Moving To Egypt


Relocate to Egypt With Help From the Moving Specialists

Your Peace of Mind, Is Our Priority

Customs Regulations for Egypt

  • Passport (original, must include latest entry stamp to Egypt)
  • Work or residence visa (valid for a minimum of three months)
  • Letter of guarantee from customer’s employer authorizing import and approving work contract or work visa
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (copy)
  • Complete valued inventory list of shipment (typed copy in English or Egyptian Arabic)
  • Complete packing list (typed copy in English or Egyptian Arabic)
  • Authorization letter giving Customs destination agent ability to clear shipment (must be stamped by Egyptian bank where customer previously opened account)
  • Proof of insurance coverage
  • All customers must be in Egypt but are not required to physically be at customs when the shipment is cleared
  • All household goods imported through customs subject to physical inspection
  • All household goods imported into Egypt through customs are subject to a physical inspection upon arrival
  • All used household goods and personal effects subject to taxes, duties and other storage and administration fees and costs that may be levied

In Egypt, some articles may not be imported in a customer’s shipment whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs
  • Firearms, explosive devices, ammunitions and weapons (including decorative swords and daggers)
  • Pornography and vulgar and/or objectionable material
    • Includes any publications featuring full and semi-nudity
  • Alcohol (penalty for trying to import is 3,000 times the value of the alcohol)
  • Politically sensitive material
  • Publications or literature contrary to Muslim culture, Arab beliefs and morality laws
  • Gold and silver (unless it is tableware)
  • All telephones (mobile, wireless and landline)
  • Communication equipment (CB radios or hand-held equipment)
  • Live, frozen or stuffed birds and all products made from whole or parts of birds
  • Seeds or cotton

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Egypt. These items include, but are not limited to:

  • Consumable items (food, toiletries, cosmetics) subject to import taxes and duties upon arrival
  • Works of art and antiques are greatly discouraged as they require a lengthy evaluation and examination process by a committee
  • Media (video tapes, DVDs, CDs, cassettes and records) subject to censorship, may be confiscated if they don’t meet the required standards
  • Religious material not pertaining to Islam subject to restriction
  • Printers, scanners, fax machines and copiers subject to inspection
    • Approval from the Ministry of Security as well as the brand and model number need to be included on the inventory submitted to Customs

In Egypt, the following rules apply to importing motor vehicles:

  • Customers must receive prior authorization for importing a vehicle of any kind (talk to your destination agent for details)
  • All vehicles are subject to high duty rates and are taxable
    • Vehicles must be new (no used vehicles are permitted)
    • Vehicles must be made the same year as importation and Customer importing the vehicle must be the original owner
  • Diesel vehicles are strictly prohibited

For importation, you will need the following documents:

  • Title (original)
  • Registration (original)
  • Purchase invoice or receipt of purchase (original)
  • Bill of lading (original)
    • Must include all the information about the car – state, make, model, engine, chassis number, color and weight

When importing a pet to Egypt, the requirements are:

  • Health certificate signed and endorsed by a licensed veterinarian from Customer’s original location (dated no more than 30 days prior to arrival in Egypt)
  • Certificate of vaccination stating the animal has received all vaccines no more than 30 days before arrival (this includes rabies)
  • All cats and dogs subject to examination by a licensed veterinarian from the Ministry of Agriculture
  • If pet looks ill and/or unhealthy upon arrival at Customs, it will be placed in a government kennel for a maximum of 15 days
    • Quarantine is not required for all other animals
  • Birds are prohibited from importation unless they are live chicks
    • Live chicks must meet all health requirements and cannot be coming from an area infected with bird flu

The following items are free of import regardless of the age of the customer:

  • 200 cigarettes or 200 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco
  • 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
  • A reasonable quantity of perfume and 1 liter of cologne
  • Non-commercial articles adding up to a value of 100 EGP (Egyptian Pound)
  • Personal effects (including electric appliances such as razors and hair dryers)

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Egypt


To start, one of our trained moving specialists will provide a one-on-one consultation with you, thoroughly outlining your moving options based on certain criteria, such as:

  • Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in Egypt?
  • Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying?
  • Your family/household size. Will you be moving alone or with your family? For business or personal reasons?
  • Cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

What Will Moving to Egypt Cost?


For the most accurate estimate of your total shipment size, you should schedule an in-home survey as early as possible for your move to Egypt.

Don’t wait until the last possible moment, contact International Sea & Air Shipping today. You won’t regret the decision.

After we hear from you, our moving specialists will assess your belongings to give you the best estimate possible to expedite your relocation.

The cost of moving to Egypt will vary considerably based on the cubic footage of your belongings and your proposed destination arrival time so it’s extremely important that you work with an agent so they can give you the most accurate quote.

Ready to start budgeting for your international move?

Give us a call, and don’t forget to ask about our overseas packing and custom crating services, too!

About Egypt


Geographically speaking, the majority of Egypt lies within the Nile Valley of North Africa. However, it also has land in the southwest corner of Asia and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel, the Red Sea, Libya and Sudan, which means it’s considered both an Afro-Asiatic country and a Mediterranean one.

Despite a population of over 87 million inhabitants, the majority of the country lives on the banks of the Nile. This highly-populated area is roughly 15,000 square miles – the only place in Egypt with arable land, with the largest area in Egypt, the Sahara, remaining only sparsely inhabited.

With an economy that is one of the largest and most diverse in the Middle East, Egypt is most well known for its rich cultural history, including the oldest and only surviving ancient wonder of the world: the pyramids of Giza. It’s no wonder that studies of ancient Egypt continue to this day.

Can’t wait to get started with your overseas relocation to Egypt? First, find out what you’ll need to clear Customs.

Moving to Egypt from the U.S.


Moving to Egypt from the United States is a major transition for anyone, and there will be plenty to consider and prepare for before you head across the globe.

The last thing you want to worry about is the logistics of a complicated move, especially when it comes to documentation, Customs regulations and shipping services. Which is why you shouldn’t have to worry about it. Instead, let us tackle the tough stuff for you.

International Sea & Air Shipping will make your transition to Egypt as seamless as possible by providing top-notch shipping services for all of your household goods, and much more. Here’s how: