EgyptCustoms rules of Egypt – what can and cannot be imported and exported to tourists
This article has been translated from Russian language using an artificial intelligence-based translation algorithm. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the quality of the translation. You can read the original of this article in Russian here, and ask questions on the topic of our travel forum in English here.
When entering Egypt and leaving the country, tourists are required to pass customs control. Customs control in Egypt at the entrance, as in almost all countries, is located behind the passport control zone and after baggage collection. It is carried out selectively, and most often tourists pass by the Egyptian customs officers without even suspecting it. But because of this, one should not assume that it is possible to violate the rules of import or export. Customs officers have a flair, and therefore there is quite a chance of being caught with something illegal. And the punishment for violations of customs rules in Egypt is quite severe – from 2 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of 25,000 to 250,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately 494 - 4945 rubles, see more about the currency of Egypt and the exchange rate). So be careful, especially since you can "get" for seemingly harmless things from our point of view.
Unfortunately, sometimes Russian tourists in the "frenzy of shopping" completely forget that there are still certain norms for import / export from the Russian Federation, and their violation can also lead to problems. So, for example, if you buy several boxes of expensive medicines in Egypt, it can be regarded as a commercial shipment, or, in other words, as commodity smuggling. In order not to get into such unpleasant situations, we advise you to refresh your memory before the trip the customs rules of the Russian Federation here.
And now we will tell you in detail about what can and cannot be imported and exported from Egypt in 2025:
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What is forbidden to import into Egypt?
The list of items prohibited for import into Egypt is fairly standard and corresponds to global customs practice, but there are also quite unusual prohibitions, we have highlighted them in the list especially:
- Metal detectors and metal detectors (prohibited for use without permission in Egypt at all).
- Quadrocopters without special permission.
- Informational materials that violate the norms of Islam and morality, including pornography and explicit erotica, promoting religious, ethnic, racial discord.
- Counterfeit items, forged documents and counterfeit money, including souvenirs.
- Cotton (except clothes for personal use)
- Narcotic and psychotropic substances, and narcotic drugs.
- Any weapon, ammunition, ammunition, military equipment, espionage equipment, hidden cameras.
- Radioactive substances, elements of bacteriological or chemical weapons.
- Animals from the list of the CITES Convention, any parts of these animals and products made from them.
- Seeds and plants.
- Raw potatoes.
- Poultry in any form: live, eggs, poultry meat in any form, even ready-made poultry dishes.
- Any items in volumes that can be regarded as commercial products for resale.
Be especially careful with the import of medicines. All prescription drugs, even with a minimum content of narcotic or psychotropic drugs, should be imported only in quantities for personal consumption, in unopened packages and with a doctor's prescription translated into English.
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What is allowed to be imported into Egypt without paying a duty?
As in any country, there are rules in Egypt according to which special demand goods – alcohol and cigarettes - cannot be imported without paying duty. You will be able to import without declaration and payment of duty no more:
- 2 liters of alcoholic beverages;
- 200 cigarettes or, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco;
- perfumery in quantities no more than for personal use.
These requirements apply, among other things, to goods purchased at the duty-free store. Persons under the age of 20 cannot import cigarettes and alcohol. But there is good "news" for alcohol lovers: tourists have the right to purchase up to 3 liters of alcohol at local DutyFree stores within 48 hours after arrival. There are such airports at resorts and at the airport after the customs inspection zone, so you can buy it right after arrival.
Attention! In February 2023, the media reported that the rules for the sale of alcohol in Egyptian duty-free had changed. Now you can buy not one liter of strong alcohol per person, but two. However, you can spend up to $200 on all goods (including cigarettes, perfumes, etc.), and a customs tax of 1% of the cost or at least $13 per liter has been introduced for alcohol. As a result, it turns out that now the Egyptian Duty Free is not duty-free, but very expensive. Therefore, if you can't imagine a vacation without a bottle of high-quality foreign alcohol, it's better to buy it at the departure airport at home.
Duty-free at Hurghada airport
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What is forbidden to export from Egypt?
In addition to traditional obviously illegal items, it is forbidden to export very simple tourist souvenirs and harmless things from Egypt. We have highlighted them in the list especially. And we recall that after the opening of Egypt in 2021, security measures have significantly increased, tourists departing to the Russian Federation are subjected to several consecutive security inspections. And if something forbidden is revealed during such a security inspection, you may well be sent for a thorough customs inspection.:
- Live and dead corals, including souvenirs from them, as well as any marine life, are fined $ 1,000 for removal. But you can take out souvenirs and corals bought in the store with a check. Some guidebooks interpret this ban even as the impossibility of exporting seashells and souvenirs from them, but we have not found any official bans on this matter.
- Crocodiles and any products made of crocodile skin.
- Ivory products.
- Antiques and antiquities without special permission (these include valuables older than 100 years). If you decide to buy an item that imitates antiquity, then there should be a check for it.
- Informational materials that violate the norms of Islam and morality, including pornography and explicit erotica, promoting religious, ethnic, racial discord.
- Counterfeit items, forged documents and counterfeit money, including souvenirs.
- Any items in volumes that can be regarded as commercial products for resale.
- Narcotic and psychotropic substances, and narcotic drugs.
- Any weapon, ammunition, ammunition, military equipment, espionage equipment, hidden cameras.
- Radioactive substances, elements of bacteriological or chemical weapons.
- Animals from the list of the CITES Convention, any parts of these animals and products made from them.
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How much is allowed to import and export currencies to/from Egypt?
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency imported or exported, but cash in any currency equivalent to more than $10,000 must be declared upon entry and exit. No duties and taxes are charged for the import of currency even in amounts above $ 10,000, this is only necessary for accounting and possible subsequent export.
Egyptian pounds can be imported and exported in the amount of no more than 5,000 pounds.
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