Quick Answer: After landing at Hurghada Airport, you’ll go through: 1) Visa bank (buy visa for €25), 2) Passport control, 3) Baggage claim, 4) SIM card shop (recommended), 5) Exit to arrivals. Total time: 30-90 minutes depending on crowds.
Ahlan wa sahlan! Salem here. Look, I’ve met thousands of tourists at Hurghada airport over the years. Some walk through smooth as butter. Others… well, I’ve seen panic attacks, arguments with officials, people missing their transfers because they didn’t understand the process.
So let me walk you through exactly what happens from the moment your plane touches down. Step by step. No surprises.
What Happens After You Land at Hurghada Airport?
Here’s the exact sequence — memorize this and you’ll feel like a pro:
| Step | What | Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exit aircraft | 5-10 min | Follow the crowd, no alternative routes |
| 2 | Walk through terminal | 5 min | Long corridors, follow “Arrivals” signs |
| 3 | Visa Bank | 5-20 min | Have cash ready (€25 or $25) |
| 4 | Passport Control | 10-45 min | Patience. Queues can be long. |
| 5 | Baggage Claim | 5-20 min | Check carousel number on screens |
| 6 | Customs (green lane) | 1-2 min | Just walk through unless stopped |
| 7 | SIM Card Shop | 10-15 min | HIGHLY recommended |
| 8 | Exit to Arrivals Hall | Done! | Your transfer should be waiting |
How Much is the Visa on Arrival at Hurghada Airport?
Short answer: €25 or $25 or equivalent in GBP.
The visa bank is BEFORE passport control. You literally cannot miss it — it’s the only way forward. Big counters, “VISA” signs everywhere.
Visa Payment: What Currency Should I Use?
Best: Pay in Euros or US Dollars. Exact amount if possible.
Why? If you pay in Egyptian Pounds, their exchange rate is terrible. If you pay more (like €30), change is often in Egyptian Pounds at a bad rate.
Can I pay by card? Yes, most times. But cash is safer — I’ve seen the card machines fail. Always have €25-30 cash as backup.
Should I Buy E-Visa Online Before Travel?
Egypt offers e-visa through visa2egypt.gov.eg. costs about $25 + service fees.
My honest opinion? For Hurghada arrivals, I don’t think it’s worth it. Here’s why:
| Factor | E-Visa Online | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25 + fees (~$30) | $25 flat |
| Time at Airport | Skip visa bank (5-10 min saved) | Queue at visa bank |
| Hassle Before Trip | Upload documents, wait for approval | None |
| Risk | Technical issues, rejection possible | Never rejected (for standard nationalities) |
| Salem’s Verdict | Okay if you hate ANY uncertainty | Totally fine for 99% of tourists |
For most European tourists (EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia), visa on arrival is simple and reliable. The e-visa is for those who really want to shave 10 minutes off or have unusual passport situations.
Do I Need a Visa if I Stay in the Resort Only?
Yes, you still need a visa. There’s no exemption for resort-only stays. Everyone entering Egypt needs a visa, period.
The old “Sinai Only” free visa doesn’t apply to Hurghada — that’s a different region entirely.
Passport Control: What to Expect
After you get your visa sticker, you’ll queue for passport control. This is where things can slow down.
Pro Tips for Faster Processing:
- Have documents ready: Passport open to photo page, visa sticker visible, landing card filled (sometimes given on plane, sometimes at counter)
- Know your hotel name: They might ask where you’re staying
- Know how long you’re staying: “Two weeks” is enough — don’t overthink
- Stay calm: Officers can seem stern. It’s just their manner. Answer simply and politely.
- Don’t joke: Seriously, no jokes about bombs, drugs, politics. They don’t find it funny.
How long does passport control take? 5 minutes if empty. Up to 45+ minutes when multiple flights arrive together. Morning European flights (8-11 AM) and evening charters are busiest.
Where Can I Buy a SIM Card in Hurghada Airport?
Right after you exit baggage claim, before the main exit doors, you’ll see mobile operator shops:
- Vodafone (red) — Most tourists use this
- Orange (orange) — Good alternative
- Etisalat (green) — Also works fine
How Much Does a SIM Card Cost at Hurghada Airport?
Vodafone tourist SIM card price Hurghada airport: Around 300-500 EGP (€6-10) for a package with data and local calls.
Typical package includes:
- 10-20 GB data (enough for 2 weeks)
- Some local minutes
- Valid for 30 days
Why You MUST Buy a SIM Card Immediately
Trust me on this one. Get it at the airport. Here’s why:
- Maps work offline partially, but… — Google Maps needs data for real-time directions. Getting lost in Hurghada without data is frustrating.
- Translation apps — Google Translate helps massively when bargaining or communicating
- Contact your driver — Your transfer driver might call you. Without a local number, you can’t receive calls.
- InDrive/Uber apps — Need local phone number to work properly
- WhatsApp your family — Let them know you arrived safely
- Scam prevention — You can quickly verify prices, translate what locals are saying, check locations
What if I don’t buy at airport? You CAN buy in town (Vodafone shops everywhere). But: more hassle, need to find a shop, language barrier without translator, and you’ll be offline until then.
Getting to Your Hotel: Avoid the Taxi Vultures
Okay, you’re through everything. You exit the arrivals hall. And immediately…
“TAXI? TAXI? Where you go?”
These guys are… persistent. And their prices are 2-3x what you should pay.
Is Uber Available from Hurghada Airport?
Technically yes, but not reliably. Uber drivers in Hurghada are few, and airport pickups often get cancelled. InDrive works better but still hit-or-miss.
The Smart Solution: Pre-Book Your Transfer
I always tell my tourist friends: book before you land.
KiwiTaxi airport transfers are what I recommend because:
- Fixed price (no negotiation when you’re tired)
- Driver waits with your name sign (can’t miss him)
- Pay online in euros (no cash needed immediately)
- Works for families, groups, or solo travelers
- They track your flight — if you’re delayed, driver waits
How much does a taxi cost from Hurghada airport to Makadi Bay?
- Airport vultures ask: 500-800 EGP
- Fair pre-booked price: 200-300 EGP
- You save: 50% or more
Other distances from Hurghada Airport:
| Destination | Distance | Fair Price (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown (El Dahar) | ~15 km | 150-200 EGP |
| Sheraton Road | ~10 km | 100-150 EGP |
| Sahl Hasheesh | ~25 km | 180-280 EGP |
| Makadi Bay | ~30 km | 200-300 EGP |
| Soma Bay | ~40 km | 300-400 EGP |
| El Gouna | ~35 km | 250-350 EGP |
What Time Does Hurghada Airport Operate?
24 hours. Flights arrive at all hours — including those lovely 3 AM charters. Everything (visa, passport control, SIM shops) operates whenever flights are arriving.
Quick Checklist: Before You Land
- ☐ €25-30 cash for visa
- ☐ Passport valid for 6+ months
- ☐ Hotel name and address (screenshot it)
- ☐ Airport transfer pre-booked
- ☐ Phone charged for SIM activation
- ☐ Comfortable shoes (long walks in terminal)
Common Mistakes First-Time Arrivals Make
- Not having visa cash ready — Queue behind them while they search bags
- Skipping SIM card — “I’ll buy later” = 24 hours offline and lost
- Negotiating taxi while exhausted — Terrible negotiating position
- Following random “helpers” — Guys offering to “help with bags” expect big tips
- Exchanging money at airport — Worst rates in Egypt. Only change minimum needed.
Salem’s Final Airport Wisdom
Look, Hurghada Airport isn’t complicated. It’s not Cairo’s chaos. It’s actually quite manageable once you know the flow.
The key is: prepare before you land. Visa cash. Transfer booked. SIM card planned. Then you can relax, follow the process, and be at your resort pool within 90 minutes of touching down.
That’s the goal, right? Holiday starts the moment you arrive — not after hours of stress and arguments with taxi drivers.
Ma’a salama,
— Salem 🌴
📚 Continue Planning Your Hurghada Trip
Now that you know how to arrive like a pro, check out these guides:
- Complete First Visit Guide — Everything you need to know for your first trip
- Practical Information — Health, safety, visas, and more details
- Getting Around Hurghada — Buses, taxis, day trips to Luxor and Cairo
- Find Your Perfect Hotel — Browse all Hurghada resorts and hotels
- Things to Do — Plan your activities and excursions