Antiques (100+ years old, non-ivory) 🇪🇬 Egypt
Bringing antiques INTO Egypt is generally permitted, but Egypt's Law 117/1983 makes exporting genuine antiquities a criminal offence.
Can I bring Antiques (100+ years old, non-ivory) into Egypt?
Bringing antiques INTO Egypt is generally permitted, but Egypt's Law 117/1983 makes exporting genuine antiquities a criminal offence.
No limit on import; export of genuine antiquities (>100 years old) without a Ministry permit is a criminal offence
- Customs declaration for high-value items on import
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities clearance certificate (Shattera) for any purchased item of uncertain age before export
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Travellers importing antiques into Egypt are generally not subject to special restrictions beyond standard customs declaration requirements for high-value goods. However, Egypt's Law No. 117 of 1983 on the Protection of Antiquities (as amended by Law No. 3/2010) makes it a criminal offence to export Egyptian antiquities, defined broadly as artefacts produced in Egypt and older than 100 years, without authorisation from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Travellers who purchase items in Egyptian markets should obtain an official clearance certificate (Shattera) from the Ministry if uncertain of an item's age. Penalties for illegal antiquity export include imprisonment and heavy fines.
If you buy souvenirs that look old or authentic in Egyptian markets, obtain a Shattera from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities before departure. Do not purchase items that sellers claim are genuine ancient artefacts, as these are often illegal and subject to confiscation.
No limit on import; export of genuine antiquities (>100 years old) without a Ministry permit is a criminal offence
- Customs declaration for high-value items on import
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities clearance certificate (Shattera) for any purchased item of uncertain age before export
Egyptian Law No. 117/1983 on Protection of Antiquities; Law No. 3/2010 amendment; Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities clearance procedure
This page covers destination customs rules in Egypt. Whether you can carry antiques (100+ years old, non-ivory) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Antiques (100+ years old, non-ivory) rules in other countries
Antiques (100+ years old, non-ivory)
🇮🇹 Italy
Bringing antiques INTO Italy is generally allowed, but exporting Italian cultural goods OUT of Italy requires a government export licence.
Antiques (100+ years old, non-ivory)
🇹🇷 Turkey
Antiques may be brought into Turkey but must be declared; export of Turkish cultural property is prohibited without government permission under Law 2863.