After a long flight with Emirates, I finally landed in Egypt.., the moment I had been waiting for! It was my first time stepping foot in the Middle East, and I felt both excited and curious about what to expect next. The airport atmosphere was buzzing with travelers, and I could immediately sense the cultural difference and warm hospitality.
🛬 Arrival Process at Cairo International Airport
As soon as we started descending, one of the flight attendants handed out an arrival form. Make sure to fill this form before you land, as you’ll need to submit it at the immigration counter. The form usually asks for basic details like your name, passport number, flight number, accommodation address in Egypt, and duration of stay. Having your hotel or Airbnb address ready will save you time at immigration.
Once you land, follow the signs toward Immigration and Passport Control. It can get crowded, especially during peak hours, so it’s best to walk straight there after exiting the plane. You’ll hand over your arrival form and passport to the officer. The process is generally smooth — just make sure your visa (if required) is ready and printed.
After clearing immigration, head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Cairo Airport is quite large, but signs are easy to follow. Double-check your carousel number on the screen. While waiting, it’s also a good time to turn on roaming on your mobile or consider getting a local SIM card. You’ll find kiosks from Vodafone Egypt, Orange, and Etisalat near the baggage area or arrival hall. I personally recommend Vodafone for stable data coverage and reasonable tourist plans.
Once you’ve got your luggage and SIM sorted, you’ll proceed through customs. Usually, there isn’t any strict inspection unless you’re carrying large electronics or goods.
🚗 Transportation from Cairo Airport
Outside the arrival terminal, you’ll find plenty of official taxis and private transport counters. If you have internet access, you can easily book a ride through Careem (the local version of Grab or Uber). Prices are displayed upfront, and it’s a safer and more convenient option than haggling with drivers.
Alternatively, if you already arranged a hotel transfer, your driver will usually wait at the exit holding a sign with your name. Make sure to confirm the name of your hotel and your driver before you follow anyone.
💬 My First Impressions of Egypt
The first thing I noticed as I stepped outside was the warm dry air — a mix of desert breeze and city life. Cairo felt alive and full of energy, with cars honking, locals chatting, and a skyline that looked straight out of a history book. I instantly felt a sense of culture everywhere — from Arabic signs to the architecture. Despite the chaos, there was something grounding about being there.
Egyptians are generally friendly and welcoming, especially if you smile and greet them politely. Most people at the airport can speak some English, so communication isn’t a big issue.
After such a long journey, finally getting to my hotel and resting for the night felt amazing. It was the perfect start to my solo travel adventure in Egypt — filled with anticipation for the days ahead exploring pyramids, ancient streets, and the Nile River.
Travel Tip:
Cairo International Airport can be busy, but everything runs fairly efficiently. If you are arriving at night, try to book an airport transfer in advance for peace of mind. Always keep copies of your passport and travel insurance handy.
When you arrive in Egypt, get small cash denominations (10s, 20s, 50s EGP). Many shops, taxis, and cafes prefer cash for small purchases.
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