Egyptمصر

Travellers arriving in Egypt may bring 1 L of alcohol duty-free. Anything above the allowance must be declared at the red channel. Travelers entering Egypt may import duty-free: 1L of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco per adult. Personal effects including clothing, jewelry, and gifts up to a total value of EGP 10,000 (approximately USD $200–$330 depending on exchange rate) may be imported duty-free. Non-Egyptian nationals may bring in personal goods of higher value for personal use, but amounts above the threshold attract duties. Egypt has been liberalizing some import procedures but also imposes strict currency controls.

200 cigarettes per traveller (or proportionally less in cigars / tobacco). Above-limit tobacco must be declared.

Yes. Cash and equivalent bearer instruments above USD 10000 (EGP) must be declared on arrival.

EGP 1,200 approximately (~USD 40). Egypt's de minimis threshold for postal and courier imports is low. Goods valued below approximately USD $40 may be exempt from customs duties, though VAT (14%) applies to most imports. Egypt has significant import restrictions on certain goods and applies high tariff rates — some goods face duties of 40–80%. Currency controls and the complex exchange rate environment affect import valuations. Verify current thresholds with ECA as these can change.

VAT 14% standard; 0% on essential foods, medical equipment, education, exports. Applied to imports plus customs duty per Egyptian Tariff. Often paired with development fee + 0.5% emergency tax.

Prescription medicines for personal use are generally allowed in reasonable quantities (typically 30-90 days' supply), accompanied by the original prescription and ideally a doctor's letter. Some controlled substances need import authorisation. Verify with Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) — part of Egyptian Tax Authority for your specific medicine.

Gifts are accepted by post but are still subject to Egypt's import rules. Tax-relief gift thresholds (where they exist) are typically much lower than commercial thresholds. Declare honestly on the CN22/CN23 — undervaluation is treated as fraud.

A customs declaration filed with Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) — part of Egyptian Tax Authority, a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (AWB or B/L). Add a Certificate of Origin to claim FTA preferential duty. Sector-specific imports (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, dangerous goods) need additional permits.

The green channel is for travellers with nothing to declare. The red channel is for travellers carrying anything above allowances or any restricted goods. Spot checks happen at both. Lying or hiding goods can lead to seizure plus penalties.

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking); Pornographic materials; Publications and materials deemed offensive to Islam or against public order. See the full prohibited list on this page.

Drugs and pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Health import licence and registration required); Firearms and weapons (Interior Ministry permit required — very restrictive); Alcohol (legal but restricted — import for personal use limited; commercial import requires licence). Restricted items typically need a permit, certificate, or declaration. See the full restricted list on this page.

Use the red channel at the airport. Most ports of entry into Egypt accept either a paper declaration or, increasingly, an electronic declaration via an app or kiosk. Be ready to show receipts, prescriptions, or permits.

Most countries restrict animal-origin food (meat, dairy) for biosecurity reasons; sealed commercial packaged food is sometimes permitted. Verify with Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) — part of Egyptian Tax Authority's agricultural / biosecurity authority before bringing food.

Vape rules are changing fast worldwide; Egypt may have specific restrictions, age limits, or outright bans. Verify on the current Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) — part of Egyptian Tax Authority guidance before travel — bans have grown markedly since 2023.

Many countries require advance import authorisation for opioids, stimulants, and certain psychiatric medicines. Carry the original prescription, doctor's letter, and original packaging. For controlled substances, contact Egypt's health authority before travel.

Yes. Duty-free purchases at the destination airport on arrival count toward your alcohol and tobacco allowance, even though they were purchased after immigration. Buying duty-free at departure rather than arrival does not bypass the allowance.

Above the de minimis, customs assesses duty and VAT/GST on the goods value (plus, in some regimes, freight + insurance). The carrier or postal operator usually clears it and bills the recipient. Recipients can refuse delivery if they don't want to pay.

Yes. If you don't want to pay duties or taxes, you can refuse the parcel and the carrier will return it to sender or destroy it. This does not affect your tax record but means the goods don't enter Egypt.

Standard clearance for compliant parcels is typically same-day to a few days. Holds for incomplete declarations, biosecurity inspection, sanctions screening, or anti-counterfeit checks can take longer. Provide complete declarations to avoid delays.

Your carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, postal operator) is the first contact — they handle clearance on your behalf. If you need to deal directly with the authority, contact Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) — part of Egyptian Tax Authority via the contact route on their official site.

Watch for: fake "customs fees" demands by SMS or email; impostor officials at airports; unsolicited phone calls about a "stuck parcel"; payment requests by gift card. Real customs authorities do not ask for payment via SMS link or gift cards. See our scams page for documented patterns.