Egypt All-Inclusive Travel Guide
Sharm el-Sheikh is Egypt's Red Sea showpiece: warm, clear water over some of the planet's best coral, sunshine almost guaranteed, and big all-inclusives along the shore. Pyramids are a short flight away, but plenty of people come purely to dive, snorkel, and do gloriously little.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Always confirm entry and safety details with official government sources before you travel.
Do you need a visa for Egypt (or Sharm el-Sheikh)?
Here's the good news for resort-goers: if you fly into Sharm el-Sheikh and stay within South Sinai (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) for up to 15 days, U.S. citizens get a free entry-stamp permit on arrival – no visa needed.
Want to see the Pyramids or stay longer? You'll need a tourist visa – the easiest route is the online e-Visa (about $25, single entry) before you go, or a $25 visa-on-arrival paid in cash. Passport must be valid six months. Always confirm on travel.state.gov.
Is Egypt safe?
Be straight about this one: the U.S. State Department rates Egypt overall as Level 2, 'Exercise Increased Caution,' but adds 'Do Not Travel' warnings for the North and Middle Sinai and parts of the Western Desert. Those are remote regions far from the coast.
Crucially, Sharm el-Sheikh and the Red Sea resort strip are treated differently and are excluded from those restrictions – even U.S. government staff may visit Sharm by air. Tourism runs normally, with a strong security presence. Read the full advisory on travel.state.gov.
Currency and tipping
The Egyptian pound is the local currency; ATMs are easy and U.S. dollars or euros are widely accepted at resorts. Carry small bills for tips and the souk.
Tipping ('baksheesh') is a genuine part of the culture and expected for almost every small service – plan to tip housekeeping, drivers, guides, and porters. In restaurants, 10% on top of any service charge is the norm.
When to visit
Sharm is a year-round sun destination. Spring and autumn are glorious; winter is mild and pleasant on the coast. Midsummer (June–August) is reliably sunny but very hot, so it's the trade-off for lower-season value – the sea stays warm enough to dive all year.
Getting there & around
Fly into Sharm el-Sheikh International (SSH), usually connecting through Europe or a Gulf hub – there are no nonstops from the US. Egypt drives on the right; once you're at the resort, transfers, hotel shuttles, and taxis handle everything. Agree taxi fares before setting off.
What to do beyond the resort
The sea is the star: snorkel or dive Ras Mohammed National Park and the reefs of Tiran. Beyond that, take a glass-bottom boat, a desert quad safari, or a Bedouin dinner under the stars. The big-ticket day trip is a flight to Cairo for the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Good to know
Power & plugs: 220V, European Type C/F – bring an adapter. Language: Arabic, with English widely spoken at resorts. Water: drink bottled only. Reef etiquette: don't touch or stand on coral, and choose reef-safe sunscreen. Keep small notes on hand for baksheesh.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Sharm el-Sheikh?
Not if you stay in South Sinai (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) for up to 15 days – U.S. citizens get a free entry permit stamped on arrival. To go elsewhere in Egypt or stay longer, get the e-Visa or a $25 visa-on-arrival.
How much is the Egypt e-Visa?
A single-entry tourist e-Visa is about $25 and is done online before you travel; a visa-on-arrival is also $25, paid in cash. Your passport must be valid for six months.
Is Egypt safe right now?
Egypt is rated Level 2, 'Exercise Increased Caution,' with 'Do Not Travel' zones in North/Middle Sinai and parts of the Western Desert. Sharm el-Sheikh and the Red Sea resorts are excluded from those warnings and operate normally – check travel.state.gov.
What currency is used and is USD accepted?
The Egyptian pound. U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted at resorts, and ATMs are easy to find. Carry small bills for tips and markets.
Do you tip in Egypt?
Yes – 'baksheesh' is expected for most small services, from housekeeping and porters to drivers and guides. Tip about 10% in restaurants on top of any service charge.
When is the best time to visit Sharm el-Sheikh?
Spring and autumn are ideal, and winter is mild on the coast. It's sunny year-round; midsummer is very hot but the sea stays warm for diving in every season.
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