Get your Egypt visa before immigration — this step saves your first hour
The moment you land in Egypt, you'll buy your visa before immigration, so have exact cash ready — this single step determines how smoothly your first hour goes. From there it's a short walk through stamps, bags, and a security scan before you're in a taxi to the city.
Where do I get my visa and how do I pay?
U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Egypt. At Cairo Airport, buy it at a small bank kiosk in the arrivals hall, before you reach immigration. A 30-day tourist visa costs approximately $30 USD in exact change cash; a multiple-entry visa is approximately $60. The queue is usually five minutes or less. Peel the sticker, place it in your passport, then proceed to the immigration desk for your entry stamp. Some kiosks now accept bank cards, but not all — if you want to pay by card, check two or three kiosks first. Note that a visa doesn't guarantee entry: officials have occasionally denied entry without explanation.
What paperwork do I need at immigration?
You need a completed landing card, normally handed out on your incoming flight. If you didn't get one, blank cards are available near the immigration desks — fill in your name, passport number, hotel name, and flight number before joining the queue to save time.
What happens after immigration?
After collecting your bags, all luggage is X-rayed on the way out of the baggage hall — routine and quick. If you're carrying more than $10,000 USD in foreign currency, declare it (there's no limit on foreign currency, just a declaration threshold). You can bring up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds in or out. High-value electronics or recording equipment should also be declared — satellite phones or radio equipment may be confiscated without prior Ministry of Telecommunications clearance.
How do I get to the city center?
A fair taxi fare to central Cairo (Downtown, Zamalek, Garden City) is roughly 150–250 EGP; to Giza and the Pyramids area, expect 250–400 EGP. Anything above that is inflated. The drive to Downtown takes 30–45 minutes; to Giza, up to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Uber and Careem often match or slightly beat taxi prices — but only request the ride once you've passed the final exit doors, or the driver won't be able to find you. Avoid renting a car yourself: driving in Egypt is considered extremely dangerous, with unmarked roads, non-functioning traffic lights, and police directing traffic by hand signal in Cairo.
Should I get a SIM card right away?
Airport WiFi is free but relies on SMS verification codes that often don't arrive. It's more reliable to buy a SIM on arrival — in Terminal 3, the Orange shop near baggage carousel 4 is generally open 24 hours; in Terminal 2, SIM shops are in the arrivals hall after the X-ray exit.
FAQ
Do I need to arrange my visa before arrival? No — U.S. citizens can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for about $30 cash, or a multiple-entry visa for about $60.
Should I register with anyone before traveling? Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) lets the U.S. embassy send you alerts and helps them locate you in an emergency.
Is it safe to drive myself from the airport? It's not recommended — Egyptian roads have unmarked surfaces, unpredictable pedestrian and animal crossings, and Cairo traffic often relies on police hand signals rather than working lights. Taxis or hired drivers are safer.
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