Do UK citizens need a visa for Egypt?

If your whole trip is within the Sinai resort strip — Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba — for 15 days or less, UK travellers can usually get a free Sinai-only entry stamp. The moment your trip includes Hurghada, Marsa Alam, El Gouna, Cairo or Luxor, you'll need a standard e-visa or visa on arrival, typically around $25–30 USD.

Is Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh better for families?

Both work well for families. Hurghada tends to offer more large all-inclusive complexes; Sharm has a mix of established resort zones and quieter hotel areas. Compare transfer time and board basis for your specific hotel.

Are Egypt Red Sea hotels all-inclusive?

Many are, especially around Hurghada and Makadi Bay. Always check drinks and alcohol policies, since inclusions vary by hotel.

Egypt hotels worth checking

Last updated: 2026-06-17

Egypt's Red Sea works on the opposite seasonal calendar to Greece, Turkey and Spain: it's a year-round warm-weather destination, which makes it one of the few places on this list worth checking for a winter break rather than just a summer one.

What matters most with Egypt Red Sea hotels

The Red Sea's main strength is value combined with warm weather almost all year. Resorts here are typically large, purpose-built all-inclusive properties with multiple pools, private beach or lagoon access, and house reefs you can snorkel straight off the sand — something you'd usually pay Maldives prices for elsewhere.

The trade-off is that Egypt asks for a bit more pre-trip admin than Spain or Turkey: almost everyone needs either an e-visa or a visa on arrival, and the rules aren't identical across every resort area.

Popular Red Sea resort areas

Sharm El Sheikh (Sinai) — the most established resort town, with Naama Bay's strip alongside quieter hotel zones
Hurghada (mainland) — the largest concentration of all-inclusive resorts, generally the best value for families
Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh (mainland) — quieter, more self-contained resort zones south of Hurghada
El Gouna (mainland) — a purpose-built lagoon town with a more upmarket, design-led feel
Marsa Alam (mainland) — further south, with the best reef access and diving, but longer transfers

What to check before booking

Visa rules — Sinai-only stays of 15 days or less can qualify for a free entry stamp; Hurghada, Marsa Alam and El Gouna require a standard e-visa or visa on arrival
Current FCDO travel advice before booking, especially close to your travel date
Passport validity — most guidance recommends at least six months remaining from arrival
Alcohol policy — many resorts are alcohol-inclusive, but some are dry or charge separately for premium brands
Summer heat — June to August can exceed 35–40°C; check shade and pool setup if travelling with young children
Transfer times — Marsa Alam and some Sahl Hasheesh hotels mean longer airport transfers

Best for

Winter sun when most European island hotels are closed
Diving and snorkelling around Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab and Marsa Alam
Large all-inclusive family resorts, especially around Hurghada
Value-focused travellers wanting house-reef snorkelling at a lower price than the Maldives