Egypt

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.

Cannabis is illegal in Egypt, and enforcement is severe. The UK government warns that possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs — even small amounts — can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. The US government reports that American travelers have been arrested and convicted for entering Egypt with medical marijuana or CBD products, even with a prescription. Do not bring cannabis in any form, including medical or CBD products, into Egypt.

According to the UK government, possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in Egypt can, even for small amounts, lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty, and a life sentence on drug charges normally means the rest of one's life in prison with no chance of parole or a pardon. The US government likewise warns that drug offenses carry severe penalties, including life in prison or the death penalty, and reports US citizens arrested and convicted for bringing in medical marijuana or CBD products despite holding prescriptions.

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.

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.

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

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.

It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings in Egypt.

Questioning by authorities, fines, or delayed travel

Bringing any drone into Egypt, including small personal ones, is strictly prohibited; drones are confiscated and not returned.

Confiscation; severe penalties in extreme cases

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

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