Egypt customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Egyptian customs are notably strict on cash, gold, and electronic devices. The biggest risk for travelers is failing to declare cash over EGP 200,000 or gold jewelry that could be deemed commercial. Customs officers frequently inspect phones and laptops for restricted content.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Exceeding this incurs duty at 2000%+ tax.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 25 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare any amount over EGP 200,000 (approx. $10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the red channel and fill a customs declaration form.
Goods duty-free
$100
Duty-free allowance for personal effects up to EGP 3,000 (approx. $100). Above that, duty is 30-60% depending on item. Gifts over EGP 3,000 are taxed.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even in medicinal forms)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with special permit)
  • Pornographic materials (including digital content)
  • Items that insult religion or the state (e.g., religiously offensive books, flags)
  • Live animals without a permit (except cats/dogs with vaccination papers)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Gold and precious metals (over 1 kg requires a permit from the Central Bank)
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a license from the National Telecom Regulatory Authority)
  • Drones (require prior approval from the Ministry of Defense)
  • Antiques and archaeological items (require an export permit from the Supreme Council of Antiquities)
  • Large quantities of medicines (over 30 days' supply or controlled substances need Ministry of Health approval)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After baggage claim, proceed to customs. Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits. Use the red channel if you exceed allowances or carry restricted items. There is no arrival card, but you may be asked to fill a customs declaration for cash or high-value goods.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Egypt has a Tourist VAT Refund scheme. Minimum purchase EGP 1,500 (approx. $50) per receipt. Claim at Cairo Airport's Tax Free counter before check-in. Refund is 10-15% of the VAT.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed with a prescription. Narcotics, psychotropics, and some common painkillers (e.g., codeine) are banned or require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Carry a doctor's note in English or Arabic.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Meat, dairy, and fresh produce are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a health certificate. Dried and packaged foods are allowed in small quantities.

Rules worth knowing

Gold and Jewellery

Gold jewellery for personal use is allowed, but anything over 1 kg is treated as merchandise and subject to duty. You may need to prove it's for personal use (e.g., wedding rings).

Electronic Devices

Laptops, cameras, and phones are generally allowed for personal use. However, multiple units (e.g., 3+ phones) may be considered commercial and taxed. Customs officers may ask you to switch on devices to verify.

Currency Declaration

You must declare any amount over EGP 200,000 (approx. $10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines. Use the red channel and fill a customs form.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Gifts up to EGP 3,000 (approx. $100) are duty-free. Above that, you pay 30% duty. This includes items like perfumes, electronics, and clothing.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need prior approval from the Ministry of Defense. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel. Without a permit, the drone will be confiscated at customs.
You can bring up to EGP 5,000 (approx. $165) in local currency. Any amount above that must be declared and may be restricted.
Codeine is a controlled substance in Egypt. You need a prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Without it, you risk confiscation and legal issues.
No, laptops for personal use are generally not declared. But if you have multiple laptops, customs may ask for proof of personal use (e.g., work documents).
Packaged, sealed food is allowed in small quantities. Fresh cheese, meat, and dairy are prohibited unless you have a health certificate. Chocolate is fine.
You must pay duty at a rate of 2000%+ of the value. It's cheaper to buy duty-free at the airport. You can also abandon the excess at customs.
Yes, but you need a license from the National Telecom Regulatory Authority. Apply in advance. Without it, the phone will be confiscated.

Official source

Egyptian Customs Authority (Egypt Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Egyptian Customs Authority (Egypt Customs) before travelling.