Vasco da Gama to Cairo (GOI–CAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. Unlike many nationalities, Indians cannot get the standard eVisa or visa on arrival. Apply at the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi or the consulate in Mumbai. A single-entry tourist visa costs INR 2,000 to INR 2,500 (about $25 to $30) and takes 5 to 10 working days to process. Multiple-entry visas are available for higher fees. Bring the application in person or through an authorized agent.

Required documents include a passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages, two passport photos, completed application form, confirmed round-trip flight tickets, hotel reservation for the entire stay, bank statements for the last 3 months, and an employment letter. Business visas also need an invitation from an Egyptian company. The embassy may request additional documents. Collect the passport with the visa sticker within the stated processing window.

Direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Cairo run about 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours on Air India and EgyptAir. Connections through Dubai, Doha, or Jeddah add 3 to 5 hours. Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP), trading at roughly 50 EGP per $1 with frequent fluctuations. ATMs at Cairo airport dispense EGP, and USD cash can be exchanged at airport counters. No mandatory vaccinations for Indian arrivals, but yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Cairo airport (CAI) has a reliable Uber and Careem service to the city center, costing EGP 150 to 250 (about $3 to $5).

Uber and Careem are the easiest exit. Order from the app inside the terminal and meet the driver at the designated pickup zone outside arrivals. Expect EGP 100-200 to downtown (Tahrir Square, Zamalek, Garden City) and 45-60 minutes in normal traffic. Prices are dynamic, highest between 22:00-02:00 and 06:00-11:00. Yellow metered taxis queue at the rank; drivers will quote EGP 400-500 but the metered fare is EGP 150-300.

CTA public buses 356 and 400 run to central Cairo (EGP 5) but are infrequent and packed. Airport shuttle buses serve major hotels for EGP 25-50. Metro Line 3 does not yet reach the airport; the extension is planned but not operational. Rental car offices are in Terminal 3 arrivals. Traffic in Cairo is aggressive by any standard, so first-time visitors may prefer ride-hail over self-driving.

Cairo is desert. Rain totals about 25mm for the entire year, almost all of it falling in December and January. Summers (May-October) are hot and dry with highs of 34-38 degrees C and relentless sunshine. July and August are the peak, though low humidity makes shade feel meaningful. Winters (December-February) are mild and sunny at 14-20 degrees C during the day, dropping to 8-10 degrees C at night.

The Khamsin wind arrives in spring (March-May), carrying Saharan sand and pushing temperatures above 40 degrees C for several days at a stretch. Visibility drops and sand gets into everything. Autumn (October-November) is warm and settled, making it the most pleasant travel window along with winter. Pack sunscreen and light clothing for summer. Winter evenings need a light jacket. Bring a scarf or face covering if visiting during Khamsin season.