Semaglutide in Egypt: Import Rules & Pharmacy Access

Quick reference

Drug class: GLP-1 receptor agonist
Controlled substance: No
Prescription required: Yes
Available locally: Yes, Ozempic (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg), Wegovy (0.25 mg–2.4 mg), Rybelsus (3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg) at licensed pharmacies; stock levels vary
Storage: Refrigerated at 2–8°C before first use. After first use: Ozempic up to 30°C for 56 days; Wegovy up to 28 days at room temperature. Rybelsus: room temperature, dry place.
Max supply to carry: Personal-use quantity for the duration of stay, up to 3 months, with a doctor's letter and original prescription
Key document: Doctor's letter on headed notepaper stating medication name (INN and brand), dose, quantity, and personal-use confirmation; original prescription
Emergency alternative: Visit a licensed private pharmacy in Cairo or Alexandria with your prescription; Ozempic and Wegovy are stocked at major chains including Seif, El Ezaby, and Gardenia Pharmacies.

Semaglutide in Egypt: what changes when you travel

Semaglutide, sold globally as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, is legal and prescription-only in Egypt, regulated by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA)^[1]. Ozempic is EDA-approved and stocked at private pharmacies across Cairo and Alexandria, while Wegovy and Rybelsus have a patchier supply. Egypt's summer heat regularly exceeds 30°C, which is the upper safe storage limit for in-use semaglutide pens, making cold-chain planning the most critical preparation step for this trip.

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 semaglutide

Egypt requires travellers to carry a signed doctor's letter and original prescription for all personal medications^[2]. Semaglutide is not a controlled substance in Egypt, so no import permit is required, but customs officers at the port of entry may inspect your medication and documentation. A paper prescription is strongly recommended, as digital copies are often rejected by officials.

Pre-travel paperwork timeline

T-30 days
Book an appointment with your prescriber to renew your prescription and request a formal doctor's letter covering the full duration of your stay.Prescriber letter
T-14 days
Confirm your supply quantity covers your stay plus a buffer of at least 20%. If your prescriber cannot issue a supply large enough, discuss obtaining a partial supply in Egypt using the local prescription pathway.Original prescription
No import permit is required for semaglutide in Egypt. The doctor's letter and prescription are sufficient documentation.
T-7 days
Have your doctor's letter translated into Arabic, or request a bilingual (English/Arabic) version from your clinic. Have it stamped on clinic letterhead.Translated letter
T-1 day
Print all documents. Pack medication in its original manufacturer packaging with the pharmacy dispensing label visible. Prepare a cool bag or medical cooling wallet for transit.
T-0 (border)
Keep your doctor's letter and prescription in your carry-on, accessible without unpacking. Declare your medication proactively if asked by customs. Present original packaging alongside your documents.

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What your doctor's letter must include

Full name, medication name (semaglutide and the brand you carry), dose and frequency, quantity carried, your diagnosis (one word or short phrase), doctor's signature and registration number, and clinic letterhead. A bilingual English and Arabic version, or an Arabic translation, reduces the risk of delays at Egyptian customs.

No notarisation or apostille is required for a personal medication letter in Egypt. All medicines are subject to inspection by Ministry of Health officials upon arrival^[2], so keep your paperwork in your hand luggage, not in checked bags.

How much semaglutide to bring

Egypt permits a personal supply up to 3 months for the duration of stay^[2] with a doctor's letter and prescription. Bring your full planned supply from home; while Ozempic is available locally, stock levels are inconsistent, and Wegovy supply cannot be guaranteed. Carry at least one additional dose as a contingency in case a pen is lost or damaged in the heat.

Split your supply

Carry your main supply in hand luggage and one backup dose in checked luggage in an insulated pouch. If one bag is delayed or lost, you still have medication on hand. Keep both in original packaging with pharmacy labels intact.

Packing and storing semaglutide for travel

Unopened semaglutide pens must travel refrigerated at 2–8°C. Use a medical cooling wallet or insulated case with an ice pack for the journey. After first use, an Ozempic pen can be kept at up to 30°C for 56 days^[6]; Wegovy pens may be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.^[7] Do not freeze semaglutide at any stage, as freezing permanently damages the protein structure. During long layovers, request access to a pharmacy or airport medical centre refrigerator if your cooling pack has warmed.

Airport security with semaglutide

Semaglutide pens contain liquid medication and are exempt from standard cabin liquid restrictions when travelling for medical purposes; declare them at the security checkpoint and present your prescription label. Keep pens in original packaging in your hand luggage, not in your checked bag, so they remain accessible to security staff.

Needles and pen tips are permitted in hand luggage alongside a prescription; place them in a clear pouch for inspection. If travelling through your departure airport's security, check your national airport security authority's current guidance on medical liquids, as rules on screening procedures vary.

Customs and medication import rules for Egypt

Semaglutide is not a controlled substance in Egypt and does not require an import permit. Egypt's customs rules permit permitted prescription medicines in quantities up to three months^[2], supported by a signed medical report and prescription. Ministry of Health officers inspect medicines at the port of entry^[4], so carry your letter and prescription in your hand luggage and present them calmly if asked. Quantities that appear excessive for personal use risk confiscation.

Keep original packaging at customs

Do not transfer semaglutide pens into unmarked cases or bags. Customs officials will expect to see the original manufacturer's box, the pharmacy dispensing label, and your name on the prescription. A pen without its original packaging is harder to match to your documentation and may prompt further inspection.

Semaglutide availability in Egypt

Brands of semaglutide sold in Egypt

Brand name	Indication	Formulation	Supply note
Ozempic (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg)	Type 2 diabetes	Once-weekly pre-filled pen	EDA-approved; available at major private pharmacy chains in Cairo and Alexandria; stock of 1 mg reported inconsistent in 2024
Wegovy (0.25 mg–2.4 mg)	Chronic weight management	Once-weekly pre-filled pen	Available at select private pharmacies (e.g. Gardenia, AlFouad); supply less reliable than Ozempic; higher price point
Rybelsus (3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg)	Type 2 diabetes	Once-daily oral tablet	Available at licensed pharmacies; government fixed pricing applies; 10-tablet pack

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are available at licensed private pharmacies across Egypt, including chains such as Seif, El Ezaby, and Gardenia Pharmacies. All three brands require a valid prescription for dispensing. Egypt has government-controlled fixed pricing on pharmaceutical products^[5]: an Ozempic 1 mg pen costs approximately 4,000 EGP (~$71 / ~€64), Wegovy 0.5 mg approximately 6,080 EGP (~$108 / ~€97), and a 10-tablet pack of Rybelsus approximately 1,575 EGP (~$28 / ~€25). For pharmacy locations in the capital, see the Cairo healthcare guide.

Counterfeit semaglutide risk in Egypt

In January 2024, the Egyptian Drug Authority warned that counterfeit Ozempic 1 mg pens were in circulation from unlicensed pharmacies. Buy only from licensed pharmacy chains and check that the product is issued by Novo Nordisk Egypt. Report suspected counterfeits to the EDA hotline on 15301.

Finding a doctor who can prescribe semaglutide in Egypt

Private endocrinologists and diabetes specialists in Cairo and Alexandria can issue a local prescription for semaglutide; English-speaking doctors are available at most international private hospitals. A specialist consultation at a private clinic typically costs 300–800 EGP (~$5.35–$14 / ~€4.80–€12.80).

Foreign prescriptions are not accepted for dispensing at Egyptian pharmacies, so if you run out of your supply and need a local refill, you will need a locally issued prescription. Telemedicine consultations via international platforms can help you arrange a referral letter before you travel.

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Storing semaglutide while in Egypt

Egypt's summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, breaching the 30°C limit for in-use semaglutide pens. Store all unopened and in-use pens in your hotel room's minibar or main refrigerator at 2–8°C. Semaglutide should be protected from excessive heat and sunlight^[6]; never leave a pen in a parked car, a beach bag, or a windowsill.

If your hotel experiences a power cut, move pens to a portable medical cooler immediately and contact the front desk about backup power. Discard any pen that has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C for an unknown period, even if the solution still appears clear. For more practical advice on cold-chain management, see our GLP-1 medications travel guide.

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

If your medication is lost or stolen, report the loss to local police (122) and obtain a police report, your travel insurer will require it. Contact your prescribing doctor remotely to request a replacement letter and prescription, then visit a licensed pharmacy with those documents to source a local replacement pen.

If your supply runs out unexpectedly, visit a private endocrinologist or diabetes clinic in Cairo or Alexandria for a local prescription. Ozempic is the most reliably available semaglutide brand at licensed pharmacy chains including Seif, El Ezaby, and Gardenia Pharmacies. Wegovy and Rybelsus are available at a smaller number of outlets; call ahead to confirm stock before travelling across the city.

Emergency phrases in Arabic

“أنا بحاجة إلى سيماغلوتيد (أوزيمبيك / ويغوفي)”

I need semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)

“أنا أتناول سيماغلوتيد مرة كل أسبوع لعلاج مرض السكري / إدارة الوزن”

I take semaglutide once a week for diabetes / weight management

“من فضلك اتصل بالطبيب”

Please call a doctor

“أين أقرب مستشفى أو صيدلية مفتوحة على مدار الساعة؟”

Where is the nearest hospital or 24-hour pharmacy?

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Egypt's ambulance number is 123 and police is 122. For urgent medical care in Cairo, private hospitals such as As-Salam International Hospital and Dar Al Fouad Hospital have 24-hour emergency departments with English-speaking staff.

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Frequently asked questions

Is semaglutide legal in Egypt?

Semaglutide is legal in Egypt. Ozempic is approved by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA)^[1] and available at licensed private pharmacies with a valid prescription. It is not a controlled substance in Egypt, so no special import permit is required.

Can I bring semaglutide into Egypt?

Yes. You may bring a personal supply up to three months in original packaging^[3] with a signed doctor's letter and prescription. No import permit is needed. Keep documents and medication in your hand luggage, as customs officers may inspect them at the port of entry.

Do I need a doctor's letter to fly with semaglutide to Egypt?

Yes. Egyptian customs requires a signed doctor's letter confirming the medication is for your personal use, together with your original prescription and the medication in original packaging. A bilingual Arabic and English letter reduces the risk of delays at customs.

Is semaglutide available in Egypt pharmacies?

Yes. Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are stocked at licensed private pharmacies in Cairo, Alexandria, and resort towns such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. A valid prescription is required for dispensing. Ozempic is the most reliably stocked; Wegovy and Rybelsus availability varies by pharmacy.

Is Wegovy available in Egypt?

Wegovy (semaglutide 0.25 mg–2.4 mg) is available at select private pharmacies in Egypt, including Gardenia and AlFouad Pharmacies, with a prescription. Stock levels for Wegovy are less reliable than for Ozempic^[7]; call ahead to confirm availability before making a special trip. Do not rely on finding Wegovy as a local refill, bring your full supply from home.

What if I run out of semaglutide in Egypt?

Visit a private endocrinologist for a local prescription, then purchase Ozempic at a licensed pharmacy chain such as Seif, El Ezaby, or Gardenia Pharmacies. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted for dispensing in Egypt, so the local prescription step is required before you can buy a refill.

How should I keep my Ozempic pen cold during a trip to Egypt in summer?

Use a medical cooling wallet or insulated case with a reusable ice pack for transit and day trips. Store all pens in your hotel refrigerator (not the freezer) when not in use. Never leave a pen in a car or bag in direct sunlight; Egypt's summer ambient temperatures regularly exceed the 30°C in-use storage limit for semaglutide pens.

Related practical guide

GLP-1 Medications Abroad: Cold Chain Failures, Customs Traps and Approval Gaps

Your Ozempic pen survives the flight but gets confiscated at the border. Here is how cold chain failures, customs rules, and approval gaps catch GLP-1 travellers off guard.

Semaglutide in Egypt: Import Rules, Storage and Availability