Marsa Alam Travel Advice: Egypt Visa on Arrival, Currency & Tipping Etiquette

A smooth holiday in Marsa Alam begins with knowing the practical logistics before you touch down. Here is the essential, up-to-date guide covering visas, money, connectivity, and local customs.

Egypt Tourist Visa on Arrival ($25 USD / €25)

Citizens of the EU, UK, US, and most European countries can purchase their 30-day single-entry tourist visa upon arrival at Marsa Alam Airport (RMF) or Hurghada (HRG). Simply go directly to the official bank counters before passport control. Bring exact cash in USD or EUR.

Currency & Payment: Egyptian Pounds (EGP) vs EUR

While hotels and excursion operators happily accept Euro and US Dollars, local shops and tips are best settled in Egyptian Pounds. ATMs at hotels dispense EGP. Credit cards are widely accepted at resorts, but having small cash notes for tips (baksheesh) is customary and appreciated.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen & Marine Conservation Laws

Egyptian environmental law strictly prohibits touching corals, taking shells or marine fossils, or feeding fish. Bring oxybenzone-free reef-safe sunscreen to protect delicate coral reefs.