Egypt taxes gifts brought in by travellers

The Egyptian government’s decision to impose taxes on goods and gifts brought by passengers coming in to the country as of 1 July has raised criticism and anger among expatriates.

The list of goods covered by the new tax includes clothes, watches and personal equipment.

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The Customs Authority said the decision will exempt new goods worth up to 1,500 Egyptian pounds ($83.83) and which are for personal use.

Journalist Ruqayya Faraj said: “[Egyptian President Abdel Fattah] Sisi has issued a decree imposing taxes on all goods and gifts brought by the expatriates which coincides with the holiday season and while many Egyptian families are returning to Egypt after Saudi Arabia imposed monthly taxes on them.”