- DistanceJeddah–Cairo about 2 hours' flying; Riyadh–Cairo under 3 hours
- Getting thereMany daily flights; seasonal resort routes; Duba–Safaga ferry
- CurrencyEgyptian pound (EGP)
- EntryGCC citizens visa-free; e-visa or visa on arrival for many others
Egypt and Saudi Arabia face each other across the Red Sea, and the air bridge between them is one of the busiest in the Middle East. For visitors to the Kingdom, Egypt is the obvious way to add the pharaohs to an Arabian journey: the pyramids, the treasures of Cairo's museums, the temples of Luxor and Aswan and the diving resorts of Sinai and the Red Sea coast.
How to get there from Saudi Arabia
By air, Cairo is served from almost every Saudi airport. Saudia and EgyptAir fly the trunk routes; flynas and flyadeal offer low-cost flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah and regional cities, with flyadeal also serving Alexandria and Upper Egypt; and Riyadh Air has flown Riyadh–Cairo since June 2026. Jeddah to Cairo takes around two hours, Riyadh to Cairo under three. In summer and winter holiday seasons, direct flights also run to Sharm El Sheikh and other resorts. Compare fares on Trip.com.
By sea, a passenger ferry has long linked Duba in Saudi Arabia's north-west with Safaga on Egypt's Red Sea coast. Sailings are infrequent and timetables change, tickets are often sold locally in cash, and services can be suspended, so check with operators close to your travel date. It is an adventure rather than a convenience.
Entry rules for visitors coming from Saudi
- GCC citizens, including Saudis, can enter Egypt without a visa.
- Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders, can buy a 30-day visa on arrival at Egyptian airports (cash in US dollars at most airports; a digital visa on arrival has been introduced at Cairo) or apply in advance for an e-visa at the official portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg.
- Residents of Saudi Arabia with other passports follow the rules for their nationality; some need a visa from an Egyptian consulate in advance.
Use only the official e-visa site, as many look-alike websites charge extra. Sinai-only stays in some resorts have had special permit rules in the past, so ask your airline or hotel. And remember to check that your Saudi visa allows you to return.
Highlights
- Giza and Cairo: the pyramids and Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza, Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
- Luxor: Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- Aswan and the Nile: felucca sailing, Philae and a cruise between Aswan and Luxor; Abu Simbel further south.
- The Red Sea and Sinai: Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab and the reefs of Ras Mohammed, plus Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery.
- Alexandria: Mediterranean seafront, the modern library and Roman remains.
Guided visits make Cairo much easier: see Cairo and pyramids tours. For hotels, compare Cairo hotels.
How it pairs with a Saudi trip
From Jeddah, Cairo is a short hop, making a combined Red Sea and Nile itinerary easy. Divers can compare the reefs on both sides of the sea: start with the Saudi Red Sea coast and finish in Sinai. For a wider loop through Jordan, see our grand tour ideas.
Tours: Egypt from Saudi Arabia
Compare guided trips, transfers and tickets.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Jeddah to Cairo?
About two hours. Saudia, EgyptAir, flynas and flyadeal operate the route, and Riyadh Air flies from Riyadh to Cairo.
Is there a ferry from Saudi Arabia to Egypt?
A passenger ferry has linked Duba and Safaga, but sailings are infrequent and can be suspended. Check locally before planning around it.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
GCC citizens do not. Many other nationalities can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa from visa2egypt.gov.eg; some need a consular visa in advance.
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