Do Egyptian citizens need a TB test for a UK visa?

Yes. Egypt is on the Home Office list requiring TB screening. Get tested at an IOM-approved clinic in Cairo before applying.

Do Egyptian citizens need an English language test?

Yes. Egypt is not a majority English-speaking country. You must pass an approved SELT test.

How do I get an Egyptian police certificate?

Apply for a criminal record extract from the Egyptian Ministry of Interior or through a local police station. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. You will need your national ID and photographs.

How much does it cost to move to the UK from Egypt?

Budget approximately 300,000 to 700,000 EGP for the visa process including visa fee, IHS, English test, TB test, and translations.

Moving to the UK from Egypt: Guide 2026

Updated 1 March 20266 min read

What you need to know

•Egyptian nationals need a visa for all UK stays.
•TB test IS required; English language test IS required.
•Budget 300,000 to 700,000 EGP for the visa process.
•Healthcare and engineering are popular sectors for Egyptian workers.
•Egypt permits dual citizenship in most circumstances.

Egypt has a significant community in the UK, with Egyptians working across healthcare, engineering, academia, and hospitality. Egyptian nationals need a visa to enter the UK. This guide covers the main visa routes, document requirements including TB testing, and costs.

Preparing a UK visa application?

Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.

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Visa Routes for Egyptian Citizens

Skilled Worker visa. Requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary. Popular among Egyptian doctors, engineers, and IT professionals.
Student visa. Egyptian students are well represented at UK universities. See the student visa guide.
Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
Health and Care Worker visa. Popular among Egyptian doctors and nurses.

Document Requirements

Valid Egyptian passport.
TB test. Required. Get tested at the IOM clinic in Cairo.
English language test. Required. IELTS for UKVI available in Cairo, Alexandria, and other cities.
Police certificate. Criminal record extract from the Ministry of Interior.
Certified translation. Arabic documents must be translated into English.

Costs in Egyptian Pounds

Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately 110,000 to 230,000 EGP)
IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately 160,000 EGP)
English test: approximately 15,000 to 20,000 EGP
TB test: approximately 5,000 to 8,000 EGP

See our UK visa fees guide.

Preparing a UK visa application?

Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.

Get started

The Egyptian Community in the UK

The Egyptian community in the UK numbers approximately 30,000 to 50,000, concentrated in London (particularly west London), Manchester, and Birmingham. Egyptian cultural associations, Coptic churches, and mosques provide community support.

After Arrival

Collect your BRP within 10 days
Apply for a National Insurance number
Register with a GP
Open a UK bank account

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on a qualifying visa, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Egypt generally permits dual citizenship.

Next Steps

For official information, visit the British Embassy Cairo page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.

This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.

Preparing a UK visa application?

Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.

Get started

Moving to the UK from Egypt: Guide 2026

Visa Routes for Egyptian Citizens

Document Requirements

Costs in Egyptian Pounds

The Egyptian Community in the UK

After Arrival

Path to Settlement

Next Steps

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