Cairo International Airport (CAI): First Impressions, Visas & Vital Tips for South Africans and Others

Arriving in Cairo

After an exhausting journey from Cape Town via Addis Ababa — long hours in the air and endless time on the ground — Cairo finally appeared below me as an unbroken stretch of sand. Every glimpse out the window looked the same: desert, desert, desert.

Landing should have felt like relief. Instead, chaos arrived first. I touched down at Cairo International Airport’s Terminal 1 (why, I still don’t know, as this was an international flight). From the moment I stepped off the plane, everything felt wrong — dim lighting, faded signage, long queues, and a constant undercurrent of confusion filling the arrival hall. Navigating immigration, security, and baggage claim was anything but intuitive.

 And then — as if to seal the experience — my luggage disappeared somewhere between Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir!

They say Cairo is a city where chaos and charm coexist in perfect rhythm. At that moment, chaos was the only note playing.

Before the car horns, coffee aromas, and the call to prayer take over, here’s what you need to know to arrive prepared.

Before You Land (Mental Preparation) Expect noise, movement, and many voices. People that speak over your head. Nothing happens quickly — don’t rush.Keep the following easily accessible:

• Passport
• Printed accommodation details
• A pen
• Small USD bills (clean, newer notes)

✦ Vivie Tip Just stay calm – You have arrived…

Visas for Egypt – Critical Information for South Africans

South African passport holders need to take special note when planning travel to Egypt. 

At the time of my travel, visa on arrival did not apply to South African passport holders. At that stage me, travelling on a South African passport, couldn’t obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport.

✦ Vivie Tip I also strongly advise against applying for a visa through the Egyptian Embassy.

Based on direct experience, the process is plagued by poor communication, long delays, days with no response, and endless paperwork. It is frustrating, time-consuming, and unreliable.

The most efficient and stress-free option is to apply through iVisa. The process is fully online, clear, and responsive. My visa was processed smoothly, without embassy visits or complications.

If you are not a South African passport holder and do not already have an e-visa:

• Purchase your visa before passport control
• Pay in USD cash if possible

At Passport Control

• Answer questions simply
• Smile, but don’t over-explain
• If asked where you’re staying, show the address

✦ Vivie Tip Don’t jar-jarra (over-talk)

Baggage Claim (Read This Carefully)

Screens are sometimes wrong — watch the belts.

These individuals are often linked to private transfer companies and will charge inflated fees. Trust your instinct and research. Stick to it.

✦ Vivie Tip Avoid anyone offering to “help.” 

• Don’t engage
• Don’t apologise
• A firm “La shukran” (No, thank you) is enough

If your luggage doesn’t arrive:

• Go to the lost baggage desk immediately
• File the report before leaving the arrivals hall
• Take photos of all paperwork

✦ Vivie Tip Do not assume it will “sort itself out.” It will not!

Cairo International Airport is not a single connected terminal. It consists of three separate terminals, linked by roads and a shuttle train — something many first-time visitors don’t realise.

 Understanding Cairo Airport Layout 

Terminal 1

The older terminal, handling domestic, regional, low-cost, and charter flights. Although refurbished, it still feels fragmented and is not physically connected to Terminals 2 or 3.

Terminal 2

Fully modernised and used by many international airlines. It is calmer, cleaner, and has a more European feel.

Terminal 3

The largest and most important terminal. Home to EgyptAir and Star Alliance airlines, and where most long-haul international flights arrive and depart. It is modern, busy, and by far the most logical terminal.

Moving Between TerminalsA free automated shuttle train connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3, running every few minutes without requiring passport control. By car or taxi, each terminal has its own drop-off and pickup area. Driving between terminals usually takes five to ten minutes, traffic permitting. (And that can be awful…)

SIM Cards & Connectivity

Buy your local SIM card immediately after customs from official counters only — Vodafone, Orange, or Etisalat. I found these more cost effective than the eSIM’s you buy beforehand online. Data packages are affordable and reliable. You will need connectivity for Uber, hotel confirmations, and the inevitable “Where are you?” messages.

✦ Vivie Tip I recommend adding a small amount of airtime for local calls. 

Uber drivers don’t always read messages, and a quick phone call can be essential. After comparing eSIM options such as Holafly, Vodafone easily won. I kept my South African WhatsApp number active, stored my home SIM safely away, and had excellent signal throughout Egypt — even while travelling toward the Libyan border. I never ran out of data.

Only one bank inside the airport offers currency exchange, and a fixed fee applies. Exchange only a small amount at the airport for transport.Use ATMs or banks later for better rates.

Money & Exchange

• Airport coffee and basic essentials can be paid by credit card
• Carry small USD notes for tipping and emergencies
• ATMs are reliable — withdraw small amounts

Transport from the Airport

Uber operates widely, is cheaper and safer than street taxis, and removes the need for price negotiation.  Avoid private operators and marked taxis. Card or cash payment options are available, routes are tracked live, and the South African Uber app works perfectly. Tipping Uber drivers is not expected. I activated my google maps to see my arrival location and sometimes even to direct the driver. At Terminal 1, cross the road directly ahead, then go down the stairs on the left into the parking area. Drivers usually send a pickup bay number (for example, B74).

✦ Vivie Tip Pre-arranged hotel transfers or Uber are the safest and most reliable options in Cairo. 

Street Smarts & Safety

Cairo’s people are warm and welcoming, but tourist hustles do happen — particularly near the pyramids, Khan el-Khalili, and museums. Remember this is part of their business culture.

• Always confirm prices in advance
• Be polite but firm
• Use “La shukran” often — it works

Dress matters more than people admit. Avoid:

• Short shorts
• See-through or tight tank tops
• Loud, revealing clothing

Neutral, modest clothing allows you to move more freely and attract less attention.

Photography (First 24 Hours)

Don’t photograph people immediately. Let people see you first. Trust comes before the camera.Avoid photographing:

• Faces
• Children
• Vendors
• Religious scenes

Do not plan sightseeing.Instead:

✦ Vivie Tip First - Night Wisdom (Very Important)

• Shower
• Change clothes
• Sit somewhere and watch
• Eat lightly and hydrate
• Sleep early
• Wake without an alarm
• Walk a short distance the next morning

That’s how Cairo opens.

Final Thought

Cairo does not ease you in gently. It arrives loudly — unapologetic, confrontational, overwhelming, all at once. But once you understand the rhythm — and arrive prepared — the chaos softens and the charm begins to reveal itself.

✦ Vivie Tip Don’t judge Cairo too quickly. It is a complex city- layered and demanding, and deeply human. 

يومك سعيدYawmuk saʿīd “

Your day is happy!

Vivie

This piece focuses on arrival and practical realities. For the emotional build-up tot his journey you may also enjoy "48-hours To Cairo - Behind the Journey" https://www.viviennegunning.com/read-my-stories/48-hours-to-cairo-behind-the-journey