Hurghada: practical tips
1 h route5 stopsBest: Year-round. The water never drops below 22°CUpdated July 2026
The resorts are set up for European visitors, there’s none of Giza’s commercial pressure, and everything works: this is the easiest destination in Egypt. But four things are worth having clear.
The visa, the sun (which genuinely deceives here, because the sea breeze hides the fact you’re burning) baksheesh, and the reef rules. No prices: the Egyptian pound moves a lot.
The route, stop by stop
5 STOPS- 01
The visa
Egypt requires a visa from almost everyone and in Hurghada you get it as in the rest of the country: on arrival at the airport or as an e-visa applied for online before travelling.
The rule depends on your nationality and it changes: confirm on the official site or with your consulate before buying the flight, and check the minimum passport validity required.
Many package holidays handle it for you: ask.
- 02
The sun deceives you
The Red Sea sun hits harder than it looks and the constant breeze disguises it: you don’t feel hot, you don’t sweat, and you’re burning. It’s the classic day-one mistake, and it ruins the rest of the trip.
And in the water it’s worse: snorkelling, you float face down for an hour with your back to the sun and feel nothing. A rash vest or high, water-resistant protection, always.
And a hat out of the water.
- 03
Don’t touch the coral
The reef breathes, and the law protects it: touching it, standing on it or breaking a piece off kills it, it takes decades to grow, and in a national park area it’s an offence, with fines. Don’t take shells or starfish either. And mind your feet: the bottom has sea urchins and fire coral, which burns on contact and hurts for days. It isn’t dangerous but it wrecks the trip.
- 04
Baksheesh, and haggling
As everywhere in Egypt, baksheesh works as a system: a tip is given for any service and it’s part of many people’s income. Always carry small notes, plenty of them. In the El Dahar souk and with taxis you haggle, though with far less intensity than in Cairo or Marrakech: here people are used to European visitors and the mood is more relaxed.
- 05
Data on your phone
Egypt sits outside the European Union: your roaming plan doesn’t apply and this is where the surprise bills arrive. Resort wifi is usually fine, but only inside the resort. And outside the hotel you will need it: to call a taxi, for the El Dahar map, to check with the dive centre or to call if the trip runs late. A local eSIM activates on landing and costs a fraction of roaming.
Frequently asked
Do you need a visa for Hurghada?
Yes, the same as for the rest of Egypt: most nationalities get it on arrival at the airport or apply online for an e-visa. Confirm for your passport before flying. Many package holidays handle it.
Is the sun strong in Hurghada?
Very, and it deceives: the constant breeze means you don’t feel hot while you’re burning. In the water it’s worse, because snorkelling you float face down with your back to the sun. Rash vest or high, water-resistant protection.
Is Hurghada safe?
Yes, it’s the easiest destination in Egypt: it’s set up for European tourism, there’s none of Giza’s commercial pressure and everything works. The precautions are Egypt’s usual ones: bottled water and agreeing prices in advance.