Visa entry requirements for Sinai and Egypt

This information is a guide only. For official information you must consult with your embassy or foreign office.

For Egypt there are two different types of visa available. This is a result of the hand back of the Sinai.

Sinai Only Visa:
This visa is a restricted visa
This is a 2 week visa and is free. It only allows you into the Eastern half of the Sinai. Which includes Taba, Nuweiba, Dahab, St.Catherines and part of Sharm el Sheikh. It is none extendable.

Full Egyptian Visa:
This is the main visa for Egypt. It allows you access to all the country (apart from military closed areas). It is valid for one month from the time of entry. If you plan to stay longer in Egypt then this visa has to be extended at a government office. This is a tourist visa and work is not permitted. The price is about £10-£15

If you overstay with out extending the visa a fine will be chargable.

Taba border:
If you enter Egypt from the Taba border with Israel then the only visa available is a Sinai only visa.

If you want to travel into the rest of Egypt when coming through this border, you must first visit the Egyptian Consulate in Eilat and obtain a full Egyptian visa from them

Taba airport:
This airport has been in use mainly since Taba Heights opened. It should issue both the Sinai Only and a full visa options. (If anyone can confirm this please). With most people who use this airport only going to Taba Heights you might find that the Sinai Only visa is the default visa and you might need to ask specifically for a full visa.

Sharm el Sheikh airport:
This airport offers both options for a visa. The full visa is available at the bank booths in the arrivals hall. It needs to be obtained before queuing for passport control and is often sorted out by your Tour Operators Rep.
If you plan on staying in the Eastern part of the Sinai then you can write "Sinai Only" on the back of the landing form and go straight to the queue for passport control.

Note: The Sinai Only visa does not allow travel to Ras Mohamed National Park by road or by boat. If you are a diver that plans to go to the Thistlegorm, Dunraven or Ras Mohamed then you must have a full visa.