Every tourist wants to bring something back from their vacation as a souvenir. But sometimes a souvenir turns into a huge fine, confiscation or even prison. In 2026, customs rules in Turkey and Egypt became stricter and controls became tighter.
We tell you what you absolutely cannot export from these countries.
Egypt: corals, shells and drones are banned
The main rule of Egypt: nothing connected with the Red Sea can be exported. Corals – living or dead, shells of protected species, starfish and urchins. Even if you just found a beautiful pebble on the beach and put it in your pocket, customs may consider it to be of historical value. For corals – a fine of up to large sums and deportation.
In 2026, the Russian Consulate General in Hurghada officially warned tourists: attempting to take out antiquities – coins, fragments of ceramics, papyri without a receipt – will result in criminal liability. The seller may say “this is not an antique,” but customs will decide otherwise. Always take a receipt and certificate if you buy something antique.
A separate conversation is technology. Drones, quadcopters, walkie-talkies, satellite phones and even binoculars are strictly prohibited from being imported into Egypt without special permission. The Consulate General of the Russian Federation warns: for a walkie-talkie – up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to 106 thousand dollars, for a drone – up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to 5 thousand dollars. A tourist from the Russian Federation in 2026 has already come under investigation for a quadcopter in Hurghada – the story has spread across social networks.
Gold: you can export up to 3 thousand dollars; anything higher will be confiscated. It is completely forbidden to take out local currency (Egyptian pounds) – even a few bills “as a souvenir” can become a problem.
Türkiye: beach stones and antiquities banned
In Turkey, the main prohibition is cultural heritage. Figurines, ancient coins, ceramics, ancient icons can only be exported with the permission of the Ministry of Culture. Without papers – confiscation and fine.
Even ordinary stones from historical sites (for example, from Ephesus or Pamukkale) are considered the property of the state. A tourist from the Russian Federation paid a $500 fine for pebbles from Troy in 2025 – don’t repeat it.
Prohibited for export: certain types of wood (walnut, yew, olive, mulberry), flower bulbs, tobacco seeds, as well as soil and plants without a phytocertificate. If you bought wooden boxes or narghiles, make sure they are made from approved materials and take a receipt.
Gold and jewelry: you can take out up to 15 thousand dollars without any problems, but be sure to present receipts. Medicines: any prescription drugs and potent drugs – only with a doctor’s certificate.
Five main rules
- Corals, shells, stones from the beach – leave them in Egypt. These are not souvenirs, this is a reason for a fine.
- Drones, walkie-talkies, binoculars – to Egypt only with special permits. Otherwise, prison.
- Antiques and vintage items – always ask for a certificate and receipt. In Turkey and Egypt, without papers – confiscation.
- Gold: in Egypt the limit is 3,000 dollars, in Turkey – 15,000.
- Local currency cannot be exported either from Turkey or from Egypt.
Remember: the customs officer doesn’t care whether you knew the rules or not. In 2026, the system works harshly, and tourists pay for naivety in rubles – and not only that, writes Turprom.
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