Visa, Flights & Airport Information
Passport & entry visa requirements
Passport validity: regardless of where you are flying from, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Egypt and have at least one blank page.
Do I need a visa?
Most international travellers need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. Depending on your nationality, there are a few simple ways to get one:
- The official e-Visa (highly recommended): eligible passport holders — including Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the EU, Japan and many others — can apply online in advance through the official Egypt e-Visa portal. A single-entry tourist visa is roughly $25–30 USD and is typically emailed to you within 3–7 business days.
- Visa on arrival: many of the same nationalities can also get a visa at the major Egyptian airports before passing through passport control.
Getting into Cairo: airport options
There are two main airport entry points into the Cairo metropolitan area. Depending on where you are flying from and where you are staying, one may be more convenient than the other.
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
- The main hub: Cairo's primary and largest international gateway. It handles almost all the major global legacy airlines, including EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Air Canada, British Airways and Lufthansa.
- Location: the north-east side of the city, near Heliopolis and New Cairo.
- Best if: you are flying on a flagship global carrier or plan to stay in or explore eastern Cairo first.
Sphinx International Airport (SPX)
- The new west-side gateway: Cairo's newest airport, built to serve the western side of the city near Giza. It mainly handles regional flights, low-cost European carriers (such as Wizz Air and easyJet) and select charter flights.
- Location: the far western edge of the city — significantly closer to the Pyramids of Giza and west-side hotels like the Marriott Mena House.
- Best if: you are flying in from Europe or the Middle East on a budget airline, as it cuts out the cross-city traffic to reach west Cairo hotels.
Getting from the airport to your hotel
Traffic in Cairo can be quite an adventure, so we highly recommend planning your airport transfer in advance.
- Ride-hailing apps (highly recommended): both Uber and Careem operate seamlessly out of Cairo's airports. They are affordable and safe, and there is no need to negotiate fares with local taxis. Simply connect to the airport Wi-Fi or activate your eSIM to request a ride.
- Hotel shuttles: many major hotels offer private airport pick-up for a flat fee. If you prefer complete peace of mind after a long flight, contact your hotel directly to arrange a driver to meet you in arrivals.
Accommodation Recommendations
Staying near the venue: Giza & West Cairo
Our celebrations are taking place at Seasons Country Club, on the western side of the city near Giza, so we highly recommend booking your accommodation in the West Cairo / Giza area. This keeps you close to the wedding, the Great Pyramids and the stunning new Grand Egyptian Museum.
Hotels near the venue
- JAZ Pyramids Resort: literally right around the corner from Seasons Country Club. This 4-star resort spans nine acres of quiet, lush gardens and palm groves, with a beautiful pool area — an easy retreat right after the reception.
- Pyramids Park Resort Hotel: another beautiful option less than 2 km from the club. Set within 25 acres of manicured greenery, it has one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Cairo and wonderful open spaces.
- Marriott Mena House, Cairo: a premier historic 5-star property practically next door to the Pyramids and a short drive down the desert road to our venue, with breathtaking pyramid views from your balcony or dinner table.
- Hyatt Regency Cairo West: a sleek, ultra-modern luxury choice on the west side, popular with wedding travellers for its high-end amenities and its proximity to both airports and the club.
Apartments & villas
If you prefer the comfort, extra space or privacy of an entire apartment or villa, there are wonderful luxury rental options nearby. For a premium, secure and smooth experience, we highly recommend booking an Airbnb or professionally managed rental located strictly within the following gated communities:
- New Giza (top recommendation): Amberville or Westridge inside New Giza
- Sheikh Zayed City: Palm Hills, Allegria, Beverly Hills
- Professionally managed serviced rentals: Xuru Stays
Transportation in Cairo
Getting around
Cairo is a bustling, vibrant metropolis, and getting around is easiest when you plan ahead. Here are the best options:
- Ride-hailing apps (highly recommended): Uber and Careem are the best options for travellers. They are safe, very affordable and remove any language or price-haggling barriers. Simply request a ride through the app and you're good to go.
- Private drivers & hotel cars: for day trips, sightseeing (like visiting the Pyramids) or getting to the wedding on time, arranging a private driver or a car through your hotel is a stress-free and very reliable choice.
Getting to the wedding
Seasons Country Club is on the western side of Cairo near Giza. If you are staying in the Giza / West Cairo area, it is a short ride away. Allow extra time for traffic, and consider booking a hotel car in advance for the evening so you arrive relaxed.
Currency & Payments
Local money
The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
Cash vs. card
Major hotels, upscale restaurants and large retailers seamlessly accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard). However, Cairo still runs heavily on cash for everyday things — you will definitely want cash for local markets (like Khan El-Khalili), taxis, tips and small street vendors.
SIM Card & Connectivity
Staying connected
- eSIM: download an app like Airalo or Holafly before you fly to activate an instant data plan the moment you touch down.
- Local SIM: pick up a physical tourist SIM card directly in the airport arrivals hall after customs. The major local networks — Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat — have 24/7 kiosks offering cheap, high-data packages.
Experience Egypt
Enjoying the city
Cairo is a city where thousands of years of history meet a vibrant, modern culture. We want you to fully experience the magic of Egypt while you are here — here are a few highlights we highly recommend.
Iconic sightseeing
- The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): a spectacular, state-of-the-art architectural marvel right near the Giza plateau, housing an incredible collection of ancient treasures. An absolute must-visit for history lovers.
- The Pyramids of Giza: no trip to Cairo is complete without seeing the last remaining ancient wonder of the world. For an unforgettable view, have lunch or coffee on a terrace overlooking the plateau.
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC): home to the famous royal mummies and a beautiful, comprehensive overview of Egyptian history through the ages.
Culture & atmosphere
- Khan El-Khalili Bazaar: a lively, historic labyrinth of sights, sounds and colour — perfect for souvenirs, spices and jewellery. Don't forget to stop at the famous El Fishawy Café for mint tea and people-watching.
- Al-Moez Street: walking down this street feels like stepping into an open-air museum, with some of the world's oldest and most breathtaking Islamic architecture.
- Zamalek: for a more relaxed, modern vibe, head to this island in the middle of the Nile, full of trendy cafés, boutiques, art galleries and leafy streets perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Food & dining
- Savour local flavours: try Egyptian staples like Koshary (the ultimate comfort street food), fresh Taameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans), and grilled Kebab and Kofta.
- Dine on the Nile: for a classic Cairo experience, enjoy dinner or a sunset drink at a restaurant directly overlooking the river.
April weather & packing
- The climate: April is one of the very best times of year to visit Cairo. Expect gorgeous, sunny spring days with daytime highs around 28 °C, cooling to a refreshing 15 °C in the evening — perfect for an evening celebration at Seasons Country Club.
- What to pack: lightweight, breathable fabrics for daytime sightseeing, plus a light jacket, blazer or shawl for the evening, since the desert breeze picks up after sunset.
- Dress etiquette: upscale venues, hotels and the wedding itself are relaxed and modern, but we recommend dressing relatively modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when exploring historic sites, local markets or downtown Cairo.