Hurghada International Airport — The Complete Arrival Guide
Hurghada International Airport (IATA: HRG) is Egypt's second busiest airport, handling over 4 million passengers annually. Knowing what to expect on arrival makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Arriving at Hurghada Airport
Hurghada International Airport is a modern airport that has been extensively renovated in recent years. The arrival process for UK tourists: land, taxi to terminal, immigration queues (usually 15–40 minutes depending on how many flights have arrived simultaneously), baggage claim (15–30 minutes after clearing immigration), customs (usually quick), exit to arrivals hall.
Visa on Arrival
UK passport holders can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Hurghada airport. Cost: currently USD 25 (payable in cash — dollars, euros, or sterling accepted). Process: queue at the bank window before immigration, purchase visa sticker, attach to passport, proceed to immigration. Total time for visa purchase: 5–15 minutes. E-visa in advance: available online (Egypt e-visa portal) for the same cost — allows you to skip the bank queue, slightly faster arrival process.
Immigration and Security
Immigration at Hurghada is typically efficient. Have your passport (with visa sticker or e-visa confirmation), your return flight booking confirmation, and accommodation address ready. Officers may ask your hotel name and length of stay. Biometric data (fingerprints) may be collected for first-time visitors.
Transfers From the Airport
Most hotels arrange airport transfers — confirm in advance and look for your name on a board in the arrivals hall. Pre-booked private transfer: most convenient, £15–£30 to central Hurghada hotels, £25–£40 to Sahl Hasheesh, £35–£50 to El Gouna. Taxi from the airport: available outside arrivals, negotiate the fare before getting in — expect £10–£20 to central Hurghada. Uber and Careem operate from Hurghada Airport. Shuttle buses: some hotels and resorts operate shuttle services — check with your accommodation.
Airport Facilities
Hurghada Airport has: currency exchange (rates less competitive than ATMs in the city), duty free shopping (good for tobacco and alcohol), cafes and restaurants (limited but functional), free WiFi throughout the terminal, ATMs (in arrivals — use these rather than the exchange desks for better rates). The airport is fully air-conditioned — a welcome relief after landing in summer temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Hurghada?+
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