Pharmacies and Medicines in Egypt

Run out of your usual medicine? Wondering whether medicines from China will clear customs? Here are the published rules in one place.

Who regulates medicines?

The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) is a public service authority reporting to the Prime Minister that regulates the quality, efficacy and safety of medicines and medical supplies. Its website lists hotline **15301**.

Buying medicine in Egypt

Use licensed pharmacies; avoid unknown online sellers and individuals;
Bring the box or prescription, ideally with the **generic (English) name**, as brand names may differ;
Prescription medicines require a doctor's prescription;
Egypt's Consumer Protection Agency lists hotline **19562** for complaints about pharmacies and smuggled or counterfeit medicines.

Bringing medicine into Egypt

Under Egyptian Customs rules for passengers:
The Chinese Embassy also warns that carrying prohibited drugs in or out of Egypt can lead to fines or imprisonment.
Medicines are allowed **within personal-use quantities** supported by **medical reports**;
Larger quantities need approval from regulators such as the EDA;
Medical devices count as "special use", not personal use, and need regulatory approval.

Medicine checklist

Keep medicines in original, clearly labelled packaging;
Carry a doctor's report or prescription (English preferred);
Stick to reasonable personal-use quantities;
For medicines with controlled ingredients, confirm with Egyptian authorities or the embassy before travelling;
Pack medicines in your carry-on.

Reminder

Rules can change, especially for controlled substances. Check with the EDA and Egyptian Customs.
Compiled by Wang Fu Egypt for general guidance. For binding rules, please refer to the Egyptian Drug Authority and Egyptian Customs.

Sources

Egyptian Drug Authority – website (hotline 15301, mandate): https://www.edaegypt.gov.eg/
Egyptian Customs Authority – passengers (medicines, medical devices): https://customs.gov.eg/Legislations/TravelAndTourism?travelAndTourismId=1
Consumer Protection Agency – useful numbers (19562): https://cpa.gov.eg/ar-eg/%D8%A3%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85%D9%83
中国驻埃及使馆 26 Aug 2025 提醒（严禁携带违禁药品）: https://eg.china-embassy.gov.cn/chn/lsfw/202508/t20250826_11695744.htm

Your first week in Egypt

Get a local SIM card and save key addresses in Arabic.
Keep some Egyptian pounds in cash and use official exchange channels.
Check your health insurance and the nearest hospital.
Save emergency numbers and your embassy contact from its official website.
Install a ride-hailing app and find the supermarket and pharmacy near your home.

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