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For tourists in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: a visa is not required for stays up to 15 days if staying within the Sinai Peninsula (free Sinai stamp). For longer stays or travel outside Sinai, tourists can obtain a visa by paying the fee at a local bank (e.g., Banque Misr in Nabq) and then visiting the local immigration office (Gauzet) to process the stamp.

In Sharm El Sheikh, a visa is not required for stays within the Sinai Peninsula (e.g., without excursions to the Pyramids or Cairo); a 'Sinai Only' stamp is provided. For excursions outside Sinai, or for entry to mainland Egypt (e.g., Hurghada), a visa is mandatory. Visas can be purchased upon arrival at the airport (typically $5-7 cheaper). Tour guides can also arrange visas for an additional fee ($5-10 surcharge) by collecting passports and returning them with the visa the next day. Alternatively, it's possible to purchase a visa stamp at a Bank Misr branch (e.g., in Nabq) and have it stamped at a local government office (gauzet). Many excursions do not require a visa.

Egypt's electronic visa is currently valid primarily for entry at Cairo International Airport. It is often not recognized or accepted at checkpoints in other regions, such as Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada. Travelers moving between regions (e.g., leaving the Sinai Peninsula) are frequently required to have a traditional visa sticker in their passport. It is recommended to use the standard visa sticker upon arrival to avoid document validation issues at regional checkpoints or when traveling internally.

Electronic visa (e-visa) procedures for entering Egypt are a topic of discussion, particularly for travelers transiting through Cairo to destinations like El Alamein.

For stays exceeding 28 days in Egypt, regular or direct flights are permitted. Charter flights are not allowed for stays over 28 days. There are two types of flights: regular and charter. Regular flights can be direct or indirect. Charter flights can also be direct or indirect (e.g., with a refueling stop). User insists on three categories: regular, direct, and charter, which is incorrect.

Rule of thumb in Egypt: While there's a common misconception about needing to depart on the same type of flight (charter/regular) as arrival, this is largely a myth. The primary concern for immigration is adhering to the allowed duration of stay. In practice, departing on a different flight type than arrival is often permitted without issue. However, specific restrictions may apply if changing departure airports or if the ticket has specific blockades (e.g., charter block on a regular flight). Distinguishing flight types: Regular flights typically have 3-digit flight numbers (e.g., TK700), while charters might be marked as 'charter' or have 4-digit numbers. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Egyptair, Air Cairo, and Nesma Airlines often operate regular flights. Flights routed through Turkey are frequently regular.

Russian citizens typically receive a visa-free stay or a visa on arrival for up to 30 days in Egypt. If intending to stay longer, it is necessary to apply for a visa extension. This process usually involves visiting a local immigration office (often referred to as 'Гаузет' or passport office). It is advised to initiate the extension process before the initial 30-day period expires. While the initial visa for Russians might be free or a specific cost, extensions beyond the initial period typically involve a fee and specific documentation. The primary authority for visa matters is the immigration office.

Travelers arriving in Egypt on a regular flight can depart from any Egyptian airport on a regular flight; there are no restrictions based on the arrival city for regular services. However, if a traveler enters via Sharm El Sheikh with a 'Sinai Only' stamp (without a full Egyptian visa), they are restricted to the Sinai Peninsula and cannot travel to other parts of Egypt (e.g., Cairo, Alexandria) without first obtaining a full Egyptian visa.

In Egypt, distinguish between a visa and a stamp: A visa is a purchased sticker placed in your passport, often obtained for dollars. The stamp received upon arrival indicates your country of origin, arrival airport, and date, and does not constitute a visa itself. This stamp signifies entry under visa-free regulations or a simplified entry procedure.

For citizens of Kazakhstan, an electronic visa (e-Visa) for Egypt is NOT available. Entry visa must be obtained through the Egyptian Embassy. Travelers should consult official sources like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.

When a passenger travels from an international origin (e.g., Russia) to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, with a domestic transfer in Cairo, an Egyptian visa (costing $25-$30) is required upon arrival in Cairo, even if they do not plan to leave the airport. Cairo is considered the point of international entry, and a domestic flight to Sharm El Sheikh requires a valid visa. The process for passengers with checked luggage includes: 1. Passport control. 2. Baggage claim. 3. Re-scan luggage and security check. 4. Check-in for the domestic flight. 5. Proceed to gates. For passengers with only hand luggage, steps 1, 3, 4, and 5 apply. The Sinai visa waiver does not apply when entering Egypt via Cairo for a domestic onward flight to Sharm.

Egyptian residents are eligible to submit visa applications directly from Egypt. The process requires a valid Egyptian residence permit. Verify specific embassy requirements regarding residence proof before starting the application.

If you overstay your visa in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, be prepared to pay a fine in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) in cash at the airport. While a one-day overstay might sometimes be overlooked, it's advisable to have the necessary cash ready. Inquire about payment methods, but cash is typically required.