Can I bring medication and/or prescription drugs to Egypt?
Travelers often have medications they cannot leave at home, from a prescription as simple as an allergy nasal spray, to a drug that is life-saving, like diabetic insulin. I often get asked the question, “Can I bring my medicine to Egypt?”, and then the follow-up, “What do I need to do in order to bring prescription drugs through Cairo International Airport?”. This blog post goes over these questions, and equips travelers with more information regarding bringing medications on their Egypt adventure.
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Can I bring my prescription to Egypt?
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Generally speaking, most likely when a prescription is valid in the United States, travelers will be allowed to bring that medication with them to Egypt, in the amount that they will need to take during their trip through the land of the Pharaohs.
For example, I take Descovy, a medication I use to prevent a potential HIV infection. I carry this medication with me every time I go to Egypt, as I have a prescription to take it daily. I bring enough of the drug to last my stay in Egypt, no more, and I have never had any issues.
I also bring various vitamins and supplements I take daily, like a multi-vitamin, fish oil, whey protein, and over-the-counter allergy medications.
However, to know for sure what to do when taking medication to Egypt, keep reading!
What prescription drugs can’t you take to Egypt?
Travelers often want to know if there is a list of banned medications in Egypt, or specifically if their prescription is not allowed in. Unfortunately there is not clear-cut information or a list of banned medication in Egypt, so I recommend contacting an Egyptian Consulate to check for sure (I have instructions on how to do that below).
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How do I know FOR SURE if my medication will be allowed to Egypt?
For travelers wondering, “Can I take ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Imodium to Egypt?”: simple over-the-counter medications (medications not requiring a prescription), like vitamins, allergy medications, Advil, anti-diarrheal medications, etc., are generally allowed in Egypt in the dosage travelers will need during their trip.
As for prescription meds, the only way to be 100% sure that a medication is allowed into Egypt is to get in touch with your local Egyptian embassy or consulate, who can help you further. I always contact the Egyptian consulate in Chicago, since I live in Minnesota, and they respond best to emails.
If you want to know a list of banned medications or the current prescription medication restrictions in Egypt, contacting the consulate would be the only sure way to know what is currently accepted into Egypt.
Use this blog post for instructions on how to contact your Egyptian embassy or consulate, and ask them about bringing your specific prescription to Egypt. (scroll to the bottom of the post for the link).
Here are some sources who have written about bringing prescription drugs to Egypt:
When and how will they check my prescription?
I have personally never had anyone at Cairo International Airport check my luggage for prescriptions, or ask me to show the paperwork related to a prescription I carry, but I have had my luggage go through baggage scanners at Cairo International Airport. After scanning luggage, if customs notices what looks like medication, they may ask to inspect it. In order to prove a traveler should be able to keep the medication, generally speaking, travelers should always carry:
The drug in its original packaging (the original bottle/box with the Rx label)
A letter from the prescribing doctor noting the medication, its purpose, and its required dosage
Only enough of the medication to last the trip’s duration in Egypt
Any other documentation the traveler would keep or carry regarding using the prescription in the USA (or their home country)
Travelers should contact the Egyptian Consulate in order to verify what documents would be needed.
Bottom line
For many travelers, medications and prescriptions are a necessary part of travel, and there are many drugs that simply cannot be left at home. Before taking a trip to Egypt, think about what medications you will need, and then verify with the Egyptian Consulate nearest you in order to verify that you can take these medications with you, and what documentation is required. Even if you do not get asked about the medication or documentation after arriving to Egypt, it is always better to be prepared.
