Egypt has abruptly terminated its longstanding customs exemption policy for imported mobile phones, implementing new fees that will impact travelers and expatriates entering the country. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) announced the significant policy shift effective January 21, 2026, at 12 PM Cairo time, marking a substantial change in the nation’s telecommunications import regulations.
The previous framework permitted each passenger arriving in Egypt to import one mobile device every three years without customs charges, provided they registered the device at airport customs desks to ensure compatibility with Egyptian SIM cards. The new regulations eliminate this exemption entirely, subjecting all imported mobile devices to variable customs fees based on brand and specifications.
The policy change has generated considerable concern within Egypt’s expatriate community, with many questioning the rationale behind imposing customs duties on personally owned devices purchased abroad. Egyptian authorities have responded by highlighting the growing domestic mobile manufacturing sector, noting that 15 international brands now operate production facilities within Egypt, manufacturing approximately 20 million devices annually with equivalent technical specifications to imported models.
Tourists utilizing foreign SIM cards remain exempt from the new fees, while those requiring Egyptian SIM cards receive a 90-day exemption per visit. Egyptian expatriates visiting the country can similarly claim a 90-day exemption for personal devices, renewable through official channels including hotline 15380 or designated WhatsApp numbers with appropriate documentation.
Payment mechanisms include the official ‘Telephony’ application, banking institutions, and e-wallet services, with a 90-day grace period from device activation to settle outstanding fees. Authorities have indicated that installment payment options will become available in the near future, though current requirements mandate full immediate payment.
Devices previously registered under the exemption system remain unaffected by the new regulations, according to official statements from both the Egyptian Customs Authority and NTRA. Locally manufactured mobile devices continue to be exempt from customs charges entirely.