Cairo Airport Customs: An Allegation of Extortion or Just Misunderstood Rules?
Reader-submitted stories often uncover intriguing, if distressing, realities faced by travelers. One such tale comes from Mohammed, who recounted a disconcerting experience that his cousin endured at Cairo International Airport (CAI). This incident raises urgent questions about the behavior of customs officials and the integrity of airport operations.
Egyptian Customs Officials Demand Payment for a Second Tablet
Mohammed’s cousin traveled from the United Arab Emirates to Egypt on June 17, 2025. While navigating her arrival at Cairo Airport, she brought along her personal smartphone, one personal tablet, and an additional Wi-Fi-only tablet. Clearly, these devices were not intended for resale; they were merely personal items.
Upon reaching customs, however, she was confronted by officials who claimed that carrying a second tablet was against import regulations. In a tense encounter, they demanded 3,500 EGP (approximately $70) in cash. Feeling intimidated, she complied with their demands without receiving any official receipt or documentation.
"This appears to be blatant extortion," Mohammed concluded, highlighting that this incident is not an isolated one. There is a growing chorus of voices reporting similar experiences, particularly from vulnerable travelers who may not be aware of their rights. This behavior not only tarnishes Egypt’s image but also undermines the trust that travelers place in international airport operations.
Egypt customs demanded payment over a second tablet
Was This Import Duty Legitimate or a Case of Corruption?
This incident raises critical questions: Was the demand for payment actually tied to legitimate import duties, or were the officers simply fabricating rules to exploit tourists?
Some countries enforce stringent limits on the number of electronic devices travelers can bring into the country. For example, in 2024, Mexico faced scrutiny for charging import duties on travelers bringing in more than one laptop-style gadget. Though this policy had been around for years, its recent enforcement caught many off guard, leading to its eventual reversal due to adverse publicity.
In the case of Egypt, scouring for similar policies yields little to no evidence that a second personal tablet falls under any duty regulation. If such a rule exists, it remains obscure. If anyone has insights on this, I’d appreciate the clarification.
Understanding the dynamics at play here is vital: Cairo Airport has a reputation that, at best, wavers when it comes to customer service. And while I’ve shared my thoughts on this in the past, I wonder if the Egyptian authorities would welcome scrutiny, or dismiss it entirely.
Bottom Line: A Call for Transparency
In summary, Egyptian customs officials demanded payment when a young woman arrived at Cairo International Airport carrying two tablets, neither intended for resale. They requested approximately $75, leaving her without a receipt to show for the payment.
Many countries impose curious limits on personal electronics, raising the question of whether this incident was more about opportunism than enforcement. As of now, there’s no documented evidence to suggest that Egypt enforces such a low limit on electronic imports.
What Are Your Thoughts?
What do you make of this situation involving Egyptian customs? Have you faced similar challenges in your travels? Your insights could help shine a light on this troubling issue and offer guidance to future travelers navigating Cairo Airport.
For more information on travel rights and customs regulations, check out the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and be informed before your next journey.
