diff --git a/tests/visual_tests/test.py b/tests/visual_tests/test.py
index 6755905aa..905555cdc 100755
--- a/tests/visual_tests/test.py
+++ b/tests/visual_tests/test.py
@@ -20,9 +20,7 @@ defaults = {
     'sizes': [(500, 100)],
     'scales':[1.0,2.0],
     'agg': True,
-    'cairo': True,
-    # disabled for 2.2.x since cairo tests are unstable (springmeyer)
-    #'cairo': mapnik.has_cairo(),
+    'cairo': mapnik.has_cairo(),
     'grid': True
 }