Egypt Ends Fee Exemption On Imported Mobile Phones: What Expats, Tourists Must Know

In a surprise move, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA) recently announced the cancellation of a customs exemption that allowed passengers to bring one mobile phone into the country without paying a fee on imported devices.

Since January 2025, each passenger arriving in Egypt has been able to bring one imported mobile phone into the country every three years, provided they register it upon arrival at a customs desk at the airport. The registration guarantees that the device will operate properly with Egyptian SIM cards.

The recent decision to end this exemption means that each imported device entering the country will be subject to a customs fee, depending on its brand. It was met with objections from some members of the Egyptian expatriate community, who questioned why they should be required to pay customs fees on a mobile phone purchased abroad.

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If you are a tourist, an expat planning to visit Egypt, or an Egyptian citizen, here are ten important things to know to make sure your imported mobile device works properly in the country:

1. When does the decision go into effect?

The exemption was cancelled starting at 12pm Cairo time on Wednesday, January 21 (2pm UAE time).

2. Will tourists be affected by the decision?

Foreign visitors can use their devices with a foreign SIM card without paying any fees. If they want to use an Egyptian SIM card for tourists, they are exempt from the customs fee for 90 days during each visit.

3. What about Egyptian expats living abroad?

Egyptians living abroad can get a 90-day exemption for their personal devices when visiting Egypt. If they visit more than once a year, they need to renew the exemption by calling the hotline 15380 or using WhatsApp at these numbers: 01501592162, 01200038580, 01152118155, or 01033151553. They will be required to present a copy of their passport, stamps that prove their arrival to Egypt and proof of their residency in a foreign country.

4. Are imported mobile phones registered according to the previous system subject to any new fees?

The Egyptian Customs Authority and NTRA confirmed that these taxes and fees will not apply to devices that were already exempted before this decision took effect.

5. How to register a new imported phone inside Egypt?

You can pay taxes and fees for imported mobile phones through the“Telephony” app, as well as through banks and e-wallets. There is a 90-day grace period from the date the phone is activated to settle any fees before any action is taken.

6. Can the customs fee be paid in instalments?

At the moment, you must pay all fees at once. However, authorities say that instalment payments will be available soon.

7. Do most global mobile phone brands manufacture their devices in Egypt?

Authorities report that 15 international mobile phone brands now operate in Egypt, producing up to 20 million devices each year.

They also emphasised that mobile phones made in Egypt are produced by the same global companies or under their direct supervision. These devices have the same technical specifications and quality standards as those sold abroad, and are offered at competitive prices.

8. Are there any customs on locally-manufactured devices?

No, if a mobile device is made locally, it is not subject to customs fees.

9. How long does it take for a mobile phone to operate again inside the country after paying the required fees?

Once you pay the required fee, your device is activated right away, according to Egyptian authorities.

10. How to pay the customs fees for imported mobile phones?

To pay, download the "Telephony" app and enter your phone's IEMI number. You will receive an ID number, and you can pay using one of these methods:

• Digital channels like e-wallets

• Cash payments at bank branches

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