July 28, 2026
A smooth arrival sets the tone for the whole holiday. Here is everything you need to know about Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) – from the visa desk to your hotel door.
The basics
SSH is about 18 km (11 miles) northeast of central Sharm. It has two terminals; Terminal 1 handles most international flights and has duty-free, cafes, ATMs and currency exchange.
Do you need a visa? (at the airport)
Most visitors buy a visa on arrival for US$30 (single entry) at the bank desk before passport control – bring the fee in cash US dollars. If you are only staying in the Sharm / South Sinai resort area for up to 15 days, you may instead be given a free Sinai-only entry stamp. Not sure which you need? Read our Egypt visa guide.
Arrival, step by step
Buy your visa on arrival (or get the Sinai stamp) at the bank window. Clear passport control. Collect your baggage. Walk through customs into Arrivals, where drivers wait with name boards. Getting to your hotel
A pre-booked private transfer is the easiest and most predictable option – your driver is waiting, the price is fixed, and you go straight to your hotel. Taxis are also available (agree the fare first), as are shared minibuses (which leave when full).
Approximate transfer times by area:
Ras Nasrani / near the airport: 5–15 minutes
Naama Bay: 20–30 minutes
Sharks Bay / Om El Seed: 25–35 minutes
Nabq Bay: 30–45 minutes
Handy tips
Carry US dollars in cash for the visa.
Arrange your transfer and excursions before you fly so everything is ready on arrival.
We can sort your tours and excursions in advance – just message us on WhatsApp and we will have everything set for your arrival.