Middle East and North Africa

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally require a visa. However, the Egyptian authorities state that "British nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts only, for up to 14 days, do not require a visa, they shall receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of the mentioned areas or overstay, you must obtain a visa." Visas can be obtained from an Egyptian Consulate outside Egypt or on arrival by payment in Sterling or USD, for stays of up to a month. If you have travelled to the Sinai peninsular, entering without a visa, and your plans change you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm El Sheikh airport to allow you to travel.  Applications for visa extensions should be made at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. Further information is available from the Egyptian Consulate and any enquiries should be directed to the Egyptian authorities.

 

A visa does not guarantee entry into Egypt.  The decision to allow or decline entry rests solely with the Egyptian immigration authorities and we cannot interfere in another country's immigration policy or procedures.  We will, however, do all we properly can to make contact within 24 hours of hearing of the detention of a British national to offer advice and contact relatives in the UK if requested.

 

You may have difficulties leaving Egypt with an out of date visa.  You will not normally be allowed to leave if the visa is out of date by more than 14 days. For visas and further information on entry requirements, check with the Egyptian Embassy in your country of residence: the Egyptian Embassy in London.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

 

Work permits

 

Evidence of an AIDS test is required if you are applying for a work permit.

 

Customs regulations

 

5,000 Egyptian pounds is the maximum amount of local currency you are allowed to bring in or take out of Egypt.  There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you may bring in, but sums that exceed USD 10,000 should be declared on arrival.  Egyptian currency should not be sent through the post.

 

Certain valuables such as electrical equipment, video camera etc must be declared on arrival.  Electrical items noted in passports must be produced on exit from the country.  Failure to do so will result in payment of high rates of customs duty.  It is advisable to contact the Egyptian embassy in your country of residence for specific information regarding customs requirements.