this.

You may be denied entry if your gender expression or physical appearance does not match the sex marker in your passport or your passport photograph.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Child custody law

Egyptian family law is very different from UK law, particularly around child custody. See International parental child abduction for information and how to get assistance.