If you are traveling to Egypt or planning to relocate, it’s important to know that the Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) have introduced new regulations for importing mobile phones from abroad
These rules officially came into effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to all travelers entering Egypt
The goal of the new system is to control the import of smartphones, ensure fair market pricing, and prevent the spread of unregistered or counterfeit devices
These rules officially came into effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to all travelers entering Egypt
The goal of the new system is to control the import of smartphones, ensure fair market pricing, and prevent the spread of unregistered or counterfeit devices
For Egyptian Citizens
- You can bring 1 mobile phone without paying customs duty
- You must declare and register your device through the official Telephony App right at the airport upon arrival
- Registration is quick and done via your passport number and IMEI code
For Foreign Visitors and Expats
- You can bring your personal phone without paying customs duties — but it will be valid in Egypt for up to 3 months only.
- If you plan to stay longer (for example, for work, residency, or relocation), you will need to pay the registration fee through the Telephony App to keep your phone active on Egyptian networks.
This rule applies to all tourists, foreign residents, and business travelers entering the country
How Many Phones Can You Bring?
Up to 4 mobile phones per person are allowed to be brought into Egypt
Bringing more than 4 phones will be considered commercial import and may require a business license or customs clearance
- 1 phone is duty-free
- The remaining 3 are subject to customs fees based on market value
Bringing more than 4 phones will be considered commercial import and may require a business license or customs clearance
Customs Fees and Duties
- Second phone: 37.5% of the device’s market value
- Third and fourth phones: full customs duties according to Egyptian import law
- The total cost is calculated automatically inside the Telephony App during registration
Important Notes
- These regulations apply only to phones imported after January 1, 2025
- Phones that were imported and activated before this date are not affected by the new rules
- The regulation covers all smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices
How to Register Through the Telephony App
- Download the Telephony App (available on iOS and Android)
- Enter your passport number and phone IMEI code
- The system will show the applicable customs duty (if any)
- Pay the fee online via card or local bank account
- Once payment is confirmed, your phone is automatically registered for use in Egypt
This registration system was designed to protect users from counterfeit phones, support local telecom regulations, and ensure fair market pricing
In Summary
If you’re planning to visit or relocate to Egypt, remember these key points:
These measures may seem strict, but they help create a transparent and secure telecommunications market — and make sure every user’s phone is officially verified
- One personal phone is free of duty
- You can use it for 3 months without registration
- Longer stays require registering through the Telephony App
- Bringing more than one device may result in customs fees
These measures may seem strict, but they help create a transparent and secure telecommunications market — and make sure every user’s phone is officially verified