Travel Guide to Sharm El Sheikh from Saudi Arabia 2026: Best Time and Visa

A practical guide to travelling to Sharm El Sheikh from Saudi Arabia: the visa, top diving spots and sights, and month-by-month weather. A Red Sea beach destination combining world-class coral reefs with relaxed hotel and entertainment life, without a heavy cultural itinerary.

Visa: full exemption for up to 6 months

Saudi citizens are exempt from a visa for all of Egypt — including Sharm El Sheikh — for up to 6 months (source: Wikipedia). This exemption covers all of Egypt generally, not just the Sinai region as is the case for some other nationalities, so no extra procedure is needed upon arriving directly at Sharm El Sheikh Airport.

Hot desert climate, but the sea stays warm year-round

The climate is a subtropical desert one, with a clear contrast between intense summer daytime heat and relatively mild water temperature (source: Wikipedia) — Red Sea water temperature ranges roughly between 21-28°C year-round, so diving and swimming remain an excellent option even in the hot summer months, unlike extended outdoor sightseeing, which suits winter better.

Best places and diving spots in Sharm El Sheikh

More detail on the top spots: Ras Mohammed National Park requires an official entry permit and is usually visited as part of an organized boat tour. The Strait of Tiran suits experienced divers specifically due to strong currents, while Ras Um Sid is an easier choice for a first snorkeling or shallow diving experience.

What about the food?

Sharm El Sheikh offers a mix of fresh seafood and traditional Egyptian cuisine, alongside a wide variety of international hotel restaurants serving the city's major tourist character. Naama Bay holds the highest density of restaurants and cafés suiting every budget, and most major hotels offer all-inclusive meal plans suiting anyone who prefers not to move around much between meals.

Who this trip suits

Sharm El Sheikh suits anyone who loves diving and water sports specifically, and works well as a beach relaxation destination for those wanting a mix of sun and sea without a heavy cultural itinerary — unlike relatively nearby Cairo, which suits history and antiquities lovers more. It also suits honeymoon trips or a short family getaway thanks to its well-developed hotel infrastructure.

Where to stay based on your plan

Getting around

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport serves the city directly with direct flights from many Saudi cities. Within the city, taxis and private hotel shuttles are the widest option, and distances between the main tourist areas are often relatively short. Most dive centers provide free or paid transport to and from major hotels, reducing the need to arrange separate transport for every dive trip.

Practical tips

• Book a certified diving course in advance if you're not already certified: many local dive centers offer quick certification courses, but booking ahead saves time from your actual trip.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen: some traditional sunscreens harm marine life, and local equipment shops offer safe alternatives.
• Plan a full day for Ras Mohammed National Park: the distance and organized tour take longer than a regular beach visit.

Common mistakes

• Expecting mild weather in July and August: these are the hottest months with an average exceeding 37°C — best suited for water activities, not extended sightseeing outside them.
• Diving at the Strait of Tiran without enough experience: strong currents make it a site for experienced divers specifically, not beginners.
• Visiting Ras Mohammed National Park without booking a tour in advance: entry requires an official permit, and advance booking saves time and secures a spot on the tour.

Flights and hotels

Compare flight and hotel prices for Sharm El Sheikh via Agoda — one platform for both, with flexible cancellation on most bookings.

For a direct booking from the carrier's own site, or to compare prices first:

• Riyadh Air
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways
• Oman Air
• Air India

Anyone looking for accommodation that meets specific standards can register for free with Halal Booking for a discount on their first qualifying booking within the GCC. For major global hotel chains, IHG includes InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and more.