Narita to Cairo (NRT–CAI) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Japanese passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports or apply for an eVisa at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel. The single-entry visa costs $25 and allows a 30-day stay. Multiple-entry is $60. The eVisa is processed within 5 to 7 working days. Visa on arrival is paid in USD cash or by card at the bank counter before passport control.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the entry date with at least one blank page. No supporting documents are required for the tourist visa application, though having return tickets and hotel bookings helps at immigration. For stays beyond 30 days, visit a passport office in Egypt for an extension (EGP 700, roughly $14) before the visa expires. Overstays result in fines and potential difficulty leaving the country.

No direct flights connect Japan to Egypt. Route through Istanbul (13 to 15 hours total to Cairo via Turkish Airlines), Dubai, or Doha. Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP), trading at roughly 50 EGP per $1 with frequent rate changes. ATMs are widespread in Cairo, Luxor, and tourist areas but sometimes run out of cash. No mandatory vaccinations for Japanese arrivals. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. Egypt runs on "Egyptian time," meaning stated hours for shops and services are approximate.

The Narita Express (N'EX) runs from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport in 60 minutes, with stops at Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama (¥3,070 one-way from Tokyo; discounted round-trip tickets available). Keisei Skyliner from Ueno takes 41 minutes to Terminal 1 (¥2,570); the faster option from east-side Tokyo. Keisei Limited Express is slower (80 min) but cheaper at ¥1,290.Limousine buses depart from major Tokyo hotels and stations for ¥3,200 and take 75–105 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are extremely expensive (¥20,000–30,000+); avoid unless cost is no concern. The airport is 60 km from central Tokyo.

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.