Egypt holiday guide: visa, best time to go and which resort to pick

Egypt is one of the favourite holiday destinations for Bulgarians – and for good reason. Only about three hours of flying separate Sofia from the warm Red Sea, where the sun shines almost all year round, the coral reefs are among the most beautiful in the world, and the pyramids and temples of Luxor are just an excursion away. In this guide we have gathered the essentials: which documents you need, when to travel and which resort suits you best.

Visa and entry requirements for Bulgarian citizens

The information below is based on the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the official Egyptian portals as of November 2026. Citizens of other countries should check the rules for their own passport.

• Visa: required for Bulgarian citizens. A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival at the airports of Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Cairo and others, in advance online through the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg, or at the Egyptian embassy in Sofia. On a package holiday, ask your tour operator whether the visa is included or arranged for you.
• Visa on arrival: paid at the airport counter before passport control. Bring the exact amount in cash in US dollars or euros to save time.
• South Sinai: for holidays of up to 15 days spent only in the South Sinai resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Nuweiba), a free "Sinai only" entry stamp has traditionally been issued at the airport. It does not allow you to visit Cairo, the pyramids or Luxor – for those you need a full visa. The rules change, so check in advance.
• Passport: a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry, with at least one completely blank page. You cannot travel to Egypt with an ID card. Children also need their own passport.
• Health insurance: strongly recommended. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Egypt, and treatment in private clinics is paid on the spot.
• Vaccinations: no vaccinations are required when arriving from Bulgaria.
• Customs: bringing drones into Egypt is prohibited without a special permit – they are held at the airport. Exporting coral, reef shells and antiquities is forbidden. Large amounts of cash must be declared.
• Safety: resorts and tourist sites are well guarded. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises avoiding North Sinai and the border areas with Libya, Sudan and the Gaza Strip.

Important: apply for an e-visa only through the official website visa2egypt.gov.eg – many intermediary sites look official but charge extra fees. Always check the current requirements before you travel.

When is the best time to visit Egypt

The Red Sea resorts are open all year round, but every season is different:

• Spring (March – May) and autumn (October – November): in our opinion the best time – warm but not hot, with a pleasant sea. Ideal for both the beach and excursions.
• Summer (June – September): very hot, especially inland – in Luxor temperatures often exceed 40°C. On the coast the breeze helps and the water is at its warmest.
• Winter (December – February): a perfect escape from the Bulgarian winter. Days are sunny and warm, evenings are cool and the sea is around 22°C. It is also the most pleasant time to explore Cairo and Luxor.

How to get to Egypt

In season there are direct charter flights from Sofia – and at certain times from other Bulgarian airports – to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. The flight takes about three hours. Cairo can be reached all year round with scheduled connecting flights. For most of the year Egypt is in the same time zone as Bulgaria.

Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Sharm el-Sheikh?

Hurghada and around

The most popular resort among Bulgarians: hundreds of all-inclusive hotels, lively streets, restaurants and plenty of excursions. For a quieter holiday choose the nearby bays of Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or Soma Bay with wide sandy beaches. El Gouna is a modern lagoon town – more upmarket and great for couples.

Marsa Alam

South of Hurghada, quieter and wilder. Its reefs are among the best preserved on the coast, and you can often swim with sea turtles. Ideal for snorkellers and divers looking for peace and quiet.

Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab

Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula is famous for its coral and the Ras Mohammed National Park – a paradise for divers. It offers a wide choice of hotels and the lively Naama Bay centre. Dahab is smaller, with a bohemian vibe, seaside cafés and the famous Blue Hole for experienced divers.

What to see and do

• The Giza pyramids and the Sphinx – the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Combine them with the new Grand Egyptian Museum next to the pyramids, home to the treasures of Tutankhamun.
• Luxor – the Karnak and Luxor temples and the Valley of the Kings. It is about 4 hours from Hurghada on a day trip – a long day, but well worth it.
• A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan – the classic way to see the riverside temples over a few days.
• Snorkelling and diving – by boat to the islands off Hurghada or to the reefs of Ras Mohammed.
• A desert safari by buggy or quad bike, with sunset and dinner in a Bedouin village.
• Climbing Mount Sinai for sunrise and visiting St Catherine's Monastery – from Sharm el-Sheikh.

Practical tips

• Money: the local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Hotels and excursion providers often accept US dollars and euros. Carry small notes – tipping is part of the local culture.
• Bargaining: haggling is normal at markets and with taxis. Agree on the price before you set off.
• Water and food: drink only bottled water and avoid ice and raw salads outside your hotel during the first days.
• Sun: the sun is strong all year round – sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are a must.
• Clothing: swimwear is fine in the resorts. In towns, mosques and temples cover your shoulders and knees.
• Power: sockets are the same as in Bulgaria and most of Europe (220 V, type C/F), so no adapter is needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel to Egypt with a Bulgarian ID card?

No – you need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a tourist visa, which can also be obtained at the airport on arrival.

How long is the flight from Sofia to Hurghada?

A direct charter flight takes about three hours.

Which resort is best for families with children?

Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh and Soma Bay near Hurghada offer sandy beaches with gentle entry into the sea and hotels with kids' clubs and aqua parks.

Can I visit the pyramids from Hurghada?

Yes, on an organised one- or two-day excursion by road or with a domestic flight to Cairo.

Need help planning?

The choice between Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm el-Sheikh, the hotel and the excursions can completely change the feel of your holiday. The Clio Travel team will help you find the right resort and hotel for your budget, remind you about the visa and documents, and arrange your flights, transfers and excursions to the pyramids or Luxor.