Visiting Cairo: how do you get a visa, and how should you plan the Grand Egyptian Museum?

Question, scoped A first visit to Cairo and Giza. What visa do you need, and how do the museums fit together? As of October 2026. Visa rules depend on nationality; check your own government's travel advice. The answer Visa Many nationalities, including US citizens, can buy a tourist visa on arrival at Cairo airport or apply in advance for an e-visa. Use only the official Egyptian e-visa portal, https://visa2egypt.gov.eg. Many look-alike sites charge extra. The US State Department's Egypt page (https://travel.state.gov) gives the current rules for US passport holders. The museums - The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), beside the Giza plateau, is now the main home of the Tutankhamun collection and of many of the largest statues. Allow most of a day. Book tickets on the official site. - The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square remains open and still holds major collections, including much of the Old and Middle Kingdom statuary. It is worth a half day. - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat holds the royal mummies. The Giza plateau Arrive at opening to avoid heat and crowds. Entry to the plateau and entry inside the Great Pyramid are separate tickets. Agree the price of any camel or horse ride, and what it includes, before you get on. Sourced Official Egyptian e-visa portal; museum ticketing sites; US State Department. What would change this answer Ticket prices, opening hours and gallery openings at GEM have changed several times; check the official site within a week of your visit. Background on the ancient sites is in the Library, for example https://wiki.soapbox.community/wiki/Egyptian_Magic