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If you’re planning a trip to the stunning resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, understanding the Egypt entry visa requirements is essential. Whether you’re coming to relax on the beaches, dive in the Red Sea, or explore desert adventures, here’s your updated guide on how to handle your Sharm El Sheikh airport visa smoothly and legally.

✈️ Do I Need a Visa to Enter Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes, most international travelers need a tourist visa to enter Egypt — but there’s good news if you’re only visiting Sharm El Sheikh or South Sinai.

There are two main visa options available on arrival:

✅ 1. Free Sinai-Only Entry Stamp (15-Day Stay)

• • Available on arrival at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

• • Cost: Free

• • Valid for: 15 days

• • Where you can travel: Only within South Sinai (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, St. Catherine)

• • ❌ Not valid for travel to Cairo, Luxor, Giza, Aswan, or other parts of Egypt

• • 📝 Recommended if you’re staying in Sharm and nearby resorts only

✅ 2. Full Egyptian Tourist Visa (30-Day Stay)

• • Available on arrival before passport control

• • Cost: $25 USD (cash preferred, some desks may accept card)

• • Valid for: All of Egypt

• • 🧳 Ideal for trips to:
    

     

    • • Cairo to see the Pyramids & Sphinx
    • • Luxor & Aswan for temples and tombs
    • • Nile Cruises or multi-city visits
    • • Stays longer than 15 days

💡 Important: You cannot upgrade from the free Sinai stamp to the full visa later. Choose the right option upon arrival!

💼 How to Get Your Visa at Sharm El Sheikh Airport

Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. 1. ✈️ Disembark and enter the terminal

1. 1. 🪪 If you want to travel outside Sinai, go to the Visa Counter before passport control

1. 1. 💵 Pay $25 and receive a visa sticker

1. 1. 📘 Paste the visa in your passport and proceed to immigration

1. 1. 📍 If you only need the Sinai stamp, skip the visa counter and go straight to passport control

🌐 Prefer to Get Your Visa in Advance?

Egypt offers an official e-visa platform for travelers who want peace of mind:

• • 🔗 Apply for your Egypt E-Visa here

• • 💰 Fee: $25 (single entry)

• • ⏱️ Processing time: 1–3 business days

• • 📧 Receive your e-visa via email and print a copy before travel

• • ✅ Best for high season or if you want to skip airport queues

👨‍👩‍👧 Do Children Need a Visa?

Yes — all travelers, including babies and children, must have a valid visa or be stamped upon entry, even if they are listed on a parent’s passport.

📑 What Documents Do You Need?

Make sure you have the following ready at the airport:

• • A valid passport (at least 6 months before expiry)

• • A return flight ticket (sometimes asked)

• • Hotel or tour confirmation (rarely asked but good to carry)

• • $25 USD cash for visa fee, if applicable

🧾 Can I Extend My Visa?

• • ❌ The Sinai-only stamp is not extendable.

• • ✅ The Full Egyptian Tourist Visa may be extended at Sharm El Sheikh Immigration Office, but the process is time-consuming and may require assistance from a local travel office.

📊 Visa Types Comparison Table

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🟡 Q: Can I travel to Cairo with the Sinai-only visa?
🔵 A: No, you must buy the full $25 visa to visit Cairo, Giza, or Luxor.

🟡 Q: Can I get a visa at Sharm airport or do I need to apply in advance?
🔵 A: Both options are available. Most travelers get the visa on arrival, but you can also use the official e-visa portal.

🟡 Q: Can I pay with card at the visa counter?
🔵 A: Some desks now accept cards, but cash (USD, EUR, GBP) is more reliable and faster.

🟡 Q: What if I overstay the visa?
🔵 A: You may be fined at departure. It’s best to keep your stay within your visa’s time limit.

📌 Important Government Notes (2025)

• • All info here is accurate as of July 2025, based on Egypt’s official visa2egypt.gov.eg website.

• • Visa policies are subject to change without notice. Always reconfirm before traveling.

• • For official updates, visit the Egyptian Ministry of Interior – Passports & Immigration website.

🔗 Plan to Explore More than Sharm?

If you’re planning to visit Cairo’s Pyramids, Luxor Temples, or take a Nile Cruise, make sure to get the full tourist visa at the airport. Check out our all-inclusive excursions like:

👉 Luxor by Plane – Day Trip to Temples & Tombs

👉 Cairo by Plane Day Trip – Pyramids & Egyptian Museum

👉 Cairo Bus Tour – Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum

📞 Need Help with Visa or Tour Planning?

At Kimidar Tours Sharm El Sheikh, we guide you from touchdown to sunset with reliable visa support, transfers, and unforgettable excursions.

📍 Visit us in Naama Bay or contact us:

• • 📞 Call or WhatsApp: +20 1200002456

• • 📧 Email: info@kimidarsharm.com

• • 🌐 Website: www.kimidarsharm.com

• • 📍 Office Location: Mall 8, Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

• • 📍 Google Maps: 27°54’43.8″N 34°19’20.6″E

📣 Final Tip for Travelers

If you’re unsure of your plans or thinking of visiting other parts of Egypt — just buy the $25 full visa on arrival. It’s fast, safe, and gives you the freedom to explore everything Egypt has to offer.