Is Methadone legal in Egypt?
- Legal status
- Methadone is a controlled narcotic under Law No. 182 of 1960 (as amended); Law 182/1960 (with Law 122/1989) imposes death plus heavy fine for producing/manufacturing/importing/trafficking narcotic-table substances with trafficking intent — methadone is within that capital scope at aggravated trafficking; prescribed use is non-capital.
- Consequences if caught
- Aggravated trafficking of narcotic-table substances is death-eligible; prescribed personal use is non-capital, but undocumented traveller imports have led to detention.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a controlled narcotic on a controlled register (OST access limited).
- Documentation
- Prior MoH approval is required to import controlled narcotics; carry a prescription and keep medicines in original packaging — undocumented opioids have led to arrests.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Egypt’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →