Cairo (القاهرة al-Qāhirah) is the capital of Egypt and, with a total population in excess of 16 million people, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East(the regions which it conveniently straddles). It is also the 19th largest city in the world, and among the world's most densely populated cities.

The Cairo/Egypt local time is UTC/GMT +2 hours.

A selected list of Cairo highlights:

• Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The only remaining monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is the country's most famous tourist attraction.
• Egyptian Museum, on Midan Tahrir. The world's premier collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
• Citadel, in Islamic Cairo. A grand castle built by Salah Al-Din. Also parts of the water pipes (Majra Al-Oyouon) are still there, these pipes used to carry the water from the Nile River to the citadel.
• Al-Azhar Mosque. One of the pillars of Islamic thought and home to the world's oldest university.
• Ibn Tulun, close to Sayida Zeinab. The oldest, and maybe most beautiful mosque in Cairo.
• The Coptic Museum, in Coptic Cairo.
• The "Hanging Church" (Church of the Virgin Mary), in Zabaleen Area (District of Manshiet Nasser) below Mokkatam Hills, not far away from the Citadel
• Cairo Tower (185 m./610 ft.) on Gezira Island offers a 360-view of Cairo, along with the Giza Pyramids off in the distance to the west.
• Al-Azhar Park. A recently opened landscaped gardens overlooking the Citadel edit
• Khan El Khalily. Cairo's souk area where visitors will find many merchants selling perfume, spices, Gold, Egyptian hand craft. edit
• Abdeen Palace. Located about one Kilometer away from the Midan El-Tahrir a five minutes walk, home of the last king of Egypt the exiled king Farouk. edit
• Pharaonic Village. It is about twenty minutes driving from Downtown.

Tourist visas for Egypt can often be obtained upon arrival in Egypt, for citizens of most countries (It is highly recommended to confirm visa particulars with the appropriate consulate, however).

What documents will be required?
Passport (passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining)
Completed application form
1 recent passport-type photograph (2in. X 2in.)
Copy of airline tickets or itinerary

Please contact the nearest Egyptian Consulate for further
information on what documentation may be required for you to enter Egypt.

Time required to issue visa:
Although tourist visas are issued on-arrival in Egypt in many cases, Egyptian authorities strongly recommend inquiry at the local Consulate for specific information.

What is the cost of a visa?
aprox. US$15-$91, depending on nationality.

Business visas are cheaper for Canadian nationals. Nationals of the USA pay a standard rate of £12 for visas of any type. South African nationals obtain visas free of charge.
Payment of fees is in cash or by postal order only; cheques will not be accepted. Processing fees for other nationals vary considerably; check with the appropriate Consulate (or Consular section of Embassy) for costs of visas. Visa fees are per passport, not per person.

How long is the visa valid for?
Tourist visas: 30-180 days
Student visas: Varies

EgyptAir is the flag carrier airline of the Arab Republic of Egypt and a member of Star Alliance. The airline is based at Cairo International Airport, its main hub, operating scheduled passenger and freight services to more than 70 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. An extensive network of domestic services is also focused on Cairo, Egypt's capital. EgyptAir is Africa's largest airline, and joined the Star Alliance on 11 July 2008. Its has its headquarters in the Egyptair Adminsterial Complex in Cairo

For more information about flights schedules, please visit the official website: EgyptAir.com

For more information about visiting Egypt, please review the following links:

Official Egypt Travel and Tourism Portal