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The doors open, the warm air hits you, and you're in Egypt. What happens in the next hour decides how your whole trip starts: either a calm ride to your hotel, or a tired negotiation in a crowded arrivals hall.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is Egypt's busiest gateway, with three passenger terminals and flights arriving day and night. It's easy to get through when you know the order of things. Here it is, step by step.
1. The visa: sort it before you queue
Many nationalities can buy a visa on arrival at the bank counters before passport control, paid in cash. Others need an e-visa applied for online before travelling, and some passports need a visa from an embassy.



