Egypt
Country · Africa
Egypt enforces strict anti-drug laws with severe penalties. Cannabis and recreational drugs are illegal, and several common medicines — including tramadol and some strong painkillers — are tightly controlled and require prior approval.
Traveler warnings
Tramadol and many opioids require prior approval — bringing them without authorization can lead to arrest. Cannabis and CBD are prohibited.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Egypt.
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Egypt. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
CBD Products
CBD Products
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Egypt. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Cannabis / Marijuana
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Egypt, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Egypt with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Egypt. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Opioids / Pain Medications
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Egypt. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: Not permitted.
Illegal in Egypt. Do not carry — possession can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Penalty: Possession can lead to arrest, fines, and imprisonment.
Psychiatric Medications
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Egypt with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Strictly personal-use limits only; verify the exact allowance before travel.
Restricted in Egypt. Keep within personal-use limits, carry full documentation, and verify current rules with the official authority before travel.
Penalty: Exceeding limits or lacking documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or prosecution.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: Not permitted.
Subject to severe penalties in Egypt, including lengthy imprisonment. Do not carry under any circumstances.
Penalty: Severe penalties apply, including lengthy imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions available under law.
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal medical supply only (typically up to a 30–90 day course); larger amounts may require an import permit.
Allowed in Egypt with a valid prescription. Carry documentation, keep medicines in original labelled packaging, and declare controlled medicines at customs.
Penalty: Carrying without a valid prescription or documentation can lead to confiscation, fines, or detention.
Prescription policy
Carry a personal supply with the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Controlled medicines such as tramadol and strong opioids require prior authorization from the Egyptian Drug Authority.
Controlled substances
Narcotics and psychotropics are strictly controlled. Cannabis is illegal. Tramadol and many opioids are heavily restricted and a frequent cause of traveler arrests.
Customs & border guidance
Declare all controlled medicines and carry prior EDA approval, the original prescription and a doctor's letter. Do not carry cannabis or CBD.
Penalties
Drug offences carry severe penalties, including long imprisonment and, for trafficking, the harshest sanctions. Enforcement is rigorous at airports.
Live Alerts
Egypt: Tramadol and other controlled drugs require prior approval
High RiskEgypt enforces strict drug laws with severe penalties. Tramadol and many opioids are heavily controlled and a frequent cause of traveler arrests; they require prior approval from the Egyptian Drug Authority. Cannabis and CBD are prohibited. Carry prior authorization, the original prescription and a doctor's letter for all controlled medicines.
Documentation required
Original prescription and a doctor's letter (translated where possible), medicines in original labelled packaging, plus any import permit or prior approval required by Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) for controlled medicines.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.