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.
Important check: visa rules vary depending on the country that issued your passport, so please double-check your nationality's requirements on the official government site or with your local embassy before booking.
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.