Arriving at Cairo Airport
The chaos and apparent lack of organisation at Cairo airport is an appropriate introduction to the country. Although the process is far speedier than in years gone by, the frenzied race through customs gives one a new found appreciation for western airports.
Unless you are an Egyptian citizen, you will be given a landing card as your aircraft approaches Cairo. Be sure to complete it on board while sitting comfortably and then carry together with your passport as you disembark.
Travel to Egypt and Swine Flu
Currently visitors are also being asked to fill out health declaration forms on arrival as part of the country’s paranoid bid to keep its nation free from swine flu. Heat sensitive cameras are another measure in this endeavour, scanning the hoards of new arrivals for anyone with a suspiciously high temperature.
When you reach customs you will be required to purchase a visa, if not done so in advance. Before joining the queues visit one of the bank kiosks on the left hand side of the hall. Here you can purchase the Egyptian visa for $15 or 85LE and change up money for the taxi ride to Cairo.
You will be given the newly designed sticker to fix on a spare page in your passport. When you then go through customs, the official will collect your immigration card, stamp your visa and then send you on your way.
Taxis at Cairo Airport
Taxi drivers and English speaking touts for taxi drivers will pounce on you the moment you enter the arrivals hall.
As a rule of thumb, the further you walk the cheaper the taxi will be. The touts are basically middle men who take a commission for walking you out front to a driver. Just ignore them all, walk out the entrance and find a black and white taxi.
Agree the price before hand and be on your way. Read more about taking taxis in Egypt
The ride to central Cairo should cost no more then 40LE (about 5€). If you really want to save pennies you can walk out of the airport grounds altogether and hail a cab on the highway. Cairo is 30min – 1hr away depending on traffic.
If you would prefer to have a driver greet you as you step out of arrivals, a transfer can be pre organised with a reputable Cairo travel agency for a little extra.
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