Egypt Customs Regulations: A Guide to Entry, Exit and Travel Essentials

Updated on Oct 02, 2024 | Egypt e-Visa

Many travellers dream of exploring Egypt to get amused by its wonders and ancient civilization. The pyramids, Nile River and other monuments in Egypt never disappoint the travellers. When it comes to planning an international trip travellers should adhere to the country’s rules, regulations and customs. Travellers are advised to have a deep understanding of Egypt customs regulations while planning their trip to Egypt.

Knowledge about customs regulations and their requirements helps ensure smooth entry and avoid delays. Failing to provide customs declaration or presenting false receipts will result in serious consequences such as paying penalties. Learning about the prohibited items also contributes to smooth entry and exit.

Egypt Entry Requirements

The first step in making the dream of visiting Egypt come true is to secure the country's entry requirements. They act as the deciding factors in permitting travellers to enter Egypt. The Egypt entry requirements are not hard to remember and being up-to-date with such requirements is crucial. Knowing the entry requirements and being prepared contributes a lot to having a smooth entry and worry-fee stay in Egypt. Here are a few entry requirements each traveller should know.

Egypt Visa

Most travellers need a valid Egypt visa to enter Egypt. Except for citizens of Egypt visa exempted countries, all the others must have a visa. Travellers can choose an appropriate Egypt visa from its types. Choose a right Egypt visa that covers all the travel requirements. The travellers who are eligible for an Egypt e-visa can apply for the same online. The Egypt e-visa is an easy and convenient way to get an Egypt visa before setting foot in the country. The entire e-visa process is online and it offers a quick processing and approval system. It does not mandate the travellers to visit the embassy or consulate.

Travellers who are not eligible for an Egypt e-visa or are concerned about thinking it might not be a great fit for them can go for the alternative, such as applying at the embassy or consulate or opting for Egypt visa-on-arrival options. The Egypt visa-on-arrival options are open to the citizens of many countries. This might be an easy option, but travellers should check their eligibility. One thing to consider in the Egypt visa-on-arrival option is its waiting time because travellers must wait in line to get over with the visa-on-arrival process. This also comes with an added risk of visa getting rejected or denied, if so, travellers should leave Egypt.

Getting a visa by applying at the Egypt embassy or consulate demands a lot of paperwork and travellers should visit the embassy at a needful time for the application process and visa interviews. This visa process might take weeks to complete, so apply early or plan the Egypt travel dates accordingly. Having a right and valid Egyptian visa is an important entry requirement.

Passport

Next to the Egypt visa, a passport is a mandatory entry requirement. The traveller’s passport must have blank pages (at least 2-3 blank pages) to enter Egypt for the entry and exit stamps. An important guideline is that the passport should be valid for six months after the traveller’s entire stay in Egypt.

Health Certificate

The requirement that comes under the Egypt entry health requirement is the vaccination certificate against the yellow fever virus disease. This is applicable only to citizens travelling from countries with yellow fever risk. However, the health requirements might undergo constant change, so it is wise to check the latest updates.

Other Required Documents

Proper documentation is crucial to keep them ready to present it to the Egyptian officials, if necessary. The documents list includes the return ticket, financial proof (credit card or bank statement) and accommodation proof. Travellers participating in or hosting business activities in Egypt are mandated to have business-related documents (cover letter or business invitation). Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement, but it will facilitate financial assistance for travellers at needful times. Be it medical emergencies in Egypt or travel mishaps during the trip.

The Egypt entry requirements are subject to change, so remember to check the updated information before arriving in Egypt. Organize the required documents and keep them easily accessible, by doing so, travellers can experience a smooth entry and avoid any delays.

Egypt Customs Regulations

Each country has its own customs regulations for national security purposes. Besides, customs rules and regulations are also implied for various other reasons. Foreign travellers undertaking international trips to Egypt must adhere to Egypt’s customs rules and regulations. Being aware of Egypt customs regulations helps to avoid legal complications and makes sure a smooth entry into Egypt. Here are a few Egypt border regulations to consider.

Verifying Identity

The Egyptian officials will verify the identity of each traveller by checking their travel documents such as Egypt visas, passports, etc. The officials have the authority to deny the travellers entry for various reasons. This also involves security checks to scrutinize the security or national risk associated with the travellers. If any discrepancies are to be found in the provided documents and details, the traveller’s entry into Egypt will be denied.

Prohibited Items

Travellers are restricted from carrying the prohibited items to Egypt. The list of prohibited items might vary from one country to another. Look into Egypt’s prohibited items list and make a note of them. Some examples are explosives, drugs, firearms, narcotics, antiques, agriculture and food products, etc. Travellers should not carry such items with them to Egypt. Adhering to the list of prohibited items is important and not following the rules might result in legal consequences.

Currency Declaration

Do not skip the declaration process. Egypt has specific regulations in terms of currency declaration. Travellers should declare currency at the time of entering and exiting Egypt. The maximum currency travellers are allowed to carry is 10,000 US dollars or the equivalent foreign currency. Declare the exact currency. Travellers are advised to look into the local currency amount and declaration as well. Look for the latest updates and follow them.

Security and Baggage Checks

Security checks are mandatory for every traveller upon their arrival in Egypt. The security check also includes baggage screening. All the metal items, such as belts, etc., require a separate screening, so travellers are supposed to place them in a plastic tray. Avoid packing prohibited items and sharp objects. Sometimes, there might be an additional screening process or inspection (if required), so follow the official’s instructions to have a smooth entry.

List of Prohibited Items

To avoid prohibited items, travellers should have a basic knowledge of the list of prohibited items in the first place. The rules for prohibited items are strictly followed and carrying them might result in penalties, prosecutions and other unnecessary consequences. Planning an international trip to Egypt requires travellers to be aware of the Egypt customs regulations. There are several prohibited items that cannot be brought to Egypt or carried out, here is a list of a few.

  • Illegal drugs (narcotics and other substances)
  • Weapons, explosives, ammunition, firearms and other related items
  • Drones (travellers carrying them must have a prior permit from the respective authorities)
  • Antiques and ivory items (import, export and sale of these items are prohibited)
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Articles, magazines and videos with offensive or erotic content
  • Sharp pointed objects
  • Any tool that could be used as a weapon (such as a saw, nail gun, crowbars, etc.)
  • Toxic substances and chemicals
  • Sea shells and coral reefs, even if they are found on beaches (carrying them out of Egypt is illegal)
  • Any unusual electronic devices
  • Pyrotechnics items (rockets, firecrackers, etc.)
  • Cotton
  • Live, stuffed or frozen birds
  • Any type of flammable substances (diesel, petrol, paint, lighter fluid, etc.)

As mentioned earlier, carrying the above-mentioned items is against the Egypt customs regulations. Such items will be confiscated by the officials and travellers must face the consequences such as criminal prosecution. Undoubtedly, this will affect the travellers further Egypt travel. Do not violate the Egypt customs regulations.

List of Restricted Items

The restricted items fall under the category of items that travellers are allowed to bring or take but are limited in terms of their quantity or under certain conditions and as such. Noting down the limits of restricted items is crucial because taking more than the imposed limit will lead to confiscation of the items and result in legal consequences. Knowing the restricted items in advance helps to pack accordingly and avoids further inspections or consequences at the Egypt port. Refer to the below-restricted items list.

  • Liquids or alcoholic beverages has a cap of 1 litre
  • Cosmetics items, including gels, moisturizers, perfume, shampoo, etc., are restricted to 100ml (not more than that)
  • Travellers can carry 25 cigars and 200 cigarettes
  • 200 grams of tobacco
  • Cultural art and artifacts (mandates permits and related certificated from the authorities)
  • The electronic devices are restricted to 15 personal electronic devices (it is important to note that they must be packed separately)
  • Lithium batteries up to 100-160 Wh are allowed, but batteries larger than 160 Wh capacity are not allowed
  • Agricultural seeds
  • Food products
  • Cash (10000 US dollars or the equivalent currency)
  • Medicines

There might be changes to the above list so remember to check the recent and accurate updates before packing. Travellers are mandated to follow the rules of restricted items as regulated by Egypt customs regulations. Some items might require special permits and certificates from the official, do not overlook them. This Egypt travel information will be helpful to pack things wisely and have a worry-free entry and exit.

Travelling to Egypt with Pets

Most travellers love to take their pets anywhere they go. In that context, travellers planning to travel with their pets to Egypt are required to follow the Egypt pet rules and regulations. There is a lot to understand and take note of while planning to take pets along with their Egypt trip. Travellers should ensure they have a valid health certificate for their pet from a licensed veterinary doctor. The certificate is acceptable only from the doctor in the traveller’s residence country. The validity of the certificate is two weeks only, starting from the issue date, so plan the arrival date accordingly. Travellers should take into note that having the certificates does not exempt the pest examination by a veterinarian from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture upon arrival. The examination complies with Egypt customs regulations and ensures the health condition of the pet.

Egyptian regulation prohibits importing birds of any kind. Travellers cannot take their pet birds to Egypt. This does not apply to live chicks, but they should meet the specific health requirements and Egyptian rules and regulations. The requirements are bound to change, so it is advisable to check with the Egypt embassy or consulate for recent information and specific details for travelling with pets to Egypt.

READ MORE:
Defects in the Egypt visa request form are the most prevalent causes for Egypt e-Visa requests being denied. Any incorrect or partial information may result in visa refusal. Individuals ought to thoroughly examine each area to prevent some of the most prevalent mistakes committed when completing out the Egypt Visa application form. Denied Egypt Visa errors can easily prevented. Learn more at What Are the Causes for Egypt Visa Denial.

Health Documents and Medication Requirements

Carrying medicines to Egypt is allowed, but there are certain rules to follow if the travellers are bringing medicine with them. The medicines are allowed only for personal use. Travellers should carry only the prescribed medicines and the rightful amount they require to cover their entire trip in Egypt. Packing the exact amount of medication will never cause any trouble, but carrying an excess number of medicines is not allowed. Travellers should be ready to answer the medication-related questions asked by Egyptian officials. Proper health and prescription documents are mandatory to present to the officers if required. Here are a few requirements travellers need to carry medicines to Egypt.

  • Having a prescription for the medicines from a licensed doctor is mandatory for carrying medicines to Egypt.
  • A clear and detailed letter from the prescribing doctor is necessary. The letter should state all the medication names in a clearly written way, their purpose and the dosage required for the travellers.
  • All the medicines should be carried in their original containers or packing.
  • Only the required dosage or amount is allowed. Overpacking medicines might lead to unnecessary issues.
  • Other health documents related to the use of prescribed medicines (if required).

The Egypt customs regulation prohibits the carrying of certain medications. Travellers who are looking for the list of banned medicines to pack their medicines accordingly are advised to contact the Egypt embassy or consulate for accurate information. The proper documentation should be followed as a part of Egypt's travel rules and regulations. Adhering to it will help to have a smooth entry into Egypt.

Egypt Currency Regulation

Supporting travellers staying in Egypt surely requires having currency in hand. It is important to note the currency regulation imposed for travellers visiting Egypt. Travellers are allowed to carry 10,000 (ten thousand) USD or its equivalent. Look into the current currency exchange rates to calculate the correct equivalent value. In regard to the Egypt currency (EGP-Egyptian Pound), travellers can carry up to 5,000 (five thousand). The currency regulation applies to all travellers.

Travellers entering Egypt with more than the specified currency limits should declare their exact currency upon their arrival in Egypt. Travellers are advised to use only the banks and official money exchange offices for currency exchange. Do not exceed the imposed currency limit, if so, it might lead to confiscation of excess money and other legal consequences. Remember to check Egypt customs regulations for recent information subject to the currency limit.

Travel Essentials to Egypt

Travellers might surely be aware of the basics to pack for their Egypt trip. Packing a few travel essentials help travellers to save money and enjoy a safe journey.

  • Travel locks (secures the belongings)
  • Reusable water bottle (travellers can fill it whenever they have access to filter water, rather than spending money)
  • Travel wallet (to secure all the travel documents such as visa, passport, travel insurance document, etc.)
  • Translation app
  • Appropriate clothes (suitable for visiting Egypt religious sights)
  • Comfortable items (eye mask, neck pillow, books or magazines, etc.)
  • Emergency contact number (medical aid number, emergency assistance number, local embassy or consulate number, etc.)
  • First aid essentials
  • Travel adapter
  • Money belt
  • Essential medication (prescription for the medication is mandatory)
  • Comfortable shoes and additional daily wear slippers or flip-flops
  • Limited toiletries set (including tissue, small towel, etc.)

Packing according to the season and the planned adventure activities (if any) in Egypt is crucial. Do not overpack and leave some space to fit the souvenirs. Use a packing cube to organize the clothes and other essentials, which also helps to avoid messy packing. Make a note of the above-mentioned Egypt travel essentials to remember and pack accordingly. They help the travellers to be well-equipped for a safe and worry-free journey to Egypt.

READ MORE:

Egypt e-visa is a digital entry permit that allows travellers to enter, stay, and explore Egypt. It is an Electronic Travel Authorization that checks the eligibility of travellers and approves their entry into Egypt. The Egypt e-visa eases the visa application process for travellers by providing an effortless application process.

Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 4 (four) days in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including British citizens, Australian citizens, Dutch citizens, Slovenian citizens and Maltese citizens can apply online for Egypt e-Visa.

 
Apply for Online Egypt Visa