Navigating the Sands of Time: Obtaining an Egypt Visa for Brazilian Citizens and Egypt Visa for British Citizens
Egypt, a land of unparalleled historical grandeur and captivating landscapes, draws millions of tourists annually.1 For individuals planning a visit, understanding the specific visa requirements based on their nationality is the first crucial step. This article will provide a detailed overview of the Egypt visa for Brazilian citizens and the Egypt visa for British citizens, highlighting their similarities and differences to ensure a smooth journey to the land of the Pharaohs.
Both Brazilian citizens and British citizens generally require a visa to enter Egypt for tourism purposes.2 However, the available methods for obtaining this visa, and certain nuances, can differ, making it essential to be well-informed before planning your trip.
Egypt Visa for British Citizens: Convenience and Multiple Options
British citizens benefit from a relatively straightforward process when it comes to acquiring an Egypt visa. They have several convenient options:
E-Visa (Recommended): The official Egyptian e-Visa portal (www.visa2egypt.gov.eg) is the most recommended and efficient method for British citizens. This online system allows applicants to:
Complete the application form digitally.
Upload scanned copies of their passport's bio-data page (passport must be valid for at least six months from the planned arrival date).
Pay the visa fee (currently $25 USD for a single entry and $60 USD for multiple entries for a tourist visa) securely online.3
Receive the approved e-Visa via email, typically within 5-7 business days.4 It's advisable to apply at least a week or two in advance.
Print the e-Visa and present it along with their passport upon arrival.The e-Visa offers both single-entry (valid for 30 days within a 90-day period) and multiple-entry (allowing 30 days per entry within a 180-day period) options, catering to different travel durations and plans.
Visa on Arrival: British citizens can also obtain a visa upon arrival at major Egyptian international airports (e.g., Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor).5
Upon arrival, travelers proceed to designated bank kiosks or visa counters before immigration.6
A visa sticker can be purchased for $25 USD (cash only; US dollars are preferred, though sometimes GBP or Euros are accepted at the prevailing exchange rate).7
The sticker is then affixed to a blank page in the passport, and an arrival card is completed.
Finally, the passport and arrival card are presented to an immigration officer for stamping.While convenient for spontaneous travel, this option can sometimes involve queues, especially during peak seasons.
Sharm El Sheikh Entry Permission (for specific resorts): A notable exception for British citizens is if they are visiting only the resort areas of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba for a maximum stay of 15 days.8 In this specific scenario, they receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival, and no prior visa or visa-on-arrival fee is required. However, if they plan to travel beyond these designated resort areas (e.g., to Cairo or Luxor) or stay longer than 15 days, a full tourist visa is necessary.
Egypt Visa for Brazilian Citizens: Streamlined Online Application
For Brazilian citizens, the primary and most convenient method for obtaining an Egypt visa for tourism is through the official e-Visa portal.9 While historically a traditional embassy application might have been the norm, the e-Visa system has significantly simplified the process.
E-Visa (Recommended): Similar to British citizens, Brazilian citizens can apply for their tourist visa entirely online via the official Egyptian e-Visa portal (www.visa2egypt.gov.eg).10
The application steps are identical: register an account, fill out the form, upload a scanned copy of a passport valid for at least six months beyond entry, and pay the fee (currently $25 USD for a single entry tourist e-Visa).
The approved e-Visa is sent via email, usually within 5-7 business days.11 It's crucial for Brazilian citizens to apply sufficiently in advance to account for processing times.
Print the e-Visa and present it upon arrival.
Visa on Arrival: Brazilian citizens are also eligible for a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports. The process is the same as for British citizens: purchase a visa sticker for $25 USD (cash only) at the bank kiosks before immigration, affix it to a blank passport page, complete the arrival card, and proceed to the immigration counter.
Key Similarities and Important Considerations for Both Nationalities:
Passport Validity: For both Brazilian citizens and British citizens, a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure from Egypt is a mandatory requirement, regardless of the visa acquisition method.12
Purpose of Visit: Both the e-Visa and visa-on-arrival options are primarily for tourism. For business, study, or work purposes, a different type of visa is required, which usually involves a more detailed application process through an Egyptian embassy or consulate in their respective countries.13
Proof of Onward Travel/Accommodation: While not always strictly enforced, it is advisable for both nationalities to have proof of onward or return flight tickets and confirmed accommodation bookings readily available, as immigration officials may request them.
Official Sources: Always rely on the official Egyptian e-Visa portal (www.visa2egypt.gov.eg) or the websites of the Egyptian Embassies in Brazil or the UK for the most accurate and up-to-date visa information. Be wary of third-party websites that may charge excessive fees or provide inaccurate information.
Currency for Visa on Arrival: If opting for visa on arrival, carrying the exact amount in US Dollars cash is highly recommended to avoid any complications.
In conclusion, both Brazilian citizens and British citizens have convenient avenues to obtain an Egypt visa for their travels. The advent of the e-Visa system has significantly simplified the process for both nationalities, allowing for pre-arranged travel authorization and a smoother entry into Egypt. By understanding these options and preparing the necessary documents, travelers from both Brazil and the UK can look forward to exploring the timeless wonders of Egypt with peace of mind.