Moving To Egypt

Move to Egypt from the USA – Here is all you need to know!

Moving to Egypt from the USA is no doubt an exciting move. Officially as the Arab Republic of Egypt, the country is located in North Africa. Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization, including pharaohs, pyramids, and hieroglyphics. The country is rich in history and cultural heritage, attracting millions of tourists every year.

Egypt is home to the iconic Giza pyramid complex, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The country also boasts other historical sites like the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the Abu Simbel temples.

Beyond its historical attractions, Egypt also offers a diverse range of experiences. From modern cities and fast paced life to laid back relaxing lifestyle, Egypt has it all.

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Egypt

There is no easy way to say this. But probably you have figured it out already that in any relocation where you need to uproot yourself and your family to settle down at a completely new geography can be a lot to process. And when it is an international relocation you have planned the scale of the challenges gets even bigger!

And we are not talking just about the distance or the time. When you are moving to Egypt from the USA consider that there will be lots of differences in experiences that you have to handle. Different climate, cultural differences, different food-habit and a lot more. International relocation comes with its own set of challenges. A move to Egypt from the USA will have considerable challenges, as well.

But wait! Getting on your nerves is not our motto! We are here to help. At International Sea & Air Shipping our professional team is there to help you in your move to Egypt from the USA. With us you can look forward to a hassle-free international relocation! We understand the emotions, the confusions and the hassles tangled with each and every step of your relocation to Egypt from the USA and we have the expertise to untangle them for you!

Our team of experienced professionals will guide you at every step. You can look forward to professional assistance where we provide end to end specialized moving services for all types of relocation from the origin to the destination countries. So, let our professionals handle your international relocation, the packing of your household goods, choosing container and freight services, and other titbits of your relocation to Egypt from the USA while you focus on the post-move settling down in your dream island country.

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) 315-4170

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.

What to expect when you are moving to Egypt from the USA?

Moving to Egypt from the USA can be a different experience altogether! Egypt is globally known to be one of the four ancient civilizations and a home to rich historical and cultural heritages and traditions. When you have planned to move to Egypt from the USA you need to consider a few things before you get your household goods packed and ready to move.

Before making the international relocation to Egypt from the USA do a thorough research on the cost of living, healthcare, housing, and other important factors. You should make a detailed plan, including visa requirements, necessary documents, and any other legalities involved.

How to move to Egypt from the USA?

If you want to relocate to Egypt from the USA and stay there for a longer period than 90 days then you have to apply for proper documents which will allow you to enter the country, work and stay.

Here is a list of documents and processes through which you can stay and live in Egypt.

Obtain a work visa

If you want to relocate to Egypt for work, the ideal way is to obtain a work visa. A work visa enables you to live in Egypt for a longer term ranging from one to five years.

However, to obtain a work permit the first thing is to get a job offer in Egypt. This is required to get the work permit done. If your current employer has an office in Egypt you can request for a work related relocation in Egypt or either you have to search and get a job with an Egyptian employer. In both the cases the employer has to raise the request for the work visa process.

Obtain a residence permit

The second option to move and stay for a longer duration in Egypt is to obtain a residence permit. The best part of a temporary residence permit is that it is valid for 5 years! This means when you are moving to Egypt from the USA obtaining a temporary residence permit you can stay there for 5 years without the hassle of going for yearly renewal!

Apply for citizenship

As is seen in the citizenship acquiring process for other countries, in Egypt also there are a few steps that need to be meticulously followed in order to be eligible to apply for citizenship in this country. A few of these criteria include the following –

To show proof that you have been living in Egypt for 10 years.
Fluency in Arabic is a must
You should not have any criminal records
You should be in good health

Top 5 reasons to move to Egypt from the USA

Low cost of living

Compared to the USA in Egypt the cost of living is reasonable and low.

Upscale property market

When you relocate to Egypt from the USA you will be able to get a wide range of property options at very reasonable rates to choose from and to settle down.

Incredible sightseeing options

The Gift of Nile, Egypt is the seat for rich historical and cultural heritages. Home to one of the seven wonders in the world, Egypt will no doubt offer good exploration time.

Friendly locals

Egyptian people are friendly and always ready to help. They are welcoming to expats. This will help you to blend in the culture gradually.

Good transport system

Though a bit chaotic, Egypt has a good transport system, especially the metro system.

You can also check out for some of the neighboring countries of Egypt –