When planning to visit the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheik, it is important to have everything you need to authorise your trip and enter the country.
International visitors to Egypt from most countries around the world require a visa. The easiest option for citizens of eligible countries is the online Egyptian e-Visa.
Do you need visa for Sharm El Sheikh?
Certain travellers need a visa for Sharm El Sheik. It depends on a number of factors, including the following:
- The traveller’s nationality
- Their reason for going to Sharm El Sheik
- How long they plan to stay in Egypt
- Whether they will visit any other part of the country
If you only plan to stay at resorts in South Sinai, including Sharm El Sheik and Taba, you no need a visa.
You will instead be given an entry permission stamp on arrival. This only applies to visits for tourism for up to 14 days.
You need to get a visa for Sharm El Sheik in the following situations:
- You plan to leave Sharm El Sheik during you stay and see other parts of Egypt
- Stays of more than 14 days
- You are coming to Sharm El Sheik for reasons other than tourism
- You do not have a passport issued by an eligible country
How do I get a visa to Sharm El Sheik?
Visitors who require a tourist visa for Sharm El Sheik can obtain one quickly and easily by applying online. Citizens of many countries, including most European countries, the United States, Australia, Japan, and various others, are eligible to use this convenient digital system.
You simply complete a quick Egypt e-Visa application form, which can be done using a computer or phone. You then receive the electronic Sharm El Sheik visa by email within a few business days.
The e-Visa platform allows you to avoid having to go all the way to an embassy or consulate in person to deal with paperwork.
Visitors from countries that are not on the e-Visa list must apply in person to get a Sharm El Sheik tourist visa. This is a lengthier process and it can take some time to receive an approved visa, so we advise you to apply well in advance of your trip.
What documents do I need for a Sharm el Sheikh visa?
To complete the quick application process for an Egyptian visa for Sharm el Sheik, you must provide a few items. These include:
- Passport — valid for at least 6 months after the trip
- Email address
- Method of payment (bank card)
Upon arrival in Egypt, you are asked to show the same passport and a printout of the e-Visa.
You may also be asked for the following documents:
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel bookings
- Supporting letter (e.g. invitation from family living in Sharm El Sheik)
Can I get a visa at Sharm El Sheikh airport?
Yes, it is possible for citizens of many countries to get a Sharm El Sheik visa on arrival. However,we advise against this if you can get an e-Visa in advance.
The e-Visa application is quicker and can be done on your phone or computer within a matter of minutes. It avoids having to spend time standing in a queue at border control, waiting to complete the visa on arrival paperwork.
Most passengers prefer to arrive with their documents already sorted. This way, you can clear border control as quickly as possible after your journey and not waste time at immigration.
Waiting to apply for a visa on arrival at Sharm El Sheik also runs the risk of having to return home if the visa is denied for any reason, potentially wasting a trip.
Applying for an e-Visa in advance allows time to deal with any unforeseen issues. Travelling to Egypt with an approved e-Visa comes with peace of mind.
How much does a visa for Sharm el Sheik cost?
All Egypt visas for Sharm El Sheik come with a small fee to pay. All e-Visa costs are very affordable.
The price of a Sharm El Sheik visa varies depending on the type of visa applied for. For example, a multiple-entry visa costs more than a single-entry visa.
When applying for an Egyptian visa online, you will be prompted to enter your card details at the relevant point.
Transactions are processed by secure servers to ensure client data is protected.
Once the fee is paid, the application will be processed. Providing you meet the basic Egyptian visa requirements, you receive the approved visa by email within a few days at most.
Is Sharm El Sheikh safe?
Yes, Sharm El Sheik is considered safe to visit. As a resort area, it caters to foreign tourists and security measures are in place to make sure visitors can relax in safety.
Most locations in Egypt are considered safe, including Sharm El Sheikh and its surroundings:
- Sharm El Sheikh perimeter
- Sharm El Sheikh airport
- Sharm el Maya
- Hadaba
- Naama Bay
- Sharks Bay
- Nabq
Nevertheless, you should be cautious when adventuring outside Sharm El Sheik and the other coastal resorts to the wider Governorate of South Sinai.
The Egyptian authorities maintain a significant security presence across the country, especially at important sites.
