Is Alcohol Legal in Egypt? Rules, Where to Drink, and Prices

Is alcohol legal in Egypt? Yes—alcohol is legal in Egypt, but it’s regulated. Adults can buy and drink alcohol in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, and certain shops. Public drinking is prohibited, and being intoxicated in the street or causing a disturbance can lead to fines or issues with authorities.

If you’re asking is alcohol legal in Egypt for tourists, the practical answer is: tourists rarely face problems when they drink only in approved places and follow local expectations.

Is Alcohol Legal in Egypt for Tourists?

Is alcohol legal in Egypt for tourists? Yes. Egypt is conservative in many ways, but it also has a large tourism and hospitality industry, That’s why alcohol is widely available in certain settings—especially in tourist hubs and resort cities.

To stay on the safe side:

• Drink only in licensed venues

• Avoid public drinking

• Avoid visible drunkenness in public spaces

Alcohol Laws in Egypt: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

Even though the answer to “is alcohol legal in Egypt?” is yes, there are clear rules about where and how it can be consumed.

Legal Drinking Age in Egypt

The legal drinking age in Egypt is 21. Hotels, bars, and alcohol shops can request ID.

Public Drinking in Egypt

Public drinking in Egypt is illegal. That includes drinking on the street or walking around with an open bottle. Being intoxicated in public can also attract unwanted attention or legal trouble.

Where Can You Drink Alcohol in Egypt?

If you’re planning your trip and asking is alcohol legal in Egypt in restaurants and bars, the key detail is licensing. Alcohol is allowed where the venue has the proper license.

Hotels and Resorts (Most Common for Travelers)

In most tourist areas, hotels serve alcohol openly at:

• Pool bars

• Lobby bars

• Rooftop lounges

• Hotel restaurants

• Beach bars in resort cities

If you want the easiest answer to “is alcohol legal in Egypt in a comfortable setting?”, hotels and resorts are usually the simplest option.

Licensed Restaurants and Bars

Licensed venues are common in major tourist cities, especially:

• Cairo

• Alexandria

• Hurghada

• Sharm El Sheikh

• Luxor

• Dahab

Not every restaurant has a license—so check the menu before sitting down if alcohol matters to you.

Bars, Lounges, and Nightclubs

In nightlife districts and resort towns, alcohol is served in:

• Dance clubs

• Music lounges

• Sports bars

• Pubs near tourist areas

This is also where prices tend to be higher.

Where Can You Buy Alcohol in Egypt?

If your question shifts from is alcohol legal in Egypt to where to buy alcohol in Egypt, these are the most common options.

Duty-Free Alcohol in Egypt (Usually Best for Imports)

Arriving travelers can purchase alcohol at duty-free within 48 hours of landing.
A commonly stated allowance is up to four bottles, or the equivalent amount of beer or wine.

For many visitors, duty-free is the cheapest way to get imported brands.

Local Liquor Stores (Including Drinkies)

Specialized alcohol shops exist in major cities. A common chain is Drinkies, which often sells:

• Local beer

• Local wine

• Imported spirits

• Ready-to-drink cans

These stores aren’t in every neighborhood, so availability depends on where you’re staying.

Where Alcohol Is Not Allowed in Egypt

Even though alcohol is legal in Egypt, there are places it’s clearly not allowed:

• Public streets: Drinking outdoors or carrying an open bottle is illegal.

• Public transport: Alcohol is not permitted on buses, trains, or the metro.

• Unlicensed restaurants: If a restaurant doesn’t serve alcohol, you generally can’t bring your own unless the venue explicitly allows it.

Alcohol Prices in Egypt

Alcohol prices in Egypt vary by location: shops are cheaper, bars cost more, and luxury hotels often cost the most.

Typical Price Ranges (EGP)

Popular Local Alcohol Brands in Egypt

Many visitors try Egyptian-made options such as:

• Stella and Sakara (beer)

• Luxor (beer)

• Omar Khayyam and Grand Marquis (wine and spirits)

Quality varies by brand, and many travelers find local beer the most consistent.

Cultural Etiquette for Drinking Alcohol in Egypt

If you already know is alcohol legal in Egypt, the next thing to get right is behavior. Etiquette matters.

Be Respectful Outside Tourist Areas

Alcohol may be legal, but drinking openly in conservative neighborhoods can be viewed as inappropriate.

Avoid Visible Drunkenness

Even when alcohol is legal in Egypt, being intoxicated in public is socially unacceptable and can lead to trouble.

Be Aware of Religious Sensitivity

Many Egyptians do not drink for religious reasons. Tourists can drink, but it’s best done in licensed venues.

Bringing Alcohol Into Egypt

Travelers can bring one liter of alcohol in their luggage.
Additional bottles can be purchased at duty-free within 48 hours of arrival, commonly described as up to four bottles total.

If you’re planning ahead and wondering again is alcohol legal in Egypt for personal use—yes, but stick to allowances and approved purchasing points.

Alcohol Availability by Region in Egypt

Where you stay affects how easy it is to find alcohol—even though alcohol is legal in Egypt.

Cairo and Alexandria

A wide selection of bars, rooftops, hotels, and nightlife.

Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam

Highly tourist-oriented. Alcohol is available across resorts, beach clubs, and many restaurants.

Luxor and Aswan

More traditional, but still tourist-friendly. Hotels and some restaurants serve alcohol.

Siwa and Rural Regions

Alcohol may be limited or unavailable, so plan ahead.

Which Option Is Best for You?

If you’re deciding how to approach drinking (after confirming is alcohol legal in Egypt), this quick guide helps.

Quick Decision Guide

• Best for convenience: hotel or resort bars

• Best for nightlife: licensed clubs and lounges in tourist districts

• Best for imported bottles: duty-free within 48 hours

• Best for stocking up locally: liquor stores like Drinkies (where available)

Comparison: Where to Buy or Drink

4. FAQ Section 

1) Is alcohol legal in Egypt for tourists?

Yes, alcohol is legal in Egypt for adults, including tourists, when consumed in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, clubs, and certain restaurants. Public drinking is prohibited, so tourists should avoid drinking in streets or public transport.

2) What is the legal drinking age in Egypt?

The legal drinking age in Egypt is 21. Hotels, bars, and alcohol shops may request identification before selling or serving alcohol, especially in tourist areas where venues follow licensing rules closely.

3) Can you drink alcohol in public in Egypt?

No, public drinking in Egypt is prohibited. Drinking on streets, carrying an open bottle outdoors, or being visibly intoxicated in public can lead to fines or problems with authorities, even if alcohol itself is legal in licensed venues.

4) Where can I buy alcohol in Egypt?

You can buy alcohol in Egypt from duty-free shops shortly after arrival, licensed liquor stores (such as Drinkies in some cities), and licensed venues like hotels and certain restaurants. Availability depends on the city and neighborhood.

5) How does duty-free alcohol work in Egypt?

Arriving travelers can purchase alcohol at duty-free within 48 hours of landing. The commonly stated allowance is up to four bottles (or the equivalent in beer or wine). Many travelers use duty-free for cheaper imported brands.

6) How much does alcohol cost in Egypt?

Alcohol prices in Egypt vary by venue. Local beer is cheaper in shops than bars, imported drinks cost more, and hotels or nightlife venues are typically the most expensive. Cocktails in lounges are often priced higher than shop-bought spirits.

7) Can I bring alcohol into Egypt in my luggage?

Yes, travelers can bring one liter of alcohol in their luggage. If you want more, many visitors purchase additional bottles through duty-free within 48 hours of arrival, within the commonly stated bottle limits.

8) Is alcohol available everywhere in Egypt?

No. Alcohol is widely available in tourist hubs like Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh, but it may be limited or unavailable in conservative or rural areas such as Siwa. Planning ahead helps if alcohol access matters to you.

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