Good news for anyone heading to the Red Sea: for Russian citizens, entering Egypt is usually simple — no advance embassy visit and no long wait. In most cases the visa is issued right at the arrival airport, and Sinai beach holidays come with their own relaxed rules. Here's how it works in practice.
As a rule, Russians can get a visa on arrival for a fee at the airport; for short trips to Sinai resorts (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab) a simplified entry often applies. You'll need a passport with enough validity remaining. Exact cost and conditions change — check with the Egyptian embassy, the Russian MFA and your tour operator. Your trips and documents are in your account.
01 / OptionsWhat entry options exist
Russian citizens have several entry scenarios for Egypt. Which one suits you depends on the purpose of the trip, the arrival airport and whether you'll leave the resort zone. Below is the general picture; always confirm the final rules with official sources before departure.
02 / DocumentsWhat to bring
The basic set of documents is simple, but a passport with spare validity is the critical part. Border officers look at how long your passport is valid as of the entry date, so check it in advance rather than on departure day.
- Passport with enough remaining validity (confirm the exact rule — a buffer is usually required).
- A return or onward ticket — it may be requested at the border.
- Hotel booking confirmation or tour operator voucher.
- Money for the visa fee (if visa on arrival) — cash or card, depending on what the desk accepts.
- Travel insurance for the whole trip — strongly recommended.
03 / On arrivalHow to get the visa at the airport
Find the visa desk
After you leave the plane, before passport control, look for the visa / bank desks. They're usually in the arrivals area, next to the currency exchange counters.
Pay the fee
Pay the visa fee and receive the visa sticker. Check in advance whether cards are accepted — sometimes it's easier to have cash.
Put the sticker in your passport
The sticker goes on a blank page of your passport — the desk staff will guide you or do it for you.
Pass passport control
With the sticker in your passport, clear control, get your entry stamp — and you're in. Keep all documents until the end of the trip.
04 / PassportValidity and common refusals
The most common border problem is too little remaining passport validity or a damaged passport. This isn't specific to Egypt: the spare-validity rule applies to most countries, so check the whole family's passports, including children who have their own documents.
- Make sure the passport covers the trip with a margin; confirm the exact requirement before departure.
- Passport with no visible damage and a free page for the stamp.
- The booking and passport details match (Latin-script name, number).
- Children have their own documents where their age requires it.
05 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Do I need a visa if I'm only going to the beach in Sharm El Sheikh?
For short stays strictly within the Sinai resort zone, a simplified stamp-based entry often applies. But as soon as you plan excursions beyond the zone (Cairo, the pyramids), a full visa on arrival is usually needed. Check the current conditions with your tour operator and the Egyptian embassy.
How much does the visa on arrival cost?
The fee is set by the Egyptian authorities and changes from time to time, so we don't quote a specific figure. Check official sources before you travel, or ask our support — 8 800 1000-646 or @sales_travel_bot.
Can I get the visa online in advance?
Yes, an electronic visa (E-Visa) is usually available on the official portal — handy if you'd rather skip the queue on arrival. Use only the official site and apply well ahead of time.
What if my passport is close to expiring?
It's best to renew the passport before the trip: if too little validity is left, you may be refused entry even with a paid visa. Check the dates right after booking — your trip and documents appear in My Trips.