Phone Blocking and IMEI Registration in Egypt

Phone Blocking and IMEI Registration in Egypt: What Changes in Sharm el Sheikh from January 1, 2025

New rules in effect

As of January 1, 2025, Egypt has introduced a mandatory system for IMEI registration for all phones using an Egyptian SIM card. If not registered within 90 days of SIM insertion, devices will be blocked from accessing the local network.
However, tourists using foreign SIMs or roaming are exempt from this regulation.

Who is excluded

• Phones with Egyptian SIMs activated before 01/01/2025

• Tourists using foreign SIM cards or roaming, or local SIMs used for fewer than 90 cumulative days

✅ Occasional tourists

If you're visiting Sharm el Sheikh and using an Italian or other foreign SIM card (with roaming), you don’t need to register your IMEI or pay any taxes.
If, however, you activate an Egyptian SIM card and stay in the country for more than 90 total days, you’ll need to register your phone via the official app. Otherwise, the phone may be blocked from network access.

Using your phone in Sharm

• Italian phones work without issue: you can bring one and optionally buy an Egyptian SIM for local calls or data.

• Local SIMs (Vodafone Egypt, Orange, Etisalat) are widely available at the airport or in town, often with tourist packages from around €8 for 12 GB + calls.

• To avoid high roaming fees, consider using VoIP apps like Telegram or Viber. Note: WhatsApp and Skype may be restricted or blocked, while Telegram usually works well.

Travel Tips for Visitors in Sharm el Sheikh

1. Foreign SIM with roaming → no need for IMEI registration, your phone will work fine;

2. Local Egyptian SIM → works normally for the first 90 days, then requires IMEI registration to remain active;

3. Tourist prepaid SIMs (Vodafone/Etisalat/Orange) are easily available at the airport or in the city;

4. Use VoIP apps to save money: Telegram is reliable, while WhatsApp and Skype may face restrictions.

In summary

• IMEI registration is not required if you use a foreign SIM or roaming.

• Inserting an Egyptian SIM starts a 90-day timer; after that, registration is required, or the phone will be blocked.

• For short stays and tourist use, it’s safe to use your own phone with a SIM (local or foreign), as long as you stay under 90 cumulative days.

If you have any doubts we here to help!