In 2005 a new Customs fee structure was implemented in Egypt for visiting yachts. This new tariff is only available however, if the Customs Clearance is completed at Wadi Dome Marina (near Ain El Sokhna), Taba Heights Marina (in the Gulf of Aqaba in Sinia) or Port Ghalib Marina (near Marsa Allam).
Confusingly this means there are 2 Customs Tariffs in place in Egypt and the applicable tariff is dependent on the Port at which Customs Clearance is completed
1. The newest tariff (in place at Wadi Dome, Taba Heights and Port Ghalib) is as follows:
- Since the 1st of August 2007 the Customs Fees are US $30 for Yachts up to 60 feet (18m) LOA and US $50 for Yachts over 60 feet LOA per month.
- On completing Customs Clearance you must pay for the whole duration of your intended stay in Egypt and you will be given a receipt in Arabic/English, please remember that it is not possible to extend this receipt or purchase another one (at these rates) once you have left the issuing Port / Marina.
2. The older Customs Tariff applies to the remaining Port of Entries as shown in the list above.
- The fees in this tariff are much higher than those of the new tariff and are as follows for a visit up to 1 month in duration:
1. Inspection US $35
2. Agency Fee US $50
3. Harbour Authority US $30
4. Customs Fee (1 month) & stamps US $30
5. Marine Inspection US$ 25
6. Immigration & Police US $20
7. Quarantine US $7
- For a longer stay, or to extend the initial permission, the fee is US $280 for each 4 month period or US $180 for each month. These are flat fees and include all aspects mentioned above.
N.B. In addition to both these systems is the requirement for Tourist Passport Visas for all visitors to Egypt. The cost for this is US $15 for each Visa required and these are valid for 30 days.
Foreign flagged boats may stay up to one year from the date of arrival. After the one year boats need to be bonded for four months or leave the country for the same period. (This period is calculated from the day you entered Egypt - not the day you arrived at the Marina.)
Recommended Process
The Marina recommends you complete the Entry and Customs Formalities according to the following guide, depending on where you are sailing from:
Coming From the South:
1. Check in Port Ghalib Marina (Marsa Mubarak on the charts) – This will allow you to benefit from the new Customs Tariff outlined above.
2. Complete Port and Customs Clearance here and pay the Customs Fees for the entire duration of your planned stay in Egypt (you will not need a Shipping Agent to do this). Keep the receipt with you as this will act as your sailing permit.
Coming From the North (Mediterranean):
1. Check into Egypt at Port Said or Port Tawfik (Suez) before you arrive at the Marina (get visas in your passports do not just transit the Canal)
2. Do not complete the Customs Formalities here, but get the Shipping Agent to make you a sailing permit for 'Abu Tig Marina, El Gouna' and come straight to the Marina.
3. Once you are here you will need to get an Agent to complete the Customs Clearance for from Hurghada Port Authorities (the boat will not have to go to Hurghada) as we come under Hurghada Port's jurisdiction.
Coming from the North (Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia)
1. Check in at Taba Heights Marina – This will allow you to benefit from the new Customs Tariff outlined above.
2. Complete Port and Customs Clearance here and pay the Customs Fees for the entire duration of your planned stay in Egypt (you will not need a shipping agent to do this). Keep the receipt with you as this will act as your sailing permit.
