Egypt customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Entering Egypt in 2026: duty-free allowances include 1 liter of alcohol (spirits over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, and personal goods up to USD 800. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics, drones, and satellite phones without permits are strictly banned. Travelers must be 18+ for alcohol and tobacco.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Traveler must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or equivalent in any currency must be declared on the customs arrival form.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 duty-free; above that, duty is assessed at the discretion of customs.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior approval)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with special permit from Ministry of Interior)
  • Pornographic materials (including digital media)
  • Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) without prior authorization from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority
  • Live animals (except with valid import permit and rabies vaccination certificate)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (e.g., codeine, tramadol) – require a medical prescription and prior approval from the Ministry of Health
  • Satellite phones and radio transmitters – require a license from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products – require a phytosanitary certificate and inspection
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques – require an export permit from the Supreme Council of Antiquities if leaving Egypt; import may require documentation
  • Large sums of cash (over USD 10,000) – must be declared and may require proof of source

Rules worth knowing

Drones are banned without a permit

Importing or possessing a drone in Egypt without prior written approval from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority is illegal. Drones are confiscated and you may face legal penalties.

Satellite phones require a license

Satellite phones and certain two-way radios are restricted. You must obtain a license from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority before arrival; otherwise, the device will be seized.

Currency declaration is mandatory

Any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in EGP or other currencies) must be declared on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Personal goods limit is per traveler

The USD 800 duty-free allowance for personal goods applies per adult traveler. Families cannot combine allowances. Items above this threshold are subject to duty and taxes.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only for personal use and in quantities consistent with your stay. For medications containing controlled substances (e.g., tramadol, codeine), you must carry a doctor's prescription and a prior approval letter from the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Carry no more than a 30-day supply.
You can bring up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) without declaring. Any amount above that must be declared on the customs arrival form. There is no limit on how much you can bring, but amounts over USD 10,000 require declaration and may be subject to scrutiny.
No. Drones are prohibited for import without a special permit from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority. Even with a permit, recreational drone use is heavily restricted. Most travelers should leave their drone at home.
You may bring 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer, and 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. You must be 18 or older. These allowances are per person.
Yes. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products are generally restricted. Processed and packaged food for personal use is usually allowed in small quantities, but all food items may be inspected. Pork products are allowed but must be declared.
Yes, if the total value exceeds USD 800. Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free. Items above that value must be declared and may be subject to duty. Keep receipts handy.

Official source

Egyptian Customs Authority (Egyptian Ministry of Finance)

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