Hurghada is a popular Red Sea coastal resort for international travelers. It is known for its sandy beaches and scuba diving opportunities.
If you would like to visit Hurghada, you probably need a visa. Most foreign nationals need to get a visa to enter Egypt, even for short stays.
Fortunately, many nationalities can apply for a visa for Hurghada online. The Egypt e-Visa system makes it quick and easy to get an Egyptian visa for your trip.
This page provides a guide to Egyptian visas for traveling to Hurghada, and other practical information for your trip.
Tourist Visa Requirements for Hurghada
Travelers of just a few nationalities can visit Egypt visa-free. Most international visitors need a visa to go to Hurghada on vacation.
Tourists from eligible countries can get an eVisa for Hurghada. By applying online, you can avoid trips to the embassy or waiting in line on arrival at the border.
If you are not from an eligible country or do not meet Egypt’s eVisa requirements, you’ll have to apply for a visa for Hurghada at an embassy.
Information About the Online Tourist Visa for Hurghada
This is the key information for tourists traveling to Hurghada with an eVisa:
Single or multiple visits to Hurghada
Egyptian visas are available as single or multiple-entry permits. Depending on the type of visa you apply for, you can visit Hurghada, or other Egyptian destinations, once or numerous times.
Spend 30 days in Hurghada
Both the single-entry and multiple-entry visa allows you to visit Egypt for up to 30 days per stay. You can spend the 30 days just in Hurghada, or visiting other parts of the country.
If you have a single-entry visa, you must enter Egypt within 3 months of receiving your visa. With the multiple-entry visa, all trips must be made within 180 days.
Tourist visa for Hurghada
The Egyptian eVisa is for tourism. This makes it a suitable option if you’re visiting Hurghada on vacation. You can enjoy a wide range of leisure activities in Hurghada with your eVisa.
Getting a Visa On Arrival at Hurghada Airport
Visas on arrival are available at Hurghada airport, but it is not the recommended application method. If you opt for the visa on arrival, you may face delays at the airport.
By applying for a visa for Hurghada online in advance, you can avoid long lines at the port of entry. You will receive your approved eVisa by email which you can print ready to present at immigration control.
Requirements to Apply For an Online Visa for Hurghada
To get an online visa for Hurghada, you need to meet all the application requirements.
First, you must check that the online visa is available for your nationality. Eligible passports include British, Canadian, and US. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
The other requirements include a debit or credit card to pay the visa fees, and an email address to receive your approved visa for Hurghada.
What is Hurghada Famous for?
Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century and named after a local plant that has naturally grown in Egypt since ancient times. It was originally a small fishing village but in the 1980s both Egyptian and foreign investors began developing the town into a coastal resort and tourist destination.
Today, Hurghada stretches around 36 kilometers along the Red Sea coast and boasts over 170 hotels, with more still being developed.
The city of Hurghada is divided into 5 districts:
- El Ahia and El Helal in the north
- El Dahar, the old town
- El Kawsar, the modern quarter
- El Mamsha, the longest street in Hurghada
- Sekalla, the city center
The most popular districts for tourists are El Dahar, where visitors can explore the town’s traditional bazaar, Sekella, and El Mamsha, where some of the newest and biggest resort hotels are located.
Getting to Hurghada: Flights and Transport
Foreign travelers who wish to visit Hurghada with e-visa have several options for how to arrive. Many travelers choose to first fly to Cairo International Airport and then take a direct flight to Hurghada, which only takes around an hour.
However, Hurghada also has its own International Airport, the second busiest airport in Egypt after Cairo International. Hurghada International Airport has frequent direct flights to the main airports in Europe and the Middle East. It takes 4-5 hours to reach Hurghada from most major European cities.
You can use the e-Visa at both Cairo and Hurghada Airports to gain access to the country.
Visiting Hurghada with the e-Visa
Hurghada has only existed since the early 20th century. It is named after a local plant that has naturally grown in Egypt since ancient times.
It was originally a small fishing village, but in the 1980s, both Egyptian and foreign investors began developing the town into a coastal resort and tourist destination.
The introduction of the e-Visa has made it easier than ever to visit.
Today, Hurghada stretches around 36 kilometers along the Red Sea coast and boasts over 170 hotels, with more still being developed.
The city of Hurghada is divided into 5 districts:
- El Ahia and El Helal in the north
- El Dahar, the old town
- El Kawsar, the modern quarter
- El Mamsha, the longest street in Hurghada
- Sekalla, the city center
There are several offshore islands to explore close to the Hurghada coast, including:
- Abu Minqar Island
- Abu Ramada Island
- Dishet El-Dhaba
- Gifton Island
- Umm Gammae
- Sheduan Island
Are Holidays in Hurghada Safe?
In general, Egypt’s Red Sea resorts, which include Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik, are considered safe for tourists to travel to.
Although tourists are advised against all but essential travel to some parts of Egypt, such as the northeastern regions of North and South Sinai, Hurghada is considered safe to visit. In recent years, security has been significantly increased in the resort to ensure it maintains its status as a relaxing holiday destination.
