Importing Personal Effects into Egypt: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Egypt Import Guide (PDF)

Removal goods - Returning Citizens/Foreign Citizens

• Original passport. for air shipment.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) or Telex Release (SWB)/ Air Waybill (AWB) with proper name of consignee (as written on passport) C/O Egyptian employer/ authority name and address C/O local agent address.
• ACID will be applied to household goods /VH/motorbike before the sailing date of the shipment.
• ACID number should be adding on Bill of Lading (or SWB)
• In case there is no ACID number mentioned on Bill of Lading, the container will return on the vessel for reexport to the country of origin.
• Detailed inventory, valued, typed, dated and signed in English.
• Packing list.
• Original power of attorney to be issued and notarized from the notary public in Egypt or at Egyptian embassy abroad + legalized from MOFA office in Egypt.

• For returning citizens: passport with entry stamp date of 3 months’ old maximum.
• For foreign citizens: passport with valid residency visa for minimum 6 months.
• Packing list must be clear and legible as it will be translated into Arabic; do not indicate “Miscellaneous,” “Packed by Owner,” or "PBO.”
• All shipments, from private to halfdiplomatic are subject to Customs inspection.
• Clearing time: 14-21 business days due to new rules where tripartite committee needs to be available during inspection process port congestions, provided that full and completed paperwork is available.
• Consignee must be present in the country upon customs clearance of his used household goods. Attendance in person during customs inspection is not required.
• All audio-visual goods (tapes, video, books, DVD, CD ROMS, etc.) will be inspected, viewed, read by Customs and released no sooner than 3 weeks after import.
• Extra charges may be applied for the inspection of special items, including food, phones, paintings, etc.
• The shipper pays inspection fees, duties
• and VAT, demurrage fees, port storage fees, management fees, bonded warehouse fees.
• All items are subject to customs duty and VAT of 14%, including consumables:
• Egyptian citizens/private shippers have to pay full duties & VAT to import their used household goods adding to the above mentioned fees.
• Used household goods and personal effects can be imported duty free for expatriates working within governmental or private sectors under the terms of temporary admission and subject to full exportation by providing a Ministry guarantee or bank guarantee. This is only granted if the consignee provides a work visa valid for a minimum of 3 months.
• The Inventory must state the model, brand, size and content (e.g., Sony 40” Television) for all electrical and electronic items.
• Wood packaging must be treated and stamped as per ISPM15 standards.

• ACID : advanced cargo information declaration
• Egyptian Customs do not accept handwritten Inventories.
• Egyptian consignee does not require residency visa BUT requires newly dated entry stamp of maximum 3 months old.
• Keys for car, any locked baggage or safes to be provided (returning citizens). For foreign citizens, keys for any automobile or any locked baggage/items.
• Vehicles and all audio-visual goods must be loaded at the door of the container.
• Foreign citizen shipment will be subject to full duties of 60%, VAT of 14 in order to import used household goods and personal effects.
• For more information: http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies -in/egypt
• Egypt started to implement ACID number, Pre-registration system for shipments since 2021 –
• Any sea shipment should be dispatched only after the issuing date of the ACID# not before.
• Any discrepancy will result in the shipment being blocked at the port
• and returned, causing significant delays and additional costs.
• https://www.nafeza.gov.eg/en
• According to the New Customs Law no. 207 for the year 2020 which was implemented on the 14th of November 2020, any manifest amendment, and any shortage of the pallets mentioned in MBL will incur USD 1000 as an amendment fine and to be paid to the customs.

Diplomats removals

• Sea Way Bill or original Bill of Lading and Air Way Bill with proper name of consignee (as written on passport) c/o Egyptian employer / authority name and address, C/O local agent address.
• Egyptian Diplomatic ID for full/1st degree Diplomats. It takes two weeks to 1 month to be issued.
• Original power of attorney
• Clearing letters issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Egypt.
• Form 4DE (for diplomats), along with the notarized packing list.

• Wood packaging must be treated and stamped as per ISPM15 standards.
• Used household goods and personal effects can be imported duty free for full/1st degree diplomats.
• Consignee must be present in the country upon customs clearance. Attendance in person during customs inspection is not required.
• Clearing time: around 3-9 working days (if OBL and local customs paperwork is available and complete).
• Motor vehicles can be imported duty-free for full Diplomat:
• Clearing time: 10-14 working days (if all OBL + customs and complete).
• Clearing of vehicles takes longer than household goods.
• Authorization letter, locally issued in Egypt.
• If consignee is half-diplomat of 2nd degree, his full shipment will be subject to 14 % VAT fees
• Keys for automobile are to be provided.
• Diplomatic missions and some international organizations must apply for duty and VAT exemptions on personal effects (approximately 7 to 21 working days).
• Diplomats may be exempted from Customs duties and inspection provided they apply for and are granted Form 4DE (Protocol).
• Only diplomats with a diplomatic passport can import alcohol. It is recommended to check the accepted quota with employer in Egypt.by providing MOFA exemption docs against this quota

Restricted/Dutiable items

• Scanners, printers, phones and faxes (agreement by Egyptian Authorities required).
• Perfume for personal use.
• Tobacco.

• All import items are dutiable except the full diplomatic shipments which are duty free.
• Video tapes, computer disks, cassette tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, records, and slides are subject to censorship authority approval and are subject to confiscation in the event that they fall into the category of prohibited items listed below.
• Printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, and satellite receivers:
• Subject to censorship by the Ministry of Interior.
• Subject to approval or refusal.
• The brand and model number of any such items must be included on the packing
• inventory.
• Inclusion of the owner manual for any such item will assist in clearance from the Ministry.
• Office jets/work stations:
• Subject to approval or refusal.
• Laser Jet colour printers are prohibited to enter for personal use.
• High value works of art, including statues and paintings:
• Will be examined by a special committee for evaluation purposes.
• This evaluation is time consuming and costly and will delay customs clearance process.
• Foods to be examined by health authorities.

• They might be considered as ‘commercial’ if large quantity of items. If included in the shipment, higher duties apply and the clearing process gets more complicated and more expensive.
• Contact the Egyptian Customs office for full and current information prior to importation.

Prohibited items

• All telephones (mobile, wireless, landline)
• Pornographic materials
• Drugs and medications (including medical devices like wheelchairs, crutches, canes, blood pressure monitors, thermometers, nebulizers, and blood glucose monitors)
• Firearms, weapons, ammunition, daggers, swords (even decorative), axes, hunting rifles, toy guns, saws (including electric saws and shredder machines)
• Compasses
• Anti-Islamic religious materials or any religious books (including Qurans and Bibles)
• Gold and silver jewellery (except tableware)
• Bank notes and coins
• Humidifier
• Camping tents
• Inflatable boats
• Seeds
• Internet routers
• Printers (including multifunction devices with scanner and fax functions)
• Air tanks, diving suits, and diving equipment
• Telescopes and binoculars
• Stamps
• Any kind of alcohol
• Scaffolding materials
• Large butcher or supermarket knives/device with sharp blades used for cutting meat and cheese
• Collections of stamps or old/cancelled money
• Remote-controlled toy cars
• Drones (including parts)
• Kitesurfing boards
• Inflatable kites
• Globe maquettes and any kind of map
• Ivory items (even decorative)
• Embalmed items
• Natural leather (even decorative)
• Air filters
• Any GPS devices
• Food
• Cosmetics (except within the personal use only )
• Receivers
• Camouflage clothing (military style)
• Security cameras
• Electronic cigarettes and hookahs
• Wines or Alcohols

• Contact the Egyptian Customs office for full and current information prior to importation.
• It is strictly forbidden to send alcohol on shipments to Egypt.
• Contravening this regulation will impose severe penalties and criminal charges on the customer and its employer.
• This infringement will also have serious consequences for the removal company and the freight forwarder.

Exporting Personal Effects from Egypt: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2023 · Download the Egypt Export Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods – Household Goods/Personal Effects (HHG/PE)

• Sea Shipment:
• Original power of attorney
• Original passport or stamped copy from workplace
• Original valid work residence permit or stamped copy from workplace (for foreigners)
• Original destination visa or stamped copy from workplace (for Egyptians)
• Air Shipment:
• Original power of attorney
• Copy of passport
• Copy of valid residence permit (for foreigners)
• Copy of destination visa (for Egyptians)
• Copy from E-Ticket

• If shipment contains paintings/artworks, ministry of culture approval will be required
• Old/valuable Antiquities, Historical or Heritage, Khan El Khalili Pharaonic Items are restricted.

• Egypt started to implement ACID number, Pre-registration system for shipments since 2021: https://www.nafeza.gov.eg/en

Removal Goods – Diplomatic HHG/ PE

• Copy of diplomatic ID stamped by the organization or embassy
• Copy of passport stamped by the organization or embassy
• Stamped packing list by foreign affairs
• Export letter from Foreign Affairs
• Authorization letter to our company, stamped by the organization or embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
• Copy from E-Ticket

• If shipment is full diplomatic, no approvals will be required and container will not be opened
• If shipment is half/semi diplomatic, for any paintings/artworks, ministry of culture approval will be required
• Old/valuable Antiquities, Historical or Heritage, Khan El Khalili Pharaonic Items are restricted.

Removal Goods – Diplomatic Personal Owned Vehicle (POV)

• Copy of diplomatic ID stamped by the organization
• Copy of passport stamped by the organization
• Export letter from Foreign affairs
• Authorization letter to our company, stamped by the organization or embassy and MOFA
• Letters for Traffic authority to return the license and plate

Live Animals/Pets

• Veterinary Health Certificate
• Vaccination Certificate
• Original Passport and power of attorney or owner to be present on the day of export

• Requirements:
• IATA approved cage & its dimension.
• Weight of the animal & weight of the cage
• Breed
• Name and address at destination so Airline can contact and get approval

Egypt Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Egypt Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Original passport with Egyptian resident/work permit (returning citizens: entry stamp dated within the last 6 months; foreign citizens: valid residency visa for minimum 3 months)
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB) with the proper name of the consignee (as written on the passport) c/o Egyptian employer/authority name and address
• Detailed inventory, valued, typed, dated, and signed in English (handwritten inventories are not accepted)
• Packing list
• Authorization letters to handle the shipment, locally issued in Egypt
• Letter of guarantee provided by employer approving the import and stating the shipment will be re-exported upon end of work contract (for expatriates seeking duty-free temporary admission)
• Authorization letter authorizing the destination agent to clear the shipment, stamped by the client's Egyptian bank where they hold an account
• Keys for automobiles and any locked items or baggage

• Sea waybill or original bill of lading and air waybill with proper consignee name c/o Egyptian employer/authority
• Egyptian Diplomatic ID (for full/1st degree diplomats; takes approximately 2 weeks to issue)
• Authorization letters from the diplomat's embassy, issued in Egypt
• Clearing letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Egypt
• Form 4DE (protocol exemption form)

Specific Information

Egypt is NOT a duty-free destination for household goods. This is the most critical fact for movers to understand. All used household goods and personal effects are subject to import taxes, duties, and VAT, including consumables. This applies to Egyptian citizens, private shippers, and most foreign citizens.

Egyptian citizens always pay full duties. All shipments belonging to Egyptian citizens are subject to full duty and tax regardless of how long they have been abroad or whether they hold dual nationality.

Foreign citizens without a work visa: Must pay full duties at 60% plus VAT at 14% plus 8% service fee.

Letter of guarantee system: The guarantee states an amount corresponding to estimated duties and taxes. Funds are placed into a bank account and released when the shipper leaves Egypt and re-exports all items. Any missing items at the time of departure incur duties, taxes, and fines. The guarantee can only be obtained with a work permit and work visa. Since recent rule changes, some items cannot be covered by the letter of guarantee and duties will apply regardless. The letter of guarantee results in very thorough inspection by customs and often causes damage to the shipment.

All items subject to taxes: Including consumables (toiletries, foodstuffs, detergents, cosmetics, tissues). For half-diplomats (2nd degree), consumable items are dutiable at 60% of value plus 14% VAT.

Packing list requirements: Must be clear and legible (will be translated into Arabic). Do not indicate "miscellaneous," "packed by owner," or "PBO." The inventory must state the model, brand, size, and content for all electrical and electronic items (e.g., "Sony 40-inch television").

Audio-visual goods: Tapes, videos, books, DVDs, CD-ROMs, etc. will be inspected, viewed, and read by customs. They will not be released sooner than 3 weeks after import. They must be loaded at the door of the container for easy access.

Instruction manuals: Must be attached to printers and fax machines.

Consignee must be present in Egypt: The client must be in Egypt during customs clearance, although physical attendance during the inspection is not required.

Clearing time: 14-21 business days for private/foreign citizen shipments (due to tripartite committee requirements during inspection). 3-9 working days for diplomatic shipments.

Nafeza single window system (2021 update): Egypt launched the Nafeza electronic single window customs system. All consignment documentation must be submitted through this platform 48 hours prior to shipment arrival. This system uses Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) identification numbers (ACID) that must be referenced on all documentation. Contact the destination agent for current Nafeza procedures.

ISPM 15: Wood packaging must be treated and stamped as per ISPM 15 standards.

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP). The exchange rate has been volatile, ranging roughly between 46.6 and 54.9 EGP per USD over the past year; as of late June 2026, approximately 1 USD = 49 EGP. Duties and taxes must be paid in cash if no letter of guarantee is available.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free entry is extremely limited. Only the following categories qualify for duty-free temporary admission:

• Expatriates working within governmental or private sectors under the terms of temporary admission, who provide a Ministry guarantee or bank guarantee (letter of guarantee). This requires a work visa valid for a minimum of 3 months. All items must be re-exported when the contract ends.
• Full/1st degree diplomats (permanent duty-free entry).
• Expatriates who own or are partners in a private company/project in Egypt (duty covered with local bank guarantee; proof of ownership from Egyptian Investment Authority required).

Prohibited & Restricted Items

The prohibited items list for Egypt is extensive and strictly enforced:

• Alcoholic beverages of any kind (in non-diplomatic shipments) — severe penalties and criminal charges
• Pornographic materials — strictly prohibited
• Anti-Islamic religious materials — prohibited
• Unlawful drugs and narcotics — strictly prohibited
• Gold and silver jewelry and ornaments (tableware permitted; jewelry prohibited)
• Bank notes and coins — prohibited within shipments
• Seeds and trees — prohibited
• Any types of phones — prohibited
• Wireless phones — prohibited
• Radio devices with high frequency that intercept other transmissions; wireless transceiver devices (walkie-talkies) — prohibited
• Binoculars and telescopes — prohibited
• Toy drones and helicopters — prohibited
• Recording camera pocket pens — prohibited
• Tracking and surveillance devices — prohibited
• Modern GPS devices with high specs — prohibited
• High-resolution color laser jet printers — prohibited
• Brand new furniture — prohibited within household goods shipments
• Cotton — prohibited
• Perishable foods — prohibited
• Firearms, ammunition, pocketknives, daggers, and swords (even decorative) — prohibited without authorization; non-compliance could result in confiscation of the entire shipment and legal issues PERMIT REQUIRED
• Satellite receivers — subject to censorship by Ministry of Interior

Per VisaHQ:

• 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco
• 1 litre of alcoholic beverages
• Personal effects in reasonable quantities
• Gifts up to EGP 1,500 in value

• Scanners, printers, phones, and faxes — agreement by Egyptian authorities required; subject to censorship by the Ministry of Interior; subject to approval or refusal; brand and model number must be on the inventory; owner manuals assist clearance
• Laser jet color printers — prohibited for personal use
• Office jets / workstations — subject to approval or refusal
• Perfume — for personal use only
• Tobacco — dutiable
• Alcohol — strictly prohibited for non-diplomats in shipments (see Prohibited Items); for diplomats, free import with embassy-approved quota
• Consumable items (toiletries, foodstuffs, detergents, cosmetics, tissues) — dutiable regardless of the consignee's status, at 60% plus 14% VAT for half-diplomats; higher duties for private shippers
• Video tapes, computer disks, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, records, slides — subject to censorship authority approval; subject to confiscation if they fall into prohibited categories
• High-value works of art, statues, paintings — examined by a special committee for evaluation; time-consuming and costly, delaying customs clearance
• Food and medicine — examined by health authorities
• Firearms and ammunition — authorization from local administration required PERMIT REQUIRED
• More than two items of the same product — prohibited (duplicate items)

Alcohol is strictly prohibited in non-diplomatic shipments; contravening this regulation carries severe penalties and criminal charges for the customer and employer. Do not include alcohol in non-diplomatic shipments to Egypt.

Consignment Instructions

Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air/sea shipments.

Alcohol is absolutely prohibited in non-diplomatic shipments. This cannot be overstated. Violations carry serious consequences for the removal company and the freight forwarder, in addition to criminal charges for the customer and employer.

Loading order matters: Vehicles and all audio-visual goods must be loaded at the door of the container for easy access during inspection.

No handwritten inventories. All inventories must be typed. No "miscellaneous," "PBO," or "packed by owner" designations.

Keys required: Keys for automobiles and any locked items must be provided to customs officers during inspection.

Nafeza system: Since 2021, all consignment documentation must be submitted through Egypt's Nafeza single window customs platform 48 hours before arrival. An ACID number must be obtained and referenced on all documentation. The destination agent will coordinate this.

Clearing times: 14-21 business days for standard shipments; 3-9 business days for diplomatic shipments; 7-21 business days for diplomatic duty exemption applications.

Consignee must be in Egypt. The consignee must be present in the country during customs clearance (though not required during physical inspection).

No duty-free entry for Egyptian citizens. Regardless of time abroad, dual nationality, or circumstances, Egyptian citizens pay full duty and tax.

Letter of guarantee risks: The guarantee system results in very thorough inspection and often causes damage to shipments. Some items can no longer be covered by the guarantee. Discuss the trade-offs with customers before choosing this option.

Port congestion: Egypt's ports (particularly Alexandria) experience congestion that can extend clearing times beyond the standard estimates.