What surprises visitors most in Hurghada: the visa (online or on arrival), drones (banned without permission), photographing military sites, prescription medicines and taking coral. Alcohol is served in hotels and tourist restaurants. Everything is detailed below, with the points to check before departure (information gathered on 19 October 2026).

Legal, tolerated, banned

Hurghada airport

Topic Status Key point
Alcohol tolerated hotels and tourist restaurants; banned on public transport
Drone banned without permission equipment confiscated on entry
Photos of military sites, police stations, airports banned also soldiers and police officers
Medicines legal with a prescription original packaging; check the product is allowed
CBD banned even if sold freely at home
Coral and shells banned take nothing, do not walk on reefs
Beachwear tolerated at the hotel and on the beach; cover up more in town

Visa and passport

According to the sources we consulted, the tourist visa (30 days, single entry) costs 25 dollars online (e-visa). At the airport, travel sites report a rise to 30 dollars since March 2026, with no official confirmation we could read. Check the price and your eligibility on the official visa2egypt portal before leaving. Several sources ask for a passport valid for at least six months on arrival, so plan for it. See also the visa on arrival and the fake agents.

Alcohol

The French foreign ministry states that drinking is allowed in hotels and tourist restaurants, but carrying alcohol on public transport is forbidden. Travel sites quote a customs allowance of about one litre of spirits for adults; we found no official source, so check with customs. Do not drink in the street.

Medicines

Carry a prescription (in English if possible), keep medicines in their original packaging and check they are allowed in Egypt. Some opioid painkillers, such as tramadol, are strictly controlled: ask the embassy before you leave. CBD products are banned.

Drones and photos

Drones are banned without special permission; imported equipment can be confiscated and users risk prosecution (French foreign ministry). Do not photograph military buildings, police stations, airports, police officers or soldiers, and be careful at checkpoints.

At sea: coral, shells, reefs

In protected Red Sea areas, do not pick up coral or shells, even dead ones, and do not walk on reefs: the ban protects the dive sites and comes with fines. Keep a life jacket on near reefs.

Dress and behavior

Swimwear at the hotel and on the beach, more covered clothing in town and at religious sites. Avoid public displays of affection and do not criticize religion or the authorities, including online. For the season, see the best time to visit; for payments, money and tipping.

Insurance and emergencies

Take travel insurance covering care and repatriation, especially if you dive. Emergency numbers usually quoted: police 122, ambulance 123, tourist police 126; check them on your foreign ministry's website.

Arriving without stress: the transfer

Day one is easier with a booked vehicle: the driver waits at the airport exit with a name sign. Our pick: the airport–hotel transfer in Hurghada (rated 4.9 from 10 reviews, from about 22 dollars per person per the listing in October 2026, private air-conditioned car, free cancellation 24 hours before). For a more comfortable vehicle, see the private one-way option; we could not record its rating or price, so check the listing. Prices and reviews change.

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Hurghada? Yes for most nationalities; the e-visa and the visa on arrival both exist. Check the official portal.

Can I drink alcohol? Yes in hotels and tourist restaurants; not in the street or on public transport.

Can I fly a drone? No, not without special permission.

Can I collect shells? No, it is banned in protected Red Sea areas.

Sources: French foreign ministry (Egypt travel advice), visa2egypt portal, travel sites for the alcohol allowance and the airport visa price.

The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 19 October 2026.