Skip to content
GOODS ACROSS BORDERS

DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCES

🇪🇬 Egypt

REGIONAFRICA
CUSTOMS AUTHORITYEgyptian Customs Authority (ECA) — part of Egyptian Tax Authority
VAT RATE14%

Duty-Free Allowances

CategoryAllowance
Alcohol1L
Cigarettes200
Personal goods valueUS$3000
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.

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.

Cash Declaration Threshold

US$10,000DECLARATION REQUIRED ABOVE THIS AMOUNT

Local currency equivalent: EGP

Travelers carrying cash, traveler's cheques, or negotiable instruments above this threshold must declare them at customs on arrival.

Special Notes

  • 01Egypt has strict foreign currency regulations — the Egyptian Pound (EGP) is a managed currency and there are restrictions on taking large amounts of EGP out of the country.
  • 02VAT (القيمة المضافة ضريبة) standard rate is 14%.
  • 03Egypt has been implementing a significant economic reform program and import rules have been in flux — verify current rules before commercial import.
  • 04Tramadol is one of the most heavily enforced controlled substances at Egyptian borders — even small personal quantities without documentation can result in arrest.
  • 05Consumer drones are a significant enforcement priority at Egyptian airports including Cairo International, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh — confiscation is common.
  • 06Cultural heritage export is strictly controlled — genuine antiquities cannot be legally removed from Egypt. Purchasing at reputable licensed dealers is essential for any ancient artifacts.
  • 07Egypt is a party to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) — preferential tariffs apply for qualifying goods from member states.
  • 08The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program facilitates trusted commercial importers.
RULES5,339COUNTRIES85ITEMS111CARRIERS28GUIDES37UNIQUE SOURCES614LATEST VERIFICATION2026-05-13MethodologyChangelog