Taba / Eilat & Taba Crossing (Menachem Begin Crossing) Border Crossing

The Taba Crossing: A Gateway to Sinai

The land border between the Israeli resort city of Eilat and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula is known officially in Israel as the Menachem Begin Crossing, and more commonly worldwide as the Taba Crossing. It stands as a unique frontier, a place where the stark, reddish-brown mountains of the Eilat range meet the brilliant blue waters of the Red Sea. This is not a crossing for commercial trucks or daily commuters; its primary purpose is tourism. It is the main artery for travelers seeking the world-renowned diving spots, beach resorts, and desert landscapes of the Sinai. The atmosphere here is distinctly different from other regional borders, geared almost entirely towards facilitating the movement of international visitors and Israelis on holiday.

A Border Born from Peace

The history of this specific location is a direct result of the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. While Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula in 1982, the status of a small but prime strip of beach at Taba remained in dispute. The issue was finally resolved through international arbitration in 1989, with the area being returned to Egypt, establishing the border in its current location. The crossing itself, and the large hotel complex adjacent to it on the Egyptian side, became symbols of the “cold peace” between the two nations. It represents a functioning, practical outcome of a landmark diplomatic agreement, allowing for the peaceful movement of people between two former adversaries. For decades, it has been the go-to access point for those looking to explore the Sinai’s natural wonders.

The Crossing Procedure: A Walk Across the Frontier

The Taba crossing is designed primarily for pedestrians, though private vehicles can cross with extensive prior paperwork. The vast majority of travelers cross on foot. The process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the time of year and day. It is busiest during Israeli holidays, especially Passover and Sukkot.

Operating Hours: The crossing is typically open 24/7, but you must verify the hours on the official Israeli Airports Authority website before your trip, as they can change.

Step 1: Exiting Israel. The process begins at the Israeli terminal building in Eilat. You will first pay an exit fee (border levy). This can be paid in cash (shekels) or by credit card at a dedicated counter or automated machine. Keep the receipt. You will then proceed to Israeli passport control, where you will receive your exit stamp (or, more commonly, a small paper slip to avoid an Israeli stamp in your passport if requested). After a final security check of your luggage, you will exit the terminal.

Step 2: The Walk. You will then walk a few hundred meters along a covered walkway to the Egyptian terminal. This short walk is the physical act of crossing the border.

Step 3: Entering Egypt. Upon entering the Egyptian terminal, you will first reach a window selling visa stamps. For most nationalities entering the Sinai Peninsula only (and not traveling to Cairo or mainland Egypt), a “Sinai Only” visa is available free of charge. This is a simple stamp in your passport that allows you to stay in the eastern part of Sinai for up to 14 days. If you plan to travel further into Egypt, you must obtain a full Egyptian visa. This can often be purchased at the border for a fee (typically in US dollars), but it is far safer to arrange an e-visa online in advance. After the visa stamp, you will proceed to the Egyptian passport control counter for your entry stamp. Your luggage may be inspected before you are free to exit the terminal into Taba, Egypt.

Important Considerations and Potential Issues

While the process is well-established, there are several key points to be aware of. The “Sinai Only” free visa has strict geographic limitations. You can travel as far as Sharm el-Sheikh and Saint Catherine’s Monastery, but you cannot go west of this line. There are checkpoints on the roads where this will be enforced. If you have any intention of visiting Cairo or Luxor, you need a full visa. The Israeli exit fee is non-negotiable. Be prepared for security questioning on both sides, particularly on the Israeli side upon your return. Be patient and answer all questions calmly. Touts and taxi drivers will be waiting for you as soon as you exit the Egyptian terminal. It is best to have a general idea of the fair price to your destination (e.g., Dahab or Nuweiba) beforehand to avoid being overcharged.

Final Advice for Your Sinai Trip

The Taba crossing is a relatively straightforward border for the prepared traveler. The most important decisions are determining which Egyptian visa you need and checking the crossing’s operational hours in advance. Having small denominations of US dollars can be useful for the Egyptian visa fee if you need one. The crossing’s unique location on the Red Sea coast makes it a memorable start to any Sinai adventure. By understanding the two-tiered visa system and being prepared for the fees and potential queues during holiday periods, you can begin your exploration of the Sinai’s famous beaches and underwater reefs with confidence.