Egypt

Egypt’s airport sector is managed by the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN), with Cairo International Airport (CAI) serving as the primary hub. The country has invested heavily in infrastructure to solidify its position as a global tourism gateway, notably with the operation of the new Sphinx International Airport, which focuses on archaeological tourism. The primary regulatory authority is the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), which oversees compliance with ICAO and IATA standards. The Egyptian market is characterized by a strong presence of the national flag carrier, EgyptAir, and a growing network of low-cost carriers connecting Europe and the Gulf to the Red Sea and Cairo.

• Passport: must have at least 6 months of validity on arrival.
• Visa: citizens of many countries can get a tourist visa on arrival, at the official airport counters, or in advance through the official e-Visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg). In 2026 the single-entry visa rose to US$30; check the amount on the portal before you travel.
• Note: use only the official portal; look-alike sites charge extra fees.

Unlike the European Union (Regulation 261/2004), Egypt has no single air passenger rights law with fixed cash compensation for delays. Rights come from Egyptian civil aviation law and the contract of carriage with the airline.

• Assistance: for long delays, airlines operating in Egypt usually provide meals, water and, depending on the wait, a hotel.
• Complaints: first with the airline; if unresolved, with the ECAA. On a flight from Egypt to the European Union operated by a European airline, the rules of Regulation 261/2004 also apply.

Egypt has no national law setting a hand or checked baggage allowance; each airline sets its own.

• Rules: airlines publish their allowances when you book; check what your fare includes.
• Security: the airport authority restricts liquids and prohibited items in line with ICAO security standards. The law does not forbid charging for baggage, and low-cost airlines usually sell the allowance separately.

The entry of pets into Egypt is controlled by the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS).

• Documentation: An International Veterinary Certificate issued by the country of origin and validated by an official sanitary authority is mandatory, attesting to the animal's health.
• Vaccination: Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must have been administered at least 30 days prior, but no more than 12 months before, the date of entry.
• Procedure: Animals may be subject to veterinary inspection at the airport. Certain breeds of dogs deemed dangerous may face restrictions or entry bans; it is recommended to consult with the embassy beforehand.

• Unaccompanied Minors: Egyptian airlines follow international IATA protocols for Unaccompanied Minors (UM). It is mandatory to present a travel authorization signed by legal guardians, with a notarized signature.
• Identification: All minors, including newborns, must have their own passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.
• Authorization: If a minor is traveling with only one parent, it is highly recommended to carry a travel authorization from the other parent, translated into English or Arabic, to avoid complications at immigration.

Egypt has made significant progress in adapting its terminals (especially Terminals 2 and 3 at Cairo International Airport) under the Egyptian Building Code for accessibility.

• Accessibility: Passengers with reduced mobility have the right to ground assistance (wheelchairs, assistance in priority lanes), provided it is requested from the airline at least 48 hours in advance.
• Service: Major airports feature elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms, although accessibility in outdoor areas (public transport or archaeological sites) may be limited.

• Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation: https://www.civilaviation.gov.eg
• Official Egypt e-Visa Portal: https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
• Egypt Tourism Portal: https://egymonuments.gov.eg
• Ministry of Agriculture of Egypt (veterinary services — GOVS): https://www.agri.gov.eg