No — unless you already hold permission from Egypt's Ministry of Defence, do not bring a drone to Egypt. Importing, using or producing a drone without that prior permission is illegal, and UK government advice cites penalties of up to seven years in prison or a fine of EGP 5,000 to 50,000. Ordinary tourists do not get this permission, so for a holiday the practical answer is to leave it at home.
Key takeaways
- Drones need Egyptian Ministry of Defence permission before you arrive — import, not just flying, is covered.
- Using a drone without permission can mean up to 7 years in prison or a fine of EGP 5,000–50,000, according to the UK Foreign Office.
- Photographing near military property, including the Suez Canal, is illegal with or without a drone.
- For aerial views, the legal option most visitors use is a hot air balloon flight over Luxor.
The rule in plain terms
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I carry a drone in my luggage? | Not without prior Ministry of Defence permission — import is itself restricted |
| Can I fly a small, lightweight drone? | The published advice makes no size exception |
| Can my hotel or guide authorise it? | No. Only the Ministry of Defence can |
| What about filming for a company? | Commercial filming and professional equipment need their own permits as well |
Why it is treated so seriously
Egypt restricts photography around military and security sites, and a drone can see all of them. That is why the rule covers bringing a drone into the country, not only flying it near a sensitive place. Read the current wording on the UK Foreign Office Egypt page, and check your own government's advice too.
If you arrive with one anyway
Declare it at customs rather than hoping it goes unnoticed — bringing one in without permission is exactly what the rule penalises. Do not plan any filming around it. The simplest fix is to leave it at home.
How to get aerial shots legally
- Balloon over Luxor's West Bank at sunrise — the view across temples, fields and the Nile.
- High viewpoints such as the Citadel in Cairo, or the terraces above the Giza plateau.
- A window seat on a domestic flight into Aswan or Luxor, when the Nile valley is visible.
For everything else about cameras, people and museums, see photography rules in Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
Are drones allowed at the pyramids?
No. Without Ministry of Defence permission, a drone is not allowed anywhere in Egypt, and the Giza plateau is no exception.
Can a tour company get a drone permit for me?
We cannot, and you should be wary of anyone who says they can for a holiday trip. Permission comes from the Ministry of Defence.
Reviewed September 2026.