How long can tourists use a personal phone with an Egyptian SIM card without device tax or blocking?

Reports from September said that the option to register one phone as a tourist, available until 2025, was no longer offered; travellers using a handset long-term with a local SIM could be asked to pay device tax. Previously registered phones were also reportedly being blocked.

There was information about changes from 5 October, including a possible end to tourist phone blocking. If a device is already blocked, ask NTRA specifically whether the updated rule applies to that handset.

An NTRA response stated that on repeat visits to Egypt, a tourist can use a personal mobile device without paying the fee for up to 120 days per entry. The exemption is for the visitor’s own handset.

One report described three phones being unblocked without payment of the tax after contacting NTRA. The response also referred to a current 120-day period starting when the phone is used with an Egyptian SIM card.