Alexandria Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) is the primary gateway to Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Located 45 km southwest of central Alexandria, HBE has undergone a historic transformation between 2024 and 2026: once a modest regional facility, it now operates as Egypt’s first certified “Eco-Airport” with a multi-terminal system targeting over 5 million annual passengers. It serves as a critical hub for Air Arabia Egypt, EgyptAir, and Air Cairo, connecting the Mediterranean coast to Europe, the Gulf, and North Africa. For 2026 travellers, navigating Borg El Arab means understanding the new terminal split, multi-stage Egyptian security, and the desert-road logistics that define ground transport in this part of the world.

Terminal Architecture: The Green Revolution

The most significant update for 2026 is the full operational maturity of the New Passenger Terminal (Terminal 2), funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Each terminal has a defined role — always confirm your terminal from your boarding pass before arriving.

Terminal 2 — The Eco-Terminal (Flagship International)

Egypt’s first environmentally certified airport terminal. T2 utilises advanced solar power arrays, natural lighting systems, and high-efficiency air conditioning designed for the desert climate. The building is airy and modern, with a streamlined check-in hall and a significantly expanded duty-free area compared to the original facility.

• Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, and international routes operated by EgyptAir
• Security: Next-generation CT scanners at the main checkpoint — laptops can often remain in bags
• Amenities: Alexandria Pearl Lounge, Cilantro coffee, filtered water stations airside, expanded duty-free

Terminal 1 — Regional & Domestic Hub

The modernised original terminal handles primarily domestic routes to Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, plus low-cost regional carriers.

• Airlines: Air Arabia Egypt, Air Cairo, domestic EgyptAir
• Connection to T2: Shuttle service and a paved walkway link the two buildings — for the most seamless experience, confirm your terminal from your boarding pass and request drop-off at the correct building

Visa & Egypt Entry 2026

Arriving at HBE is generally faster than Cairo International, but entry procedures are equally rigorous. Prepare documentation before joining any queue.

Visa on Arrival — $25 USD Sticker

For most Western, EU, and Gulf nationalities, the Egyptian visa remains a physical sticker purchased in the arrivals hall. The process is straightforward but has a critical sequence:

1. Before reaching the immigration desks, locate the bank kiosks (Banque Misr or National Bank of Egypt) in the arrivals hall
2. Purchase the visa sticker for $25 USD — card readers are more common in 2026 but frequently fail; always carry a crisp $25 USD bill
3. Attach the sticker to your passport and proceed to the immigration counter

Attempting to join the immigration queue without the sticker will result in being sent back to the bank kiosks. The cash requirement is the single most common cause of delays at HBE arrivals.

E-Visa

If you used the official Egypt E-visa portal before travel, proceed directly to the immigration counters with a printed copy of your authorisation. Electronic display on a phone screen is not always accepted — printing is strongly advised.

Biometric Processing

T2 has implemented facial recognition at the Eco-Terminal immigration desks to speed up processing for frequent travellers and registered long-term residents. First-time visitors proceed through standard staffed counters.

Ground Transport: Reaching Alexandria & the North Coast

Borg El Arab sits in a remote desert location 45 km from the city centre. There is no rail link to the airport. All surface transport options involve the Desert Road — a fast but sometimes congested highway that is subject to heavy truck traffic and fog during winter mornings.

Uber & Careem — Recommended

Both platforms are fully operational at HBE in 2026. Drivers wait in the designated “App-Based Pickup” zone in the parking lot — security restrictions prevent them from waiting at the terminal kerb, so follow the signage from the arrivals exit to the parking area.

• To the Alexandria Corniche: 1,200–1,800 EGP (approximately $24–36 USD at 2026 rates)
• Key advantage: Fixed digital pricing eliminates the negotiation required with street taxis — the fare is confirmed in the app before you enter the car
• Payment: In-app card or cash; both accepted

Official Airport Taxis (White Taxis)

White taxis are available from the official rank outside arrivals. Always agree the price before your luggage goes in the boot — never enter a taxi without a confirmed fare. Drivers may request payment in USD or EUR; while EGP is the legal tender, foreign currency is generally accepted at a premium.

• To Central Alexandria (Sidi Gaber / Corniche): 1,400–1,900 EGP
• To Alamein / North Coast resorts: 2,500–4,000 EGP

Shuttle Buses — Budget Only

Limited private shuttles serve Moharam Bek bus station in central Alexandria. Fare: 150–250 EGP. Suitable only for solo budget travellers with minimal luggage who are comfortable with onward connections from the bus station. Not recommended with checked baggage or children.

Desert Road Warning

The road between Alexandria and Borg El Arab is prone to heavy truck traffic and dense fog during winter mornings (October–March). For any flight departing at 08:00 or earlier, leave central Alexandria no later than 05:00. Buffer time is not optional on this route.

Security Protocols: The Multi-Stage Check

Egyptian airport security is multi-layered, and HBE is no exception. Understanding each stage prevents confusion and missed flights.

1. Perimeter gate: All vehicles entering airport grounds are inspected before drop-off
2. Initial scan: Full baggage X-ray and metal detector check before reaching the check-in counters
3. Main checkpoint (T2): Next-generation 3D CT scanners — laptops can typically remain in bags; liquids rules apply
4. Gate-side security: A final manual check and X-ray scan at the individual boarding gate — this is always manual and thorough regardless of what passed the main checkpoint

Power Bank Rule

Security is extremely strict regarding lithium batteries. All power banks must be in carry-on luggage — not checked bags. Power banks found in hold baggage will be confiscated without exception. This rule is enforced consistently at all Egyptian airports.

Lounges

Alexandria Pearl Lounge — Terminal 2

The flagship pay-access lounge in T2 is a significant upgrade over the previous facility and functions as an essential refuge during delays — the main terminal seating is limited and uncomfortable for long waits.

• Walk-in rate: approximately 2,200 EGP (~$45 USD)
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and applicable travel credit cards
• Food: Hot Mediterranean buffet including falafel and kofta
• Facilities: Private shower suites, high-speed Wi-Fi (the most reliable connection in the airport), quiet seating zone, workstations

If your flight has any history of delay on this route, lounge access is strongly recommended.

Dining, Shopping & Practical Facilities

Food & Drink

• Cilantro (T2): Egypt’s reliable mid-market coffee chain, offering quality espresso and fresh sandwiches. Consistent standard across all branches.
• Free water stations (T2 airside): In keeping with its Eco-Terminal status, T2 has installed filtered water refill stations airside. Bring an empty reusable bottle to bypass the expensive bottled water sold at gate kiosks.

Duty-Free

The new T2 duty-free focuses on Egyptian exports: luxury Giza cotton products (sheets, towels, robes — among the world’s finest cotton) and premium Medjool dates. Both make excellent departure gifts and are priced below city retail. Standard international spirits and tobacco are also available.

ATMs & Cash

ATMs are located in the arrivals hall of both terminals. These are the most reliable cash withdrawal points at the airport. Withdraw at least 4,000 EGP on arrival to cover transport, food, and incidentals — while T2 is increasingly card-friendly, taxis, small vendors, and bus services still require physical Egyptian pounds.

SIM Cards

Kiosks for Vodafone Egypt and WE (Telecom Egypt) are in the arrivals hall. Passport registration is required for all SIM purchases in Egypt. A 30GB Tourist Pack costs approximately 600 EGP (~$12 USD) and provides good coverage across Alexandria and the North Coast resort corridor.

Wi-Fi

Free airport Wi-Fi provides 30 minutes of access via an SMS verification code. For anything beyond basic messaging, a local SIM card or Pearl Lounge access (unlimited Wi-Fi included) is the practical solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Reference

Guide data verified April 2026. Visa fees, transport fares, and entry requirements subject to change — confirm current requirements before travel.