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Practical Info
Airport Guide
Everything You Need Before You Land
Landing in a new country always comes with a handful of questions — where do I get my visa? How do I reach the hotel? Is there WiFi? Sharm El Sheikh International Airport handles millions of passengers a year, and honestly, it's one of the more straightforward airports you'll pass through in Egypt.
That said, a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing which terminal you're arriving at, having the right currency for your visa, and understanding your transport options before you step out into the Sinai heat can save you time, stress, and money. Here's everything worth knowing.
SSH — Sharm El Sheikh International
Ras Nasrani, about 18 km northeast of Naama Bay
Two main terminals — Terminal 1 (international) and Terminal 2 (domestic/charter)
24 hours a day, year-round
Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Sharm Airport. The process is simple: after you disembark but before passport control, you'll see bank counters selling visa stickers. A tourist visa currently costs $25 USD — and yes, they prefer cash in dollars, euros, or pounds sterling. Having exact change helps move things along.
If you're staying exclusively in the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) for 15 days or fewer, some nationalities qualify for a free Sinai-only entry stamp. But honestly, the rules on this shift from time to time, so if you plan to go anywhere beyond the peninsula — Cairo, Luxor, a Nile cruise — just pay the $25 and get the full visa. It's valid for 30 days and saves you a headache later.
Bring a pen in your hand luggage. You'll need to fill out an arrival card before passport control, and the pens at the counters are either missing or shared between fifty people. A small thing, but you'll thank yourself.
Navigating the Terminals
Terminal 1 is where most international flights land — it's the newer building, airy and relatively modern with the usual duty-free shops, a couple of cafés, and currency exchange counters. Terminal 2 handles domestic flights from Cairo plus some charter arrivals from Europe. They're close enough to each other that you can walk between them if needed, though in the Sinai sun you might prefer the shuttle.
WiFi is available but not free — you'll need to pay for access or have a local SIM ready. Speaking of which, there are kiosks selling Egyptian SIM cards (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, we) right after baggage claim. Prices are reasonable and the staff will set everything up for you on the spot.
Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel
You've got three main options, and they range from "completely free" to "negotiate carefully":
| 🏨 Hotel Shuttle | Many resorts include free airport transfers — check with your hotel before arrival and confirm the meeting point. Drivers usually wait outside with a sign. |
| 🚕 Taxi | Taxis line up right outside arrivals. No meter — agree on a price before you get in. Naama Bay should run you around 150-200 EGP. Old Market around 200-300 EGP. Nabq a bit more. If the driver quotes dollars, switch to Egyptian pounds — you'll get a better rate. |
| 📱 Ride Apps | Indrive operates in Sharm, but availability at the airport can be patchy. Careem doesn't operate here. Don't count on ride apps as your primary plan. |
There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but they occasionally run out of cash during peak travel periods. Bring some US dollars or euros as backup. The currency exchange counters are open for most flight arrivals and offer rates comparable to what you'd get in town.
Flying Out: What to Know
Sharm Airport operates on "two security checks" — unusual if you're not used to it. You'll go through an initial screening just to enter the terminal building, then another after check-in before you reach the gates. Budget an extra 15-20 minutes for this. It's not complicated, just an extra queue.
Check-in desks typically open 2 to 3 hours before departure. There's a small food court after security with the usual airport fare — nothing spectacular, but enough to grab a sandwich and a coffee before boarding. The duty-free has the standard selection of perfume, alcohol, and chocolates, plus some Egyptian souvenirs if you forgot to pick something up in town.
Keep a copy of your hotel booking or a contact number handy. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see where you stayed, especially if your entry stamp is being checked against your original visa.
Ready to Fly?
Now that you know your way around the airport, it's time to plan the rest of your trip. Check out our guides to Sharm's top attractions.
Explore Sharm →