Egypt – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Egypt, and how do I recognise one?

The Arabic word for pharmacy in Egypt is Saydaliyya (صيدلية), and you will encounter this term on signage outside virtually every dispensing outlet in the country. Most shopfronts display both Arabic and Latin script, so even if you are unfamiliar with the Arabic alphabet, you will typically be able to spot the word “pharmacy” or a chain’s branded name in recognisable lettering — particularly in major cities.

The most widely recognised visual symbol for a pharmacy in Egypt — as in many parts of the world — is a green cross or green crescent mounted prominently on the exterior, frequently lit up at night. Egyptian law also requires the name of the licensed pharmacist to be displayed clearly. In large urban centres such as Cairo and Alexandria, well-known chains like El Ezaby are a familiar sight, with consistent and highly visible branding.

Under the Egyptian Pharmacy Profession Practice Law (Law No. 127 of 1955), opening a community pharmacy requires a licence from the Ministry of Health. This framework has enabled pharmacies to be established in close proximity to one another — in some dense urban neighbourhoods, two pharmacies may be found within 100 metres of each other — which means that essential medications and professional advice are rarely out of reach for residents. For newly arrived expats, this density makes locating a pharmacy straightforward, especially in towns and cities.

Data from the Egyptian Pharmacists Syndicate (EPS) puts the total number of community pharmacies at 95,000 as of 2023, placing Egypt among the countries with the highest pharmacy-to-population ratios anywhere in the world. Whether you are on a busy Cairo street or in a mid-sized provincial town, you are unlikely to have to look far.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Egypt?

The standard trading hours for pharmacies in Egypt run from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, seven days a week. Some outlets take a midday break for a couple of hours, though this is not universal. During the holy month of Ramadan, schedules can shift considerably — many pharmacies open later in the day and extend their evening hours well into the night to align with the altered daily routines of those observing the fast.

Round-the-clock pharmacy services are available in Cairo, Alexandria, and other major urban centres. El Ezaby Pharmacies, for instance, operates across 80 branches with 24-hour, seven-days-a-week service and a delivery option. Hospital pharmacies at large medical facilities similarly tend to remain open at all hours.

Outside the main cities, access to late-night or overnight pharmacy services is more limited. If you are living in a rural area or a smaller governorate, it is wise to identify the nearest after-hours or duty pharmacy before you actually need one. Your regular local pharmacist or members of an expat community group can usually point you in the right direction when standard hours have ended.

There is no nationally coordinated duty pharmacy rota in Egypt comparable to France’s pharmacie de garde system. That said, pharmacists are generally aware of which nearby colleague is on call after hours, and hospital emergency departments are a dependable resource when medication is needed outside normal trading times.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in Egypt, and which require a prescription?

The legal framework governing non-prescription medicines in Egypt is set out in Ministerial Decree No. 422 of 2014, which stipulates that over-the-counter (OTC) products are defined by a list compiled by the Ministry of Health, and that such products may only be sold through licensed pharmacies. The broad structure is similar to arrangements in many other countries, where a defined catalogue separates freely purchasable items from those requiring a doctor’s written authorisation.

In everyday practice, however, the boundary between prescription and non-prescription medicines in Egypt is not sharply drawn. Medications that would be subject to strict prescription controls in countries with systems like the NHS or Germany’s statutory health insurance — including certain antibiotics, hormonal treatments, and sedatives — are frequently handed over at community pharmacies without the customer being asked to produce a formal prescription.

The informal dispensing of prescription-only drugs is a well-documented challenge in Egypt’s pharmacy sector. Antibiotics, sedatives, and even hormonal medications are often provided simply on request, with no medical consultation or oversight involved. While this accessibility may seem convenient, it carries real health risks, and expats with ongoing or serious medical needs are strongly encouraged to seek proper clinical advice rather than relying on self-directed pharmacy visits.

Law No. 127 of 1955 makes clear that pharmacists are only permitted to dispense prescription medicines on the basis of a valid prescription from a licensed physician, and are not authorised to determine treatment plans or dosages for prescription-only drugs. In practice, enforcement of these provisions is uneven.

As far as online pharmacies are concerned, Egyptian law does not specifically address the sale of medical products via the internet; however, the general prohibition on dispensing prescription medicines without a valid doctor’s prescription applies equally to online transactions. Purchasing medications online in Egypt is not illegal per se, and a number of licensed digital pharmacies operate in the market. It is nonetheless advisable to verify that any website you use holds a valid licence and that the products it sells have been approved by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA).

How does the prescription system work in Egypt?

In Egypt, prescriptions may be issued by any licensed physician — general practitioners and specialists alike have full prescribing authority. The country does not operate a formal gatekeeping arrangement that requires a GP referral before a patient can see a specialist, unlike the NHS in the UK or Medicare in Australia, where a family doctor typically acts as the first point of contact in the care pathway. Egyptian patients are free to go directly to a specialist and obtain a prescription from them without any prior referral.

The prescription system remains largely paper-based. No nationally integrated electronic prescribing platform has yet been deployed, in contrast to the digital prescription systems now firmly embedded in countries like Sweden or the UAE. There has been discussion among regulatory stakeholders about launching an electronic platform that would link physicians and pharmacists and allow prescription tracking — comparable to systems operating in Saudi Arabia and the UAE — but as of 2025 this remains at the proposal stage rather than active implementation.

When you consult a doctor in Egypt — whether at a public outpatient clinic, a private practice, or a hospital department — they will typically write your prescription on headed notepaper or a clinic’s own prescription form. You then take this handwritten slip to the pharmacist, who retrieves the relevant medication for you.

There is no formal repeat-prescription mechanism in Egypt equivalent to the NHS’s repeat prescription service or Australia’s PBS long-term prescription model. Patients with chronic conditions are generally expected to return to their physician periodically to collect a fresh written prescription. That said, many pharmacists in practice continue to provide ongoing medications for established patients without requiring a new prescription each visit — a technically irregular arrangement rather than sanctioned policy.

Expats generally report that obtaining straightforward medications presents few obstacles, though it is helpful to bring the original packaging when visiting a pharmacy. Having both the brand name and the international non-proprietary (generic) name of your medication written down is particularly useful when communicating with a pharmacist, especially if there is a language barrier.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Egypt?

The majority of prescription costs in Egypt are met by patients directly out of pocket, with exceptions for certain medications covered under the national health insurance framework. Unlike the NHS flat dispensing fee model or France’s Social Security system — which reimburses a fixed percentage of approved medication costs — Egypt does not operate a universal dispensing charge or a blanket reimbursement scheme accessible to most people living in the country.

In general, over-the-counter medications in Egypt are considerably less expensive than their equivalents in many other countries. Drug pricing falls under the remit of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) through its Central Administration for Pharmaceutical Affairs (CAPA), which oversees the registration and price setting of medicines. Despite this regulatory oversight, recent years have brought significant inflationary pressures and currency instability, resulting in meaningful price increases and, in some cases, supply disruptions.

It is wise to arrive with an adequate supply of any medication you rely on regularly, as rising pharmaceutical costs and import dependencies have created intermittent availability problems in recent years — even in major cities. This is an especially important consideration for expats managing long-term or complex medical conditions.

For individuals covered by Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system — which is still in a phased rollout — a co-payment structure applies. For medications not fully subsidised, the patient’s share of the cost should not exceed 10%, capped at 1,000 EGP per transaction, rising to 15% in the tenth year of the UHI law’s implementation (consult the Ministry of Health and Population website for current figures). This scheme is primarily designed for Egyptian citizens and registered workers rather than foreign nationals.

Certain groups receive medication at no cost through public health insurance schemes. For example, medicines on the Essential Medicines List (EML) are provided free of charge to eligible inpatients and outpatients with specified conditions. Treatments for diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria are also dispensed without charge under certain programmes. Expats will generally not qualify for these exemptions and should factor out-of-pocket medication expenditure into their financial planning accordingly.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Egypt?

Egypt has no formal mechanism for recognising foreign prescriptions. A prescription written by a physician in another country does not carry the legal authority of one issued by a licensed Egyptian doctor. In practice, though, pharmacists in larger Egyptian cities — particularly those accustomed to dealing with international patients — may treat a foreign prescription as a helpful reference point when considering whether to dispense a common medication.

If you arrive in Egypt with an ongoing medication requirement, the most dependable course of action is to consult a locally registered physician — a GP or specialist — who can review your treatment history and write a prescription valid under Egyptian law. Private clinics in Cairo, Alexandria, and other major cities are well practised at treating international patients and will generally be familiar with existing treatment plans from abroad.

When visiting a pharmacy, bringing your original medication packaging is strongly advisable. This is especially the case for medicines with complex names or those that may be marketed under a different brand name in Egypt. It is also sensible to keep copies of all prescriptions — including the generic names of medications — along with documentation for glasses, contact lenses, or other medical supplies you rely on.

Bear in mind that some substances freely available over the counter in your home country may be controlled in Egypt. Drug classifications differ between jurisdictions, and it is always worth verifying the status of any medication before you travel. If in doubt, contact your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate for clarification ahead of your arrival.

Can I bring my medications into Egypt?

Travelling to Egypt with personal medications is permitted in most circumstances, provided specific conditions are satisfied. The rules are administered by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) under the Ministry of Health and Population, and it is essential to check the latest official guidance before you travel, as requirements can change. The EDA’s guidance for travellers carrying personal medicines is accessible via the EDA website.

1. Carry medications in original packaging. Always keep medications in their original, clearly labelled box or bottle with the prescription label intact. Transferring medications to unlabelled containers can cause problems at customs.
2. Obtain a letter from your prescribing doctor. An official letter from your GP is required, specifying that the medication you are taking to Egypt is for your personal use only, the quantity you will be carrying, and details of your condition.
3. Carry only what you need. Carry only enough medication to last your stay in Egypt, along with any other documentation you would normally keep regarding the prescription. Bringing excessive quantities of a medication — particularly controlled substances — can raise concerns at customs.
4. Be aware of banned substances. Any medication containing methadone is not permitted into Egypt. Other drugs from other countries may also be restricted, mainly opioid analgesics. The Egyptian authorities list a number of substances on the prohibited list, including nicocodeine, tramadol, ketamine, ergotamine, phenobarbital, and others.
5. Expect inspection at entry. In general, any personal medicines carried by travellers will be subject to inspection by Ministry of Health Inspectors at the port of entry in Egypt. After scanning luggage, if customs notices what looks like medication, they may ask to inspect it.
6. Verify with your Egyptian embassy or consulate. The only way to be 100% sure that a specific medication is allowed into Egypt is to contact your local Egyptian embassy or consulate, who can provide further guidance. Requirements may change, so checking official sources close to your travel date is essential.

Straightforward over-the-counter products — including vitamins, antihistamines, ibuprofen, and anti-diarrhoeal remedies — are generally permitted in quantities appropriate to the length of your stay. For prescription medications, following the documentation steps above is key to ensuring smooth passage through customs.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in Egypt?

Foreign nationals residing in Egypt are expected to have private healthcare coverage in place to meet their medical costs. Egypt is currently rolling out a Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS), a reform aimed at broadening healthcare access and improving service quality for Egyptian citizens, with complete national implementation targeted for 2027.

This programme does not, however, resolve the situation for most expats, for whom the cost of healthcare paid directly out of pocket can be substantial. Unless your employer in Egypt provides private medical cover as part of your remuneration package, taking out international private health insurance before or upon arriving in Egypt is the most financially sensible way to manage healthcare costs, including the cost of medications.

Egypt’s parliament enacted a universal health insurance (UHI) law in 2018 that envisages comprehensive healthcare coverage for all residents. The legislation established the Universal Health Insurance Authority as an independent body tasked with consolidating existing insurance pools into a single unified scheme. The law provides for optional coverage for Egyptians living abroad and comprehensive coverage for foreign residents, subject to reciprocal agreements with their home countries. In practice, as of 2025, most expats do not yet benefit from UHI coverage for medications, and the scheme’s rollout continues to proceed on a phased geographical basis.

The Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) subsidises the cost of certain prescription medicines for its members, though its formulary does not encompass all medications. The HIO has historically provided coverage to formally employed workers and their dependants; access for foreign nationals under this framework is not generally available.

International private medical insurance (iPMI) policies arranged before or upon arrival in Egypt typically offer the most thorough solution for expats. Such policies often include coverage for outpatient prescriptions, medications administered during hospitalisation, and specialist consultations. When evaluating a policy, establish whether it allows direct cashless payment at Egyptian pharmacies or requires you to pay upfront and submit a reimbursement claim — the latter arrangement is more typical within Egypt’s private healthcare market. Always check the insurer’s approved network of hospitals and clinics, particularly if you are living outside Cairo or Alexandria.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in Egypt?

Your first step should be to visit a nearby pharmacy — with around 95,000 licensed outlets across the country, finding one in any city or sizeable town is rarely difficult. Bring your original packaging or a copy of your prescription that includes the medication’s generic name. If the pharmacist is unable to assist or the medication is out of stock, a private doctor can assess your situation and issue a locally valid prescription. Hospital pharmacies in major cities generally carry a broader inventory and are a reliable fallback in more urgent circumstances.

Are brand-name medications available in Egypt?

Pharmacy chains operating in large cities such as Cairo and Alexandria tend to maintain a wider product range, which improves the chances of finding specific branded products. Nevertheless, some imported or branded medications may not be consistently stocked, given Egypt’s dependence on pharmaceutical imports and the supply difficulties experienced in recent years. Generic alternatives are widely available and are usually considerably cheaper. Knowing the international non-proprietary (generic) name of your medication greatly increases your chances of obtaining what you need.

How do I find a pharmacist who speaks a language other than Arabic?

In Cairo, Alexandria, Sharm El-Sheikh, and other locations with sizeable international communities, pharmacists who speak some English or French are not uncommon. Larger pharmacy chains tend to have more multilingual staff. If you are in an area less frequented by tourists or expatriates, it helps to carry a written note with your medication name and dosage in Arabic script, or to use a translation app on your phone. The generic (international non-proprietary) name of a medicine is often mutually intelligible across languages, as it follows internationally standardised nomenclature.

Can I get antibiotics without a prescription in Egypt?

Legally, antibiotics in Egypt may only be dispensed against a valid prescription issued by a licensed physician — this is established under Law No. 127 of 1955. In practice, enforcement is inconsistent and antibiotics are sometimes provided without a prescription being presented. Regardless of what is practically possible, obtaining a proper medical diagnosis and prescription before taking antibiotics is strongly recommended both for your own wellbeing and to help counter the broader problem of antimicrobial resistance.

What happens in a medical emergency if I need medication urgently?

In a medical emergency, proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency department. Leading private hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria — such as As-Salam International Hospital and Cleopatra Hospital — operate 24-hour pharmacies and emergency departments with multilingual staff. Communicate your situation as clearly as possible and, where you can, carry a translated summary of your medical history and current medications. In an emergency, treatment and medication will normally be administered without delay, regardless of insurance or payment status.

Are medications in Egypt significantly cheaper than elsewhere?

Common over-the-counter medicines, particularly generic products, are generally far less expensive in Egypt than in most Western countries. That said, inflation and repeated pharmaceutical price increases in recent years have eroded some of that cost advantage, and imported or specialist branded medications can represent a considerable expense relative to local earnings. Expats holding private health insurance that includes prescription medication coverage will find their out-of-pocket exposure significantly reduced.

Do I need a special licence to bring controlled medications into Egypt for medical use?

A formal letter from your prescribing physician is required, confirming that the medication is solely for your personal use, detailing the quantity being carried, and describing your medical condition. For narcotic or controlled substances, additional paperwork may be necessary, and you should approach the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country well ahead of your departure date. Certain substances — methadone among them — are prohibited outright. Always consult official sources for the most current requirements before travelling, as regulations are subject to change.

Is the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) the right body to contact for regulatory questions about medications?

Yes. The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) is the pharmaceutical regulatory body operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Population. Within the EDA, the Central Administration for Pharmaceutical Affairs (CAPA) handles the registration and pricing of medicines and oversees the inspection of pharmacies and manufacturing sites. For questions about drug approvals, import rules, or pharmacy licensing, the EDA website is the authoritative starting point. For customs-related matters concerning bringing medications across the border, contact the Egyptian customs authority or your nearest Egyptian embassy.