Lorazepam in Egypt: Import Rules, Controls and Pharmacy Access

Quick reference

• Drug class: Benzodiazepine
• Controlled substance: Yes, controlled under Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960
• Prescription required: Yes
• Available locally: Limited availability; no confirmed local brand names in catalog. Generic lorazepam may be dispensed at select pharmacies in Cairo and Alexandria.
• Storage: Room temperature, below 25°C, away from light and moisture
• Max supply to carry: No published traveller import cap; bring a trip-length supply with documentation
• Key document: Doctor's letter on clinic letterhead, original prescription, and original pharmacy-labelled packaging
• Emergency alternative: Attend a private hospital in Cairo and request an emergency psychiatric or neurology consultation to obtain a local prescription.

Lorazepam in Egypt: what changes when you travel

Lorazepam, sold internationally as Ativan (US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, Australia), Tavor (Germany, Italy), and Loreev XR (US), is a controlled substance under Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960^[1]. Local pharmacy availability is limited and a local prescription is difficult to obtain for visitors. Bring your full supply from home with a comprehensive documentation package.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Documentation for travelling to Egypt with lorazepam

Because lorazepam is controlled under Egypt's Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960^[1], you must carry a signed doctor's letter alongside your original prescription. Egyptian customs officers may request this documentation at the point of entry, particularly if your supply exceeds a single week's worth.

Arabic translation is strongly recommended for any documentation you may present to Egyptian customs or local healthcare providers. Notarisation is not a published requirement, but a certified translation adds credibility if your paperwork is questioned.

How much lorazepam to bring

Egypt does not publish a specific traveller import quantity cap for benzodiazepines, but quantities clearly consistent with personal use for the trip duration^[2] are the practical standard applied at customs. Bring exactly enough for your trip plus a 20-30% buffer to cover delays. Do not carry quantities that could be construed as intended for distribution.

Packing and storing lorazepam for travel

Lorazepam tablets should be stored below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Egypt's summer temperatures in Cairo regularly exceed 35°C, so keep medication in your carry-on bag where cabin air conditioning provides a more stable temperature than the hold. During airport transits or long overland journeys, an insulated travel pouch will help maintain a safe temperature.

Airport security with lorazepam

Lorazepam tablets are solid oral medications and are not subject to the 100 ml liquid restriction at airport security. Keep them in original packaging in a clear, accessible bag for security screening. Declare the medication proactively to security officers^[3] if asked, and have your doctor's letter ready for inspection. Keeping documentation separate from but adjacent to your medication reduces delay at screening.

Customs and medication import rules for Egypt

Egypt controls benzodiazepines under the Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960 and subsequent amendments^[1]. You must declare lorazepam on your customs arrival declaration form. Carry your doctor's letter and prescription in your hand luggage and present them immediately if asked by customs officers.

No advance import permit issued by an Egyptian government body is required for personal-use quantities, but documentation of a legitimate prescription is mandatory. If customs officers query your supply, present the Arabic-translated doctor's letter calmly and do not remove the medication from its original packaging without being asked.

Lorazepam availability in Egypt

Generic lorazepam is available in Egypt, but dispensing requires a local prescription from an Egyptian-licensed physician^[4]. The international brands Ativan (US, Canada, UK), Tavor (Germany, Italy), and Loreev XR (US) are not confirmed as stocked under those brand names at Egyptian pharmacies. Plan to bring your full supply and treat local acquisition as a last resort.

Where generic lorazepam is available, expect to pay approximately £E 40-100 per pack (~$0.77-$1.92 / ~€0.66-€1.66) depending on the strength and quantity, though prices vary by pharmacy and are subject to change. To check the availability of other benzodiazepines like diazepam, see our benzodiazepines in Egypt guide.

Finding a doctor who can prescribe lorazepam in Egypt

Private hospitals in Cairo such as As-Salam International Hospital and Cairo University Hospitals have English-speaking psychiatrists and neurologists^[5] who can evaluate you and issue a local prescription. A private consultation typically costs £E 500-1,500 (~$9.60-$28.80 / ~€7.98-€23.93). Telemedicine services based outside Egypt cannot issue Egyptian prescriptions.

Storing lorazepam while in Egypt

The EMA product information for lorazepam specifies storage below 25°C, away from light and moisture. Cairo temperatures regularly exceed 35°C from May to September. Store your medication in the coolest part of your hotel room, away from windows, and avoid leaving it in a parked car.

Air-conditioned hotel rooms are the safest storage environment. If your accommodation lacks air conditioning during summer, request a room change or ask reception to store the medication in a cool location. Lorazepam does not require refrigeration, but sustained exposure to high heat and direct sunlight can degrade the tablets.

What to do if something goes wrong with your lorazepam in Egypt

If your medication is lost or stolen, contact your travel insurer immediately and request a police report from the nearest station (dial 122 for Egypt Police). A police report and your original prescription documentation will support a travel insurance claim and may assist a local doctor in issuing a replacement prescription.

If you run out unexpectedly, go to a private hospital in Cairo or Alexandria with your documentation and request an urgent psychiatric or neurology consultation. For more on navigating Cairo's private hospital system, see Cairo's city guide. Do not abruptly stop taking lorazepam without medical supervision.

Egypt's ambulance emergency number is 123^[6]. For urgent care related to your medication, ask hotel reception to call an ambulance or arrange transport to the nearest accredited private hospital.

Frequently asked questions

Related practical guide

Sources

1. [1] Egypt Anti-Narcotics Law No. 182 of 1960 — Egyptian Drug Authority (full text)
2. [2] INCB — Green List: Psychotropic Substances under International Control (24th ed.)
3. [3] Egyptian Airports Company — Passenger travel guidance
4. [4] Egyptian Drug Authority — Registered drug search
5. [5] As-Salam International Hospital Cairo — Services directory
6. [6] Egypt Emergency Services — Ministry of Interior (Police 122, Ambulance 123)

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