Hurghada - Clearance

For full details on clearing into and out of the country, including new entry fees, see Noonsite's Egypt Formalities.

Cruisers warn that fees here are very high.

On arrival, call port authorities on VHF Channel 16.  The use of an agent is not mandatory, but will help speed the process according to cruisers who have checked in here when heading north to transit the Suez Canal.

Yachts coming from the south can check into Egypt at Port Ghalib Marina or Hurghada Port. (It is no longer possible – since 2015 – to check in at Hurghada Marina as the first Port of Entry: a visit to either Port Ghalib or Hurghada Port must be done for visa and canal fees.)

It is possible to day sail with overnight stops at a number of places along the coast, as long as you do not go ashore until you have "officially" checked into Egypt.  See this 2023 report from SV Tuvalu.

Yachts coming from the north and wanting to visit Hurghada can do the check in at Port Said and take their visas from there and ask for a port clearance to Hurghada Marina. Be sure to specify Hurghada Marina so that you can go directly to the marina and avoid having to go to Hurghada Port first. The agent in Hurghada will finish the customs clearance on arrival at the marina.

It is advisable to contact the marina or the shipping agent before arrival. in order to confirm the fees and procedures, in case there are any changes.

Clearance at Hurghada Port

The Port Officials do not start until 0900 hours and finish at 1700 hours, so time your arrival accordingly. It is better to turn up at Hurghada Port early in the morning and try and avoid Fridays, as most officials will be off or away praying.

Formalities are lengthy if not using an agent (it is possible officials may refuse to deal with you directly if you choose not to hire an agent). Each arrival must be registered with Immigration. All foreign flagged boats are liable for a Customs Fee, which will be done with the Agent in Hurghada, along with the other paperwork.

When you arrive in Hurghada Port, you can either come alongside the dock (if there's space between the fast ferry and fishing boats, and if you are happy with going alongside) or drop anchor just outside. If you anchor the officials and agent will come to your boat in order to complete the formalities.

The agent will take the ship's documents, passports, and last Port Clearance. It can take up to four hours to complete formalities. The agent will keep the documents in order to finish all the necessary clearances, before returning them to you at the marina. You will be given a copy of the cruising permit, the original is held by the agent until you leave.

Permission is required to move the boat anywhere within the port, even to get fuel or go to the marina. Get this permission in writing as often as possible.

Note: Yachts can not clear in at Abu Tig, Hurghada Marina or El Gouna, they have to go to Hurghada Port first to complete check-in and then they are allowed to sail onwards.

Clearing Out of Egypt

This can be done using your agent. Note you must exit Egypt waters immediately. The marina will provide an internal cruising permit for clearing out in Suez and transiting the canal. However, this permit does not give you permission to go on land outside of official ports – at least if there is a police station nearby.

See Agents for details of Clearance agents.

Last updated:  September 2023.