An external handle device for a vehicle door is provided in which an operating handle comprising a handle main body that has formed therein a housing recess having a substantially U-shaped cross section and a handle cover that is secured to the handle main body so as to cover the housing recess is disposed so as to be operable on an outer face side of the vehicle door, and an electronic component unit formed by covering at least an electronic component with a jacket member is housed within the housing recess, wherein an extending portion is provided integrally with the jacket member, which is formed from a resilient material, the extending portion being sandwiched between abutting parts of the handle main body and the handle cover. Such configuration prevents rubbing occurring between abutting parts of the handle main body and the handle cover while eliminating necessity for an adhesive.