Can I Get a Visa at Hurghada Airport? A Complete Guide for Tourists Visiting Egypt

If you’re planning a trip to the Red Sea’s most popular resort city, you might be wondering: Can I get a visa at Hurghada Airport? The answer is yes—most international travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Hurghada International Airport, depending on their nationality. This option is especially convenient for tourists flying directly into Hurghada for a beach holiday or diving adventure. Hurghada has become one of Egypt’s top destinations for sun-seekers, scuba divers, and travelers looking to explore the wonders of the Red Sea Riviera. Knowing how the visa-on-arrival process works at Hurghada Airport can help you plan your entry to Egypt with greater confidence.

The visa on arrival for Egypt is available for citizens of several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, EU member states, Canada, Australia, and others. These travelers can obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon landing at Hurghada Airport. The visa typically costs $25 USD and must be paid in cash. This visa allows you to travel freely throughout Egypt, including to popular cities such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria, in addition to your time in Hurghada. It's a single-entry visa, so if you leave Egypt, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.

The process of getting a visa at Hurghada Airport is relatively simple and quick. Upon arrival, travelers should go to one of the visa kiosks or bank counters located before passport control. You’ll need your passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. After purchasing the visa sticker, you affix it to a blank page in your passport and proceed to immigration. There is no requirement to submit additional documents such as hotel bookings or return flight confirmations when obtaining the visa on arrival, though carrying them is always wise.

While getting a visa at Hurghada Airport is convenient, many travelers prefer the e-visa for Egypt, which can be applied for online before departure. The Egypt e-visa system allows eligible tourists to apply for a single or multiple-entry tourist visa in advance, reducing wait times at the airport. Applying online provides peace of mind, especially during peak travel seasons when airport queues may be longer. The online Egypt e-visa application process is straightforward and requires uploading a copy of your passport, paying the fee by credit card, and receiving the visa via email within a few days.

Travelers arriving in Hurghada from countries not eligible for the visa on arrival must obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before traveling. It is important to check the latest entry requirements before flying, as visa policies may change. Some nationalities require additional security clearance or supporting documents, such as an invitation letter or proof of accommodation. If you are unsure about your eligibility, it is best to consult the Egyptian consulate in your home country before departure.

For those arriving in Hurghada with a visa on arrival, it is crucial to note that this visa is only for tourism. You are not permitted to work, study, or engage in business activities on a tourist visa. Overstaying the visa period can lead to fines, difficulties at departure, or complications during future visits to Egypt. Extensions are possible through the local passport office in Hurghada, but the process may take time and requires additional paperwork.

Hurghada Airport is well-equipped to handle international arrivals, with modern facilities and multiple terminals. Airport staff are used to dealing with tourists from all over the world, making the arrival process smoother. Despite language barriers, most signs are in both Arabic and English, and immigration officials are usually helpful. Once you’ve secured your visa and passed through immigration, you’ll find transport options into the city, including taxis, hotel shuttles, and private transfers.

Best Time to Travel to Hurghada and Get a Visa at the Airport

Planning your arrival in Hurghada also involves choosing the right season to travel. While you can get a visa at Hurghada Airport year-round, visiting during Egypt’s high tourist season—October through April—ensures milder temperatures and better diving conditions. Summer months can be extremely hot, making it essential to have your visa process sorted quickly to avoid delays in the sweltering heat. Arriving early in the day or during weekdays may also reduce waiting time at visa counters.

How to Apply for an Egypt E-Visa Before Flying to Hurghada

If you want to skip the queues, the Egypt e-visa is an excellent alternative to getting a visa at Hurghada Airport. The online visa application process requires a valid passport, a scanned image of the passport’s information page, and a valid email address. The tourist e-visa for Egypt can be either single or multiple entry and is usually processed within 3–7 days. This method ensures you can walk straight to immigration upon arrival in Hurghada, making your entry seamless and hassle-free.

Visa Requirements for Travelers Visiting Hurghada from the UK or EU

British and European travelers make up a significant portion of Hurghada’s tourists. Citizens of the UK and EU can easily get a visa on arrival at Hurghada Airport. However, some prefer applying in advance via the e-visa portal for peace of mind. Travelers should ensure their passports are valid for at least six months and that they are visiting strictly for tourism purposes. Visa rules for British tourists in Egypt post-Brexit remain unchanged in terms of tourist entry, but it's always best to confirm with the Egyptian embassy before travel.

What to Do if You Overstay Your Visa in Hurghada

Overstaying a visa in Hurghada or any part of Egypt can result in fines and complications. If you suspect that you will exceed your 30-day tourist visa, it’s important to visit the local passport office in Hurghada to apply for an extension before your visa expires. Extensions can sometimes be granted for an additional fee, but the process may involve several visits and providing additional documents like proof of accommodation and return flight details. Avoid overstaying to ensure future hassle-free visits to Egypt.

Hurghada Airport Entry Tips for First-Time Travelers to Egypt

For those arriving in Egypt for the first time, Hurghada Airport offers a relatively smooth introduction to the country. Make sure to carry small denominations of US dollars for your visa fee and have all travel documents, including printed hotel bookings and return flights. First-time visitors should also be aware of common scams, such as unauthorized taxi drivers or unofficial “helpers” offering visa services. Stick to official counters for your visa on arrival and use authorized transport for your transfer to hotels in Hurghada.