Sharm El Sheikh Airport: Arriving, Visa and Getting to Your Hotel

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) lies in the north of the resort, about 10 minutes by car from Sharks Bay and 20 minutes from Naama Bay, so most visitors reach their hotel within half an hour of landing. Here is what happens between the plane door and your hotel, and what to plan for on the way home. One decision to make first: if you'd like to see Ras Mohammed National Park, for example on our Ras Mohammed land tour by bus, choose the full visa at the airport rather than the free Sinai stamp.

Step 1: the Sinai stamp or the visa

Before passport control you choose how you enter Egypt. Our Sharm El Sheikh visa guide explains every option; in short:

• •Free Sinai-only stamp: up to 15 days, valid in the South Sinai resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. Several governments' travel advice says it does not cover Ras Mohammed National Park.
• •Visa on arrival: for citizens of many countries, including the EU, the UK and the US. At the time of writing it costs US$25 and allows a stay of up to 30 days. You buy the visa sticker at the bank or exchange counters in the arrivals hall, before passport control.
• •E-visa: apply before you fly on the official portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) and print the approval.

Bring cash for the visa in clean notes: US dollars, euros and pounds sterling are generally accepted, and card payment isn't always available. Entry rules and fees can change at short notice, so check your government's travel advice before you travel.

If Ras Mohammed is on your list, the visa on arrival is the safe choice. Not sure which trip suits you? Compare them in Ras Mohammed by boat or by bus.

Step 2: passport control and your luggage

With the stamp or the visa sticker ready, you queue for passport control, then collect your bags. Keep your hotel's address and your return ticket to hand in case you're asked. Drivers and holiday representatives wait for their guests in the arrivals hall.

Step 3: getting to your hotel

The airport is close to every hotel area. Approximate drive times without traffic:

• •Sharks Bay and Ras Nasrani: about 10 minutes.
• •Nabq Bay: about 10–20 minutes.
• •Naama Bay: about 20 minutes.
• •Old Market (Sharm El Maya): about 25 minutes.
• •Hadaba and Ras Um Sid: about 25–30 minutes.

You have four ways to make the trip:

• •A package transfer. If you booked a package holiday, a transfer is often included: look for your tour operator's representative in the arrivals hall.
• •A private transfer. We meet you outside the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name, follow your flight if it lands early or late, and drive you to your hotel in a private, air-conditioned car, at a price for the whole vehicle agreed on WhatsApp before you fly. See our Sharm El Sheikh airport transfer page.
• •A taxi. Taxis wait outside the terminal. Agree the fare before you set off.
• •A ride app. Ride-hailing apps work in parts of Egypt, but whether you can get a car at the airport changes, so check the app when you land rather than counting on it.

Still choosing a hotel area? Our guide to where to stay in Sharm El Sheikh compares the bays.

Your first days: trips with hotel pickup

You won't need a taxi for excursions: our tours include pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Two easy ways to start:

• •Ras Mohammed land tour by bus: about 5 hours (pickup around 08:00, back around 13:30) to the mangroves, Allah Gate, Magic Lake, the Earthquake Cracks and a snorkeling stop from the beach. €16 per adult with the park entrance; snorkeling equipment, food and drinks are not included.
• •Ras Mohammed boat trip: a full day at sea with White Island and two snorkeling stops, €30 per adult and €20 per child aged 6–11, with lunch on board and a life jacket for free.

On the Sinai stamp, the Colored Canyon and Dahab day trip is normally fine. Our money and tipping guide explains cash and cash machines, and the price list shows every trip in one place.

Leaving Sharm: your departure day

• •When to leave your hotel: for international flights we usually suggest leaving your hotel about three hours before departure. Follow your airline's advice too.
• •Security checks: Egyptian airports usually screen passengers and bags at the terminal entrance as well as before the gate, so allow time for both.
• •Check-out: if your flight leaves in the evening, ask your hotel about late check-out or storing your luggage for the day.

Our packing list for Sharm El Sheikh helps with the suitcase, both ways.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sharm El Sheikh airport from Naama Bay?

About 20 minutes by car without traffic. Sharks Bay is about 10 minutes away, Nabq Bay 10 to 20, and the Old Market area and Hadaba about 25 to 30.

Can I buy a visa at Sharm El Sheikh airport?

Yes. Citizens of many countries, including the EU, the UK and the US, can buy a visa on arrival at the bank or exchange counters in the arrivals hall, before passport control. At the time of writing it costs US$25 for a stay of up to 30 days. Bring cash.

Is the free Sinai stamp enough?

It covers up to 15 days in the South Sinai resorts, such as Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. For Ras Mohammed National Park, trips outside South Sinai or a longer stay, get the full visa on arrival or an e-visa.

How early should I leave my hotel for my flight home?

For international flights we usually suggest about three hours before departure, because there are security checks at the terminal entrance and again before the gate. Check your airline's advice as well.