Cairo Airport
 

I have a 21 hour layover at Cairo airport in August. I'm wondering if thats going to be comfortable. What is the airport like? Enough decent places to eat at and clean toilets etc? How about the lounge chairs - comfortable enough to get some sleep? I will be in transit so will I be restricted to say just one gate area and consequently not be able to access the dining places? And finally would it be safe to sleep there overnight? I arrive at around noon and my connecting flight is around 9am or so the next day.

Is it easy to get a Transit Visa to explore Cairo for some time? Any suggestions on what to do? and how to get around? I am not sure if I will be able to get a Transit Visa because my passport will be valid only for about 2 months on the day I transit thru Cairo. Some countries require that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport.

Many thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions.

Where are you transiting from/to? Last year we arrived from Frankfurt and our connecting flight was on Kenya Airways to Nairobi. It was departing via a smaller terminal that had very few services or places to sit (the Biz Class lounge was hotter than the other terminal areas as well).

Coming from? Going to? As you note, most countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure from their country. You need to check on whether the country you are going to has this requirement. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to enter. I think Egypt has that 6 month requirement. You might consider renewing your passport before your departure.

Wow! Only 2/months before Passport expires! Not a good idea, whether to leave airport in Cairo or the ongoing country/final destination... even returning to your home country. As ShayTay even with short time, I'd get that Passport renewed NOW!

I always renew my Passport 6/months prior its' expiration.

Transit Visa Egypt - not sure, but the regular Visa is only USD$20, so if you wish to leave airport... go for it. But do remember to allow yourself sufficient time thru horrific Cairo traffic to return to the airport at minimum 3/hrs prior your ongoing flight for recheckin and security.

Thanks all for your responses.

I am planning to travel from India to the USA on EgyptAir. Being that I am returning to my home country with no stop overs in any country, I was thinking/hoping that the validity of the passport won't be an issue.

I tried to get confirmation about this on the State Dept web site and the US embassy/consulate web site but couldn't find any information. Any US citizen on this forum with any experience/knowledge about this?

I also checked the Egyptian govt website regarding Transit Visa's but there was no detailed information about it.

If the validity prevents me from obtaining a Transit Visa thats ok but if the airport is not comfortable for a 21 hour layover it could be a problem.

Again, thanks a bunch guys :)

With the type of trip you are taking I would agree that getting your passport renewed is really sensible. I cannot imagine any airport that is "comfortable" for 21 hour layover unless you can get a room and sleep and if you have not seen the pyramids etc. with that much time I could not resist.
I assume you have checked all requirements for travel to India including visa etc. The visa application required states you need a valid US Passport with 6 months remaining validity. Visa services all ask for the same. I think you better to some serious checking and maybe something has changed. The state department always recommends 6 months...with international travel you need to be very careful about documents.

"I am planning to travel from India to the USA on EgyptAir. Being that I am returning to my home country with no stop overs in any country"

The way I read this, it sounds like he is from India, not America. We really need that sorted out before making any suggestions.

In any case, the best Terminal in Cairo is Terminal 3. The second best is Terminal 1 (maybe Hall 3) - BUT they would ALL be terrible for such a long lay over. I just spent about 7 hours in Schiphol in AMS yesterday and was so happy to leave I couldn't beleive it. Schiphol is a FABULOUS airport too... if you must do the layover without leaving the airport you better have your own pillow and a good book. Let me say that arriving in Cairo last night at 3 a.m. it was HOT and HUMID inside the airport too, so don't expect it to be cool and comfy while you are there even if it is hotter-n-hell outside! ;)

P.S. If all your flights are on Egypt Air - you will be in Terminal 3.