We are just in the process of transiting the Suez Canal and would highly recommend Captain Heebi from The Prince of the Red Sea. He Processed approximately 25 boats this season for the canal. We went with him because we went with his father 30 years ago. We have had no unexpected costs and a total of US $120 for agents fees.

We had an alternator problem when we were about an hour up the canal and had to turn back. Captain Heebi immediately helped us get a mechanic at good rates and fixed the problem. We have nothing but praise for the professional way in which he conducts his business.

We were asked by a Nasco representative in Port Ghalib to give them a go as they were trying to begin a business but were apprehensive about the new guys on the block having enough experience. We were right to go with Prince of the Red Sea as we have heard of terrible overcharging problems with Nasco.

Reported by Agent – Prince of the Red Sea:

Port Said has increased the price for the port clearance from 40$ to 652$ for any sailing yacht transiting southbound. Port Said is the only way to go to the Suez Canal, southbound.

I have one boat now arrive in Port Fouad Marina wishing to transit south, but the port authorities are asking for the new rules 88 2018.
Which is the new fees of 652 $ for port clearance.

The yacht was forced to leave the marina in 30 knots of wind at night because he had no money to pay the 652$. The yacht finally went back to the Mediterranean and changed their plans.

The 652 $ is only for the port clearance. For example, yesterday that boat if he allowed for the transit he has to pay:

Suez Canal dues – 400$
Port Clearance – 652$

Total 1052$ for yacht 13 meter, without the agent fees.

Very bad.

For your info. we have no problems in Suez at all for yachts going northbound, still with the normal fees.

So in Port Said now, the cost for all foreign flag yachts from 1 meter to 18 meter – clearance fees 652$.
If over 18 meter – 850$.

Capt Heebi.

Firstly, El Alamein is not a port of entry, so you would need to clear in at Alexandria first (using an Agent). When clearing in, you would need to ask for permission to visit El Alamein (sailing permit). On arrival there, you will be stopped by the Egyptian Navy who will check your documents.

From asking a few contacts in Egypt about this marina, it appears it is more of a villa leisure complex than a marina for transient boats. Answers like: “Yacht visitors may use the marina facilities and may not. I am not sure what they mean by that, I can’t get clear answers”. Quite probably, the larger and flashier your yacht, the higher the chance of getting in.

If by chance, you do manage to obtain a berth, you would need to return to Alexandria afterwards to clear out of Egypt, or to get clearance for the next Egyptian port you wish to visit.

Posted on behalf of Fritze, SY Alytes:
Contrary to the information on noonsite (and on the entire net) – it IS still possible to enter Egypt with a visa on arrival. The restraints employed in May 2015 were quickly removed after a storm of complaints.

According to the Egyptian embassy in the UK, the visa on arrival policy is valid “until further notice”. We can confirm that through the first-hand experience. It is tied to the availability of a stable, internet-based e-visa system. There is currently no date given for when such a system will be “live” and usable. Consequently, there is no need to apply and wait for visas in Djibouti.

Alternatively, you can also cross the Suez Canal as a boat in transit without checking into Egypt at all. This would save you some money (visa, clearance and the like). You can’t leave the ports, though.