Egypt customs rules & duty-free allowances
Egypt's biggest customs risk is cash: undeclared foreign currency or excess Egyptian pounds are routinely seized at airports, and prosecution is possible. Electronics and high-value personal items can also draw scrutiny, so keep receipts and be ready to prove you will re-export them.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even in small amounts)
- Pork and pork products (banned under Egyptian law)
- Live birds and poultry from countries with avian influenza outbreaks
- Counterfeit goods and pirated media
- Weapons, ammunition and explosives without prior permit
- Satellite phones and certain communication devices without approval
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Prescription medications (especially narcotics and psychotropics) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health
- Drones and radio-controlled aircraft require a permit from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority
- Live animals and plants require import permits and veterinary/phytosanitary certificates
- Cultural artifacts and antiquities require export/import licenses
- Currency above EGP 5,000 or foreign cash equivalent to USD 10,000 must be declared
Arriving: red vs green channel
All arriving passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (Form 1) before reaching the baggage hall. After collecting luggage, choose the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within all allowances, or the red channel if you have goods, cash or items to declare. Random baggage checks are common, and undeclared items are subject to fines and confiscation.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Egypt has a VAT refund scheme for tourists. Minimum purchase is EGP 1,500 (about USD 30) in a single store on the same day. Look for the 'Tax Free' sign, request a VAT refund form and original tax invoice, and claim at the Tax Free counter in the departure hall before check-in. Goods must be exported within 90 days of purchase.
Bringing medication
Personal medication for up to 3 months is allowed with a valid prescription or doctor's letter. Narcotics, psychotropic drugs and some common Western medications (e.g., those containing codeine, tramadol, or certain stimulants) are strictly controlled or banned; bringing them without prior approval from the Egyptian Ministry of Health can lead to arrest. Always carry medications in original packaging.
Food, plants & animal products
Fresh food, meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, seeds and plants are generally prohibited or require an import permit from the Egyptian agricultural quarantine authority. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed in small quantities for personal use but must be declared. Animal products from areas with disease outbreaks are banned.
Rules worth knowing
Cash declaration is mandatory and enforced
You must declare if you carry more than EGP 5,000 in Egyptian pounds or foreign currency worth USD 10,000 or more. Undeclared cash is confiscated and you may face legal action. The declaration form is available on the plane or at the airport.
Electronics and high-value items
Laptops, cameras, video equipment and similar items are supposed to be declared on arrival if they are new or for resale. Personal used items are usually fine, but customs may ask for proof that you will take them back out. Keep receipts for expensive items.
Alcohol and tobacco limits are per adult
The duty-free allowance for alcohol and tobacco applies only to travellers aged 18 and over. If you are travelling with family, each adult gets their own allowance, but you cannot pool allowances to bring in more than the individual limit.
Gifts and personal goods threshold
The duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is EGP 10,000 (about USD 200). Anything above that is subject to customs duty and VAT, which can be as high as 40% or more depending on the item. Keep receipts to prove value.