Arrivals at Cairo Airport: a step-by-step guide for Terminal 2 and Terminal 3
Arrivals hall at Cairo International Airport
Arriving at Cairo Airport can feel intense the first time, especially after a long international flight or a late-night landing. Cairo International Airport moves fast, signs mix in English and Arabic, and the arrival hall can fill up when several flights land close together. Use this guide to help with arrivals at Cairo Airport so you start your Egypt adventure on the right foot!
My name is Gus. I’ve lived in Egypt off and on for 13 years, and I organize small group travel throughout Egypt full-time. I meet travelers at Cairo Airport constantly, and I’ve walked this arrival route in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 more times than I can count.
This guide lays out the full step-by-step process, so you land, follow the flow, and reach your hotel with your passport stamped, your bags in hand, and your phone connected.
Passport control at Cairo International Airport
This arrivals guide focuses on:
Cairo International Airport Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where most international arrival routes run
Visa and passport control
Duty-free
The baggage claim area and baggage claim process
Currency exchange and ATMs
SIM cards and cell phone providers
Customs
Taxi, Uber, and private pickup services
So, ahlan wuh sahlan (welcome) to Egypt and Cairo Airport - let's get started!
Quick overview: the arrival flow at Cairo International Airport
Here’s the journey from the jet bridge to the curb in simple steps:
Walk from your gate into the terminal arrival corridor
Head to visa purchase (for travelers using visa on arrival)
Continue to passport control
Pass through duty-free in the arrivals corridor (if open for your route)
Enter the baggage claim area and collect luggage
Stop for currency exchange, ATM, and SIM cards in the arrivals area
Proceed through customs
Exit into the arrival hall to meet your driver, book a taxi, or request Uber
Head outside to the pickup area and begin your Cairo travel day
Every terminal has small differences, so the next sections break down Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 in detail.
Terminals at Cairo Airport: Terminal 2 vs Terminal 3
Terminal 2 (T2)
Terminal 2 handles many international arrival flights and sees big arrival waves. The walk from the gate often includes escalators down into the main arrivals level. The flow funnels toward visa and passport lines, then into the baggage claim area.
Vodafone (local cell phone provider) in Terminal 3 at Cairo Airport. All terminals have options to buy a local SIM upon arrival.
Terminal 3 (T3)
Terminal 3 also handles a huge volume of international flights. The arrival corridor feels wider, and the arrival hall tends to feel busier because of the number of flights moving through this terminal. The steps remain consistent: visa, passport, duty-free, baggage claim, customs, arrival hall.
Terminal 1 (T1)
Terminal 1 exists at Cairo Airport and handles a mix of domestic and regional routes. Arrival steps follow the same general pattern, though this guide focuses on Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 since most international travel routes I work with arrive there.
Protip: Your airline sends arrival terminal details in your flight information email. Many travelers also check the terminal on their flight confirmation and boarding pass before landing.
Before you land
A few small things make the airport experience smoother before your flight even touches down:
Screenshot your hotel address in English and Arabic
Keep a pen accessible for arrival forms
Save your pickup contact on WhatsApp
Confirm your terminal on your boarding pass
Step 1: Deplane and follow the arrivals signs
After your flight lands, follow the Arrivals signage through the terminal corridor. Cairo International Airport uses clear overhead signs, and you’ll see staff directing passengers in peak hours.
When you arrive at Cairo Airport and deplane, follow the flow of traffic until you get to the visa area and passport control
You’ll pass through a long walkway, often with escalators or moving walkways. This first stretch sets the pace of the airport experience. The corridor gradually funnels everyone toward visa and passport processing.
What you need ready during this step:
Passport
Pen for arrival cards when airlines hand them out onboard
Address in Egypt for immigration forms when requested
See the guys holding the signs? Those are meet-and-assist agents ready to help you buy the visa and go through all the steps at Cairo Airport!
If you booked a meet and assist service, look for them AT THE VISA UPON ARRIVAL AREA.
Some travelers book a meet and assist service at Cairo Airport. A representative meets you inside the terminal, helps guide you through arrivals, and walks you to your driver or pickup point. This option works well for first-time visitors, families, or anyone arriving late at night who wants a smoother airport experience.
Protip: If you booked a meet and assist service, look for your name sign as soon as you enter the arrival hall (where you see travelers purchasing their visa upon arrival).
Step 2: Entry visa process (Visa on arrival)
Buying the Egypt visa upon arrival (note - now it’s $30)
Many travelers entering Egypt use visa on arrival. The first stop after the corridor typically includes visa counters or bank windows near the passport control area.
You’ll see signs for visa, and you’ll also see a clear queue forming. You purchase the visa sticker, then place it into your passport, then move into the passport control line.
If you purchased your visa online in advance, you can skip this step and enter the passport control line immediately.
A typical visa on arrival experience looks like:
Join the visa line
Purchase the visa sticker
Place the visa in your passport
Move directly to passport control
If you already bought the visa online in advance, you can immediately move to passport control
I have my Egypt visa upon arrival and am ready to go!
Protip: Keep small bills accessible in your wallet. Many travelers pay in foreign currency, and counters commonly accept major currencies.
Step 3: Passport control (Immigration)
After the visa step, you join the passport control line. This is where the passport gets stamped for entry into Egypt.
What the officer typically checks:
Passport
Visa sticker
Basic travel questions (hotel, length of stay, purpose of travel)
Protip: Keep your passport open to the photo page and visa page as you reach the counter. This speeds up the flow in busy arrival waves.
Step 4: Duty-free in arrivals
Many arrivals routes pass by duty-free before baggage claim. Cairo Airport duty-free is a common stop for travelers who want a quick purchase before heading to the baggage claim area.
Common duty-free items travelers grab:
Cigarettes and tobacco products
Alcohol
Snacks
Small travel essentials
Protip: Duty-free sits in your path when it’s open for your route, so the stop stays simple. You walk in, pick an item, pay, and continue forward.
Bathrooms are available throughout the arrival route, and you’ll find small kiosks for water and snacks once you reach the arrivals area.
Baggage claim at Cairo Airport
Step 5: Baggage claim area and baggage claim process
After immigration, you enter the baggage claim area. This space has multiple carousels and screens showing flight numbers. Look up at the monitors, find your flight, and match it to the correct carousel.
The baggage claim flow:
Find your carousel on the screen using your flight number
Stand near the belt with your luggage tag photo ready on your phone
Collect bags as they come out
Keep baggage claim tags accessible until you exit the terminal
Protip: Cairo International Airport baggage claim is busy at best, especially when several flights land around the same time. Travelers who pack a bright luggage strap or sticker spot their bags quickly.
You’ll see luggage carts and porters in the baggage claim area. Use a cart if you have several bags, and keep your luggage tags until you exit the terminal.
If luggage arrives damaged or missing, look for your airline baggage desk inside the baggage claim area before leaving customs. Airport staff and airlines companies each have a specific desk for arrival support.
Want to know what to pack in your luggage in the first place? Check out my ultimate Egypt packing list.
There are several banks and currency exchange places in all terminals of Cairo Airport, both before and after passport control
Step 6: Currency exchange, ATMs, and cash basics
After you collect bags, you’ll see ATM options and currency exchange counters in the arrivals area. Many travelers take out a small amount of Egyptian pounds right here for tips, snacks, and quick transport needs.
A simple approach that works well:
Withdraw a small amount at an ATM
Exchange only what you plan to use right away
Save larger exchanges for a bank or a reputable exchange office in the city, depending on your itinerary
Currency exchange options vary by terminal, and the counters sit near the exit flow.
Protip: Pull a small amount first. Many drivers, porters, and small airport purchases need change.
Want more advice on Egyptian currency? Check out my guide to money in Egypt!
Step 7: SIM cards and cell phone providers in arrivals
There are always local SIM and cell phone providers in all terminals of Cairo International Airport
Most travelers want data as soon as they land. Cairo Airport has SIM kiosks and providers in the arrivals area, often near the exit path after baggage claim.
You’ll usually see options from major Egypt telecom companies. The process looks like:
Choose a data package
Hand over your passport for registration
Receive SIM and activation support
Test data on your phone before walking away
Protip: If you use eSIM on your phone, check your device settings before travel. Many travelers still choose a physical SIM at Cairo Airport because setup stays fast with staff support.
Step 8: Customs
After baggage claim, you proceed to customs. Travelers with standard luggage usually pass through quickly. Customs officers may ask a basic question, and sometimes they run a bag through a scanner.
What helps this step stay easy:
Keep valuables and electronics organized
Carry medications in original packaging when possible
Keep receipts for high-value items if relevant
Step 9: Arrival hall, meeting your driver, and staying oriented
Once you clear customs, you enter the arrival hall. This is where Cairo Airport feels most alive: drivers holding signs, families greeting each other, travelers organizing bags, and airport staff guiding traffic flow.
This is also the moment that confuses first-time arrivals, so here is the clean way to handle it.
If you booked a private pickup
Walk into the arrival hall
Look for a sign with your name
Confirm your name with the driver
Walk with the driver toward the pickup area
Protip: Walk a little past the exit doors before stopping. The first cluster near the doors gets crowded fast.
If you booked a meet and assist service and airport transfer, your representative will help you find your driver.
If you plan to use Uber
Uber works in Cairo. Many travelers request Uber after they reach the arrival hall and step into the pickup zone. The app works best once your data connection is active.
Protip: Choose a clear meeting point and message the driver with a nearby landmark in the terminal area.
If you plan to take a taxi
Cairo Airport has taxi options outside the terminal. The experience depends on where you walk out and who approaches you in the arrival hall.
Travelers who want a smooth airport experience usually prefer a pre-booked pickup or a clear taxi counter when available.
Want advice on all these different methods? Check out my guide on how to get from Cairo Airport to downtown Cairo.
Step 10: Car rental at Cairo Airport
Renting a car and driving in Egypt is not for the faint of heart! I never, ever, recommend any traveler to Egypt rent a car, unless they have been in Egypt several times and know what the roads are like.
Some travelers prefer car rental right from the airport. Car rental desks exist inside Cairo International Airport, and you’ll also see references to a car rental site for pre-booking.
A few realities to keep in mind:
Cairo driving runs fast, dense, and highly local
Many travelers hire a driver rather than self-drive for their first Cairo days
Car rental works best for travelers heading directly to long-distance routes outside Cairo
If your itinerary includes a road trip, especially to far-flung areas like El Alamein and the North Coast, car rental can make sense. If you’re just staying in Cairo and doing trips to places like Luxor and Aswan and doing a Nile Cruise, skip the car rental and just use taxis, Uber, and private drivers.
FAQ: Arrivals at Cairo Airport
Which terminal do most international flights use at Cairo International Airport?
Many international arrival routes use Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Cairo International Airport. Your flight information and airline confirmation show your terminal.
What is the visa process on arrival in Egypt?
Many travelers purchase a visa sticker on arrival, then proceed to passport control for entry stamps. Keep your passport ready and follow the airport signs for visa and immigration.
Baggage claim is one of the last steps of arriving at Cairo Airport
Where is baggage claim at Cairo Airport?
Baggage claim sits after passport control and duty-free. Follow signs for baggage claim and enter the baggage claim area to find your carousel on the flight monitors.
Can I buy a SIM card at Cairo Airport?
Yes. SIM kiosks and telecom companies operate in the arrivals area. Bring your passport for registration and choose a data package that fits your travel needs.
The staff working the cell phone provider booths speak English, so feel free to ask them questions and use their help to get your phone set up and connected!
Is currency exchange available in the arrival area?
Yes. Currency exchange counters and ATMs operate inside the arrivals area at Cairo Airport, including Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
What if my bags do not show up?
Go directly to your airline’s baggage desk inside the baggage claim area before leaving customs. They will help file a report and track delivery.
What if my card does not work at an ATM or SIM counter?
Try a different ATM in the terminal. Some international cards need travel approval enabled before arrival.
Where do I meet my Uber driver?
Follow signs to the pickup area outside the arrival hall and message your driver with your exact location.
How do I get from the arrival hall to my hotel?
Most travelers choose one of three options: private pickup, Uber, or taxi. Private pickup feels easiest after a long flight, especially for first-time Cairo arrivals.
Final pro tips for a smooth Cairo Airport arrival:
Keep passport, visa funds, and arrival details in one pocket for easy access
Activate data early so Uber, WhatsApp, and maps work immediately
Screenshot your hotel address in Arabic and English
Choose a clear pickup plan before landing, especially for late-night arrivals
Treat Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 as the main arrival hubs for international travel into Egypt
If you have questions about Arrivals at Cairo Airport, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, visa steps, or the best transport setup for your first night in Cairo, leave a comment and I’ll help you map it out!
