Explore South Sinai: free entry permit, Mount Sinai & Red Sea reefs
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- Type:governorate
Introduction
South Sinai Governorate occupies the southern triangle of the Sinai Peninsula where desert mountains meet the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba — a landscape of geological drama, biblical significance, world-class diving, and Bedouin culture. The governorate includes Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt's premier beach resort), Dahab (the backpacker diving capital), Mount Sinai (where Moses received the Ten Commandments), St. Catherine's Monastery (the world's oldest continuously operating monastery), and the Ras Mohammed National Park (a top-5 global dive site).
Overview
South Sinai packs an extraordinary range of experiences into 33,140 km² of desert peninsula. Sharm El-Sheikh at the southern tip is a full-service beach resort with year-round diving in some of the world's richest coral reefs — Ras Mohammed National Park, the SS Thistlegorm wreck, and hundreds of accessible reef sites. Dahab, 90 minutes north on the Gulf of Aqaba, is the anti-resort: budget diving from $30, waterfront cushion cafes, kitesurfing, and the Blue Hole — the most photographed (and deadliest) dive site on Earth. Mount Sinai (2,285 meters) offers a sunrise hike of genuine spiritual power, followed by a morning visit to St. Catherine's Monastery (548 CE, housing the Burning Bush and manuscripts older than the Vatican's). The desert interior holds Colored Canyon slot formations, Bedouin camps under some of the darkest skies in the northern hemisphere, and the emerging Sinai Trail — a 550-km long-distance hike connecting Bedouin communities. The free Sinai-only entry permit (15 days, South Sinai only) means some nationalities can visit without a full Egyptian visa. South Sinai is secure with heavy tourist police presence, unlike the North Sinai security zone.
Discover South Sinai
Sharm sits where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba, with 35 km of resort-lined coastline. Ras Mohammed National Park (top-5 global dive site, Shark and Yolanda Reefs), the Thistlegorm wreck (WWII supply ship with motorcycles and trucks), and 100+ dive centers make it the Red Sea's diving epicenter. Non-divers access excellent snorkeling at Shark's Bay and Ras Um Sid house reefs. Naama Bay is the social hub; Nabq Bay holds the big all-inclusives. Year-round sun (340+ days), water 22-28°C. Direct European flights. Resorts from $40-200/night.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Ras Mohammed, the Thistlegorm wreck, Dahab's Blue Hole, and the Gulf of Aqaba's coral walls — South Sinai offers diving from beginner house reefs to advanced pelagic encounters year-round.
Mount Sinai's sunrise hike, St. Catherine's Monastery with the Burning Bush and ancient manuscripts — the landscape where three Abrahamic religions trace foundational events.
Sharm's all-inclusive resorts, El Gouna-style development, and Dahab's budget beachfront — year-round swimming and 340+ sunny days at European-accessible prices.
Colored Canyon, overnight desert camps, the Sinai Trail, and camel treks — the Sinai interior offers adventure and cultural exchange with Bedouin communities under dark-sky stargazing.
Important Travel Information for South Sinai
- The Sinai-only entry permit (free, 15 days) is available at Sharm airport for eligible nationalities — restricts you to South Sinai only. For mainland Egypt, get a full visa.
- South Sinai is secure with tourist police. North Sinai has active security concerns — do not travel there.
- Mount Sinai hike starts at midnight from Sharm (3-hour drive). Book transport and guide in advance. Bring warm layers — summit temperatures can be 0-5°C even when Sharm is 25°C.
- The Blue Hole in Dahab is safe for snorkeling (shallow rim) but lethal for unqualified deep divers — respect the depth limits and never attempt 'The Arch' without proper training and experience.
- Uber/Careem don't work in South Sinai. Negotiate taxi fares before getting in.
- Alcohol is available in Sharm's resorts and restaurants but limited in Dahab and absent near St. Catherine's Monastery.
Cities in South Sinai
Treat this Visaja page as your starting point: verify the current rules directly with the official source before you submit an application.