Expert: Roberto Gomes - 1/15/2009

Question
QUESTION: My wife and I are traveling in Africa in the next six months and one flight
option for our return home gives us a 23 hour layover in Cairo Airport. As
Canadians, would we be able to leave the airport to quickly see the pyramids
and maybe a market in Cairo as well as get a hotel room overnight? What visa
costs/guarantees would we run into? Would we be able to take our check
luggage with us, or just our carryon? Thanks very much for your advice.

ANSWER: Dear Mark,

Visas for Canadian citizens (which are required) can be issued on
arrival, for a max stay. of 30 days for a fee of USD 15.-, or equivalent.

Since you'll be in transit from a previous city/country all your bags will be checked through your final destination. Also your ticket must be recalculated to add a stop-over Cairo.

So it's better to make previous arrangements in order to avoid last minutes inconveniences.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Just to clarify: the ticket I'm buying comes with this 23 hour layover. I don't
want  to have it recalculated to add a stopover, because that would appear to
add several hundred dollars to the price. So, with this existing ticket that
doesn't have an 'official' stopover, will I be locked in Cairo airport for almost
24 hours for the layover, or am I allowed to leave the secure area of the
airport, tour the city and return for the second leg of my flight? Please let me
know. I very much appreciate your help. Thanks.

Answer
You'll need to check if your ticket was calculated allowing this stopover.

An airport tax for Cairo should be included if is this the case. In this case in can arrive, get your visa go to enjoy your day and return.

Ask this question to whoever issued your ticket or contact the airline (s) involved in your itinerary and check if your fare basis allows this stopover.

Best Regards,
R. Gomes