Egypt
The laws most likely to catch a visitor off guard. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Get alerted when this changesLawLert pings you if Egypt's laws change. Free.Get the free appDrugs
Drug offenses in Egypt carry severe penalties, and police can stop, question, and detain you without cause.
Penalties include life in prison or the death penalty.
§ US State Dept — EgyptMedications
Not all medications legal in the U.S. are allowed in Egypt; the Ministry of Health inspects medication on arrival, so carry it in original packaging with a doctor's letter stating it is for personal use, the dosage, and the condition.
Travelers have been arrested and convicted for bringing in banned medication (including medical marijuana and CBD) even with a prescription.
§ US State Dept — EgyptCustoms & Cash
Bringing more than US$10,000 into or out of Egypt is illegal, and Egypt also limits how much gold individuals may import.
Excess money may be confiscated and you could face additional penalties.
§ US State Dept — EgyptImports & Customs
It is illegal to remove antiquities from archaeological sites or to buy, trade, sell, or export them; travelers can be prosecuted for looting, damaging sites, or smuggling.
Fines and/or imprisonment
§ US State Dept — EgyptDriving
Traffic laws are loosely enforced but foreigners may face extra scrutiny, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is treated seriously.
Driving under the influence could result in arrest or detention.
§ US State Dept — EgyptPhotography & Drones
It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings in Egypt.
Questioning by authorities, fines, or delayed travel
§ US State Dept — EgyptBringing any drone into Egypt, including small personal ones, is strictly prohibited; drones are confiscated and not returned.
Confiscation; severe penalties in extreme cases
§ US State Dept — EgyptConnectivity
The Egyptian government does not allow visitors to enter with satellite phones; any brought in will be confiscated and not returned.
Confiscation, device not returned
§ US State Dept — EgyptLGBTQ+ Safety
Same-sex relationships are not explicitly illegal in Egypt, but authorities use 'debauchery' laws to arrest gay and lesbian individuals — often via social-media or dating-app entrapment — and have detained people for displaying rainbow flags.
Up to 10 years in prison under debauchery statutes
§ US State Dept — Egypt