Rules in Egypt: Phone Tax, 90-Day Limit and Why eSIM Is the Safer Option

Egypt has introduced strict new rules for mobile phones brought in from abroad. If you insert an Egyptian SIM card into a foreign device, the phone must now be registered and taxed. If this is not completed within 90 days, the device may be blocked from using Egyptian networks.

This guide explains the new regulations in detail, including the phone tax, the 90-day IMEI limit, and why many travellers now prefer using a travel eSIM instead of buying a physical Egyptian SIM. You can browse Egypt travel eSIM options at the SimplySim Egypt eSIM page.

1. What Has Changed for Phones in Egypt?

From 2025, Egypt’s Customs Authority and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) introduced a nationwide system to control imported mobile phones. Travellers who use a physical Egyptian SIM in a foreign phone must register the device using the Telephony (My Phone) app and pay applicable taxes.

• Device registration is mandatory
• Foreign phones incur an activation/customs tax
• The phone (IMEI), not the SIM, is recorded in the national system

2. How the 90-Day Rule Works

When a traveller inserts a local Egyptian SIM into a foreign phone, the phone’s IMEI is automatically logged, triggering a 90-day grace period.

• The device works normally for 90 days
• During this time, the owner must complete registration
• If not completed, the phone can be blocked from all Egyptian networks

This rule applies across all networks: Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat and WE.

3. The New Phone Tax (Activation Fee)

Registering a foreign device requires paying a one-time activation fee. This is effectively a customs/import tax on the device.

• Commonly totals around 38.5% of the device’s value
• Paid via the Telephony app or approved customs office
• Once paid, the phone is authorised for full use in Egypt

The charges can be high for modern smartphones, which is why many visitors now avoid inserting local SIM cards altogether.

4. It’s the Device That Gets Blocked — Not the SIM

The IMEI blocking system applies to the device itself. This means:

• Switching SIM cards will not bypass the block
• Buying a new Egyptian SIM later will not work in that phone
• The phone remains blocked until the tax is paid and registration is completed

If a tourist returns to Egypt months later, the phone may still not work unless the issue has been resolved with authorities.

5. Who Is Affected by These Rules?

You are affected when:

• You insert any Egyptian SIM into your foreign phone
• You stay long enough that the 90-day limit matters
• You intend to use an Egyptian SIM frequently or on repeat visits

6. Who Is NOT Affected?

Travellers who use:

• International travel eSIMs from providers like SimplySim
• Foreign SIM cards with roaming

are not subject to the phone tax or IMEI restrictions, because their device does not enter the Egyptian local device registration system.

For an easy arrival with no paperwork or registration, you can explore SimplySim’s Egypt eSIM options here: Egypt Travel eSIM or view all country plans at the Deals Page.

7. Why Travel eSIMs Are Now the Preferred Option in Egypt

• No Egyptian SIM needed
• No IMEI registration or tax
• No risk of device blocking
• Instant activation when you land
• No passport or paperwork required

This makes travel eSIMs a safer choice for tourists, especially for short trips, frequent travellers and digital nomads.

8. Advice for Travellers Visiting Egypt

• Avoid using physical Egyptian SIM cards unless absolutely necessary
• If you do use one, expect registration and potential tax payments
• Use a travel eSIM to bypass the entire process safely
• Check your device compatibility before travel

You can find up-to-date Egypt travel eSIMs here: SimplySim Egypt eSIM

Final Thoughts

Egypt’s 2025 mobile rules mean that inserting a local SIM into a foreign phone now activates a registration and taxation process that must be completed within 90 days. Failure to do so can result in the device being blocked from Egyptian networks.

For most travellers, the simplest solution is to use a travel eSIM instead of buying a local SIM card. This avoids all taxes, registrations and potential IMEI issues.