Logistics · Country Guide
Legendary wrecks, technicolor reefs, and desert wonders on the Red Sea
Updated Dec 7, 2025 • 13 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most dive travel is flown directly into Red Sea gateways, then finished by road transfer to your resort or liveaboard marina. Cairo is still the main intercontinental hub and is useful if you are adding history days before or after the coast.
Cairo International Airport
CAI • HECA
0 m • Domestic flights connect to Red Sea airports; overnight trains and private drivers connect to Nile Valley cities.
Main international hub for Egypt. Best for combining the Red Sea with Cairo museums and onward connections to Luxor or Aswan.
Transport: Domestic flights, Airport taxis, Ride-hailing in Cairo, Private drivers
Hurghada International Airport
HRG • HEGN
12 km • 12 km drive
Gateway for the northern and central Red Sea: Hurghada, El Gouna, Soma Bay, and many liveaboard departures to wreck routes.
Transport: Airport taxis, Pre-booked vans, Hotel shuttles, Car rentals
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
SSH • HESH
18 km • 18 km drive
Gateway for Sinai diving and snorkeling. Best for Sharm-area day boats and quick road access to Dahab.
Transport: Airport taxis, Pre-booked transfers, Hotel shuttles
Egypt offers tourist visas via its official eVisa system for many nationalities, and visa on arrival is available for some travelers. Fees and rules can change, so confirm your eligibility on the official portal before booking. If you arrive directly to Sharm El Sheikh, some travelers may qualify for a short-stay Sinai-only entry stamp, which can limit travel outside Sinai.
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Cards work well in major hotels and resort towns, but cash is still common for tips, small restaurants, taxis, and on-the-boat extras. In smaller southern towns, assume cash-first and carry small notes.
ATMs are common in Cairo and major Red Sea hubs (Sharm, Hurghada, Marsa Alam resort areas). Coverage drops in remote areas and on liveaboards, so withdraw before you head south or offshore.
220V • 50Hz • C, F
Many resorts also have multi-socket outlets, but do not rely on it. Bring a universal adapter and a compact power strip for chargers and camera batteries.
Communications
Egypt has good mobile coverage in cities and major resort zones. For longer stays, a local SIM is usually the easiest option. Coverage can be patchy on remote coast sections and offshore liveaboards, so download maps and confirmations before you depart.
Language
Arabic is the national language. English is widely used in tourism and diving, especially in Red Sea hubs. Learning a few basic Arabic greetings goes a long way with drivers, restaurant staff, and market vendors.
Insurance
Carry travel insurance that covers diving or freediving to your planned depth and activity, including recompression treatment and medical evacuation. Confirm whether liveaboards require proof of coverage. Keep policy numbers and emergency contact lines accessible offline.
Packing list