Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The Egyptian government’s decision to end a long-standing exemption for mobile phones brought in from abroad has sparked confusion and frustration among tourists, expatriates, and returning citizens, after many devices stopped working immediately upon arrival or when attempting to connect to local networks.
The exemption had allowed Egyptians to bring one personal mobile phone from abroad without paying customs fees. Its termination, effective noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, now requires all travelers to register their phones and pay prescribed fees through official channels, such as the “Telephony” application. A 90-day grace period remains in place for phones belonging to Egyptian residents abroad and short-term visitors before regularization or payment becomes mandatory.
Reports from local media indicate that a number of visitors were caught off guard when their phones stopped functioning upon inserting local SIM cards. Tour operators described the disruption as a “real crisis,” noting that mobile phones are essential for navigation, electronic payments, communication with family, and conducting business while in Egypt. The problem also affected Egyptians living abroad who recently returned home.
The government explained that ending the exemption aims to better regulate the mobile phone market, prevent smuggling, encourage local investment, and ensure tax fairness between legally imported devices and unregistered imports. Officials added that formalizing customs fees could strengthen local manufacturing, attract international firms, and create more jobs, though it may result in higher prices for some consumers.
The move has also prompted political responses. Member of Parliament Amr Fahmy submitted an interpellation request to the ministers of finance and communications, as well as the prime minister, urging either a reinstatement of the exemption or amendments to ease the burden on Egyptians abroad. He stressed that expatriates contribute significantly to Egypt’s economy through remittances and warned that overly strict measures could harm these economic flows.
On social media, many citizens expressed frustration at the sudden implementation of the rule, highlighting that mobile phones are now “essential and indispensable” tools for daily life. They criticized the lack of prior notice and public awareness, which they said contributed to widespread confusion among travelers and users.
As the government enforces the new system, both visitors and residents are navigating a period of adjustment, while authorities stress the importance of proper registration to maintain service and comply with customs regulations.
