Planning a holiday in Sharm El Sheikh in 2026? One of the most important questions to answer before you travel is whether you need a full Egypt Tourist Visa or whether you may qualify for a free Sinai Only entry permission stamp.
The correct answer depends on several factors, including your nationality, where you enter Egypt, how long you plan to stay and whether your itinerary takes you outside the areas covered by the entry permission.
This guide explains the difference between an Egypt tourist visa and the Sinai Only Stamp, the current official visa fees, passport requirements and when travelers should obtain a full visa before exploring Egypt beyond Sharm El Sheikh.
Quick Answer: Visa or Sinai Only Stamp?
- Full Egypt Tourist Visa: required for travelers whose nationality and itinerary require a visa and for travel beyond the permitted Sinai-only area.
- Sinai Only Stamp: a free entry permission available under specific conditions to eligible travelers arriving in Sharm El Sheikh.
- Typical Sinai-only limit: up to 15 days where the exemption applies.
- Official eVisa fee: USD 30 for a single-entry tourist visa.
- Multiple-entry eVisa: USD 65.
Entry rules depend on nationality. Always check current official requirements for your passport before departure.
What Is the Egypt Tourist Visa?
A standard Egypt Tourist Visa allows eligible visitors to travel more widely throughout Egypt, subject to the normal immigration and travel rules.
You will generally need the appropriate full visa if your itinerary includes destinations outside the area covered by any South Sinai entry exemption.
Examples can include:
- Cairo
- Giza
- Luxor
- Aswan
- Alexandria
- Hurghada
- Marsa Alam
How Much Does an Egypt Tourist Visa Cost in 2026?
The official Egyptian Electronic Visa Portal currently lists the following tourism visa fees:
| Visa Type | Official Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry Tourism Visa | USD 30 |
| Multiple-entry Tourism Visa | USD 65 |
Visa fees and procedures can change, so check the official Egyptian eVisa portal before traveling rather than relying on older travel articles.
What Is the Sinai Only Stamp?
The term Sinai Only Stamp is commonly used by travelers for the free entry permission available under specific conditions to eligible passengers arriving in Sharm El Sheikh.
For example, current UK government guidance for British passport holders states that travelers arriving by air in Sharm El Sheikh and staying for less than 15 days in the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba do not need a standard visa and receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival.
This does not mean the same exemption automatically applies to every nationality. Check the current rules applicable to your passport before departure.
Important
Do not choose the Sinai Only option simply because your hotel is in Sharm El Sheikh.
Your planned excursions matter too. If you intend to travel outside the area permitted by your entry stamp, obtain the correct Egypt visa before making that journey.
How Long Is the Sinai Only Stamp Valid?
Where the exemption applies, it is commonly limited to stays of less than 15 days.
If you intend to remain longer, obtain the appropriate visa.
Can You Visit Cairo with a Sinai Only Stamp?
No. Cairo is outside the Sinai Peninsula and requires the appropriate full Egypt entry visa for travelers who need one.
If you are booking a Cairo excursion from Sharm El Sheikh, make sure your immigration status allows you to travel outside the Sinai-only area before the departure date.
Can You Visit Luxor with a Sinai Only Stamp?
A Sinai-only entry permission is not sufficient for travel to Luxor.
Travelers planning a Luxor trip should obtain the appropriate standard Egypt visa before traveling outside Sinai.
What About Ras Mohammed, Dahab and St Catherine?
Dahab is specifically included in some official nationality-specific guidance for the South Sinai entry exemption.
For other destinations and excursions—including trips outside the resort areas—do not assume that the Sinai Only Stamp is sufficient simply because the destination is geographically located in South Sinai.
Entry permission conditions can depend on nationality, route and current immigration rules. Confirm your specific itinerary with the relevant Egyptian authorities, your airline or travel provider before departure.
Passport Requirements for Egypt
The official Egypt eVisa portal states that travelers using an eVisa need a passport valid for at least six months from their arrival date.
The portal also lists supporting travel information such as:
- eVisa printout
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel booking or accommodation information
- Details of places you plan to visit
Who Can Apply for an Egypt eVisa?
Egypt's official eVisa portal publishes the current list of eligible nationalities.
The list currently includes travelers from many European countries, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and the Russian Federation, among others.
Eligibility can change, so use the official portal when checking your nationality.
Should You Get an eVisa Before Traveling?
If you know that your holiday will include Cairo, Luxor or other destinations beyond the limited Sinai-only area, arranging the correct visa in advance can make your arrival and travel planning clearer.
An eVisa also gives you documentation confirming your visa before departure, provided your nationality is eligible.
Visa on Arrival in Egypt
Visa-on-arrival availability depends on nationality and arrival point.
For example, current UK government guidance states that eligible travelers can buy a standard physical visa at approved Egyptian airports for USD 30.
Because eligibility is passport-specific, verify whether visa on arrival is available to you before traveling.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| Your Trip | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Short Sharm El Sheikh resort holiday | Check whether your nationality qualifies for the Sinai entry exemption. |
| More than 15 days | Obtain the appropriate full visa. |
| Cairo or Giza excursion | Full Egypt visa required where visa rules apply. |
| Luxor or Aswan | Full Egypt visa required where visa rules apply. |
| Unsure about your itinerary | Confirm current rules before choosing the Sinai-only option. |
Make Your Arrival at Sharm El Sheikh Airport Easier
Your visa or entry permission and airport assistance are different services. Remal Sinai cannot replace immigration authorities or issue your Egypt visa, but airport assistance can make the arrival process more comfortable.
Remal Sinai offers Meet & Assist and airport Fast Track services in Sharm El Sheikh.
Arriving at Sharm El Sheikh Airport?
Explore airport assistance and Fast Track options for your arrival or departure.
VIEW AIRPORT ASSISTANCE ASK ON WHATSAPPPlanning Excursions Outside Sinai?
If your holiday includes a Cairo or Luxor excursion, resolve the visa requirement before the tour date.
Do not wait until departure morning to discover that your entry permission does not cover your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Egypt tourist eVisa in 2026?
The official Egypt eVisa portal currently lists USD 30 for a single-entry tourism visa and USD 65 for a multiple-entry tourism visa.
Is the Sinai Only Stamp free?
Where a traveler qualifies for the South Sinai entry exemption, the entry permission is issued without the standard tourist visa fee. Eligibility depends on nationality and itinerary.
How long can I stay with a Sinai Only Stamp?
Where the exemption applies, the commonly stated limit is less than 15 days. Verify the rule for your nationality before traveling.
Can I go to Cairo with a Sinai Only Stamp?
No. Cairo is outside the Sinai-only area. Travelers who require a visa must have the appropriate Egypt visa before traveling there.
Can I go to Luxor with a Sinai Only Stamp?
No. Luxor requires travel outside the Sinai Peninsula, so travelers subject to Egyptian visa requirements need the appropriate full visa.
Do Russians need a visa for Egypt?
The Russian Federation is currently included in the official Egypt eVisa eligibility list. Russian travelers should check the latest entry rules for their specific itinerary before departure.
How long must my passport be valid?
The official Egyptian eVisa portal requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
Can Remal Sinai issue my visa?
No. Visas and entry permissions are issued by Egyptian immigration authorities. Remal Sinai can assist with tours, transportation and airport Meet & Assist services.
Before You Travel
Visa and immigration rules can change. Always check the official Egyptian eVisa portal and the current travel advice or Egyptian consular guidance applicable to your nationality before departure.
This article is a travel-planning guide and should not replace official immigration advice.
