Sharm el-Sheikh

Egypt offers several visa options depending on the traveller's nationality and purpose of visit. Citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter without a visa under specific conditions, such as nationals of the GCC (The Gulf Cooperation Council comprising six countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) in certain cases. Most other travellers must obtain a visa prior to travel or upon arrival. For tourism, many nationalities are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be applied for online through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal. The process involves submitting personal and passport details, travel plans, and payment of the visa fee. The e-Visa is typically valid for 30 days and can be single or multiple entry, depending on the applicant’s choice. Additionally, travellers from certain countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, EU member states, and more — may obtain a visa on arrival at major international airports in Egypt. This option requires payment in cash and is also valid for 30 days. However, citizens of countries not eligible for either the e-Visa or visa on arrival must apply for a visa in advance at an Egyptian embassy or consulate. For longer stays, a different type of visa must be secured before travel. It is essential to consult Egypt’s official immigration or consular sources to confirm the applicable requirements.

If you're after warm weather and clear water—which is why most people come here—the best time to visit Sharm El-Sheikh is between October and April. During these months, it’s sunny but not scorching, the sea’s still warm enough for swimming and diving, and you won’t melt walking around. Summers (June to August) can be seriously hot—we're talking 40°C and up—so come prepared if you’re visiting then. The desert and mountains are best in cooler months, too, so if you're planning to hike Mount Sinai or visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery, stick to winter or early spring.

Public transport in Sharm El Sheikh is limited and primarily consists of local minibuses, which operate along main roads, running from the northern to the southern parts of Sharm El Sheikh and back. To board, passengers need to hail the bus by raising their hand when it approaches, as there are no fixed stops. While these minibuses are an affordable option for short distances, they may not be the most convenient for tourists due to their informal nature and lack of fixed schedules. Additionally, taxi services are readily available and can be a more comfortable choice for visitors. For a more reliable ride, many travellers use Careem, a regional ride-hailing app similar to Uber.

Taxis in Sharm El Sheikh are easy to find, especially around Naama Bay, the airport, and major hotels. Whilst a few have meters, drivers usually prefer to agree on a fare upfront—so it’s best to negotiate before getting in. Uber doesn’t operate here, but Careem does and is a good option if you want set pricing and GPS tracking, though availability can vary depending on time and location.

In Egypt, electricity runs on 220 volts at 50 Hz. The standard plug types are Type C and Type F, the same two-pin plugs used in much of Europe.