Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

Primary airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Typical transfer: Domestic flights connect to Red Sea airports; overnight trains and private drivers connect to Nile Valley cities.
Entry requirement: Egypt offers tourist visas via its official eVisa system for many nationalities, and visa on arrival is available for some travelers.
Getting around: Between hubs: The Red Sea coast is connected by long road transfers.

Getting There

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.

Airports

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

Getting Around

Between hubs: The Red Sea coast is connected by long road transfers. For split trips (Sinai plus mainland), flying via Cairo is usually the simplest.
In-town: Resort areas rely on hotel shuttles, taxis, and pre-booked transfers. In big cities, ride-hailing apps are common.
To dive boats: Operators often include marina transfers. Confirm pickup time and whether it includes gear transport.

Entry Requirements

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.

Gear Logistics Checklist

Most operators provide tanks and weights; nitrox availability varies by region and boat, so ask when booking.
Bring your certification card and logbook proof if you are planning deeper routes or wreck specialties.
If you are carrying cameras, pack rinse solutions and dry storage. Boats can be windy and salty, especially in summer.

Practicalities

Currency

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.

Electricity

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

Thermal comfort: Plan for water around 21°C to 30°C across the year. Even in warm months, wind on the boat can feel cool after repetitive dives.
Sun and wind: Bring strong sun protection plus a windproof layer for spray and chop.
Safety: Pack an SMB, audible signaling device, and a dive computer you know well.
Respect: Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash layer help protect both you and the reef.