24.7% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 16.9 million current smokers in Egypt
48.9% of men are current smokers but only 0.3% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-06-25
Smoking in Egypt
The trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Egypt shows an increase from 17% in 2000 to 24% in 2015, and a projected further increase to 32% by 2025 according to WHO trend data. This increase has been driven solely by men's smoking - 32% of men were current smokers in 2000, which increased to 48% by 2015 and is projected to increase further to 63% by 2025. Women's current smoking prevalence estimates, which started at 2% in 2000, actually showed a decline to virtually zero over the same period. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
78,337
Deaths
78337 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Egypt.
24.7%
tobacco smoking
Adult tobacco smoking prevalence is 24.7%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Egypt
In Egypt, e-cigarettes are allowed, and the legal vaping age is 18 years and older, aligning with the legal smoking age. Vaping products are legally imported, commercialsed and marketed. According to Mistervapeuk (@mistervape.co.uk), there are no legal restrictions on the type of e-cigarettes travelers can bring into the country. Although there are no legal restrictions on vaping in public places, it is recommended to observe social etiquette and avoid vaping in religious spaces.
Since Egypt's vaping regulations are relatively new and its market is still developing, it is recommended to bring enough vaping supplies to last for the entire trip. Also, travelers should check with their airlines regarding carrying vaping products in their luggage. As plug types in Egypt may differ from those in other countries, bringing a universal adapter is advised to charge e-cigarette batteries.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Egypt
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are not banned by law in Egypt. However, there are several regulations governing these products: manufacturers are required to display a health warning on the packaging, the minimum age for purchase is 18 years, and the nicotine content must be less than 3.5% by dry weight. The general taxation rate is 1,400 EGP (approximately 43 EUR) per kilogram of tobacco. Additionally, these products are prohibited from being advertised through any means. No specific information is available regarding whether these products can be imported for personal use. If you have any firsthand experience, please share it with the GSTHR team.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Egypt
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is banned in Egypt, and its products are not regulated as medicinal products. As a result, selling NRT products is illegal, and they are not marketed in the country. NRT is not included on Egypt’s essential drugs list. It is unclear whether these products can be imported for personal use, so it is advised to keep your prescription or purchase documents with you. The sale of NRT is banned.
Snus
in Egypt
Egypt has a positive regulatory stance on snus. Under current regulations, snus is permitted in the country, allowing its sale, purchase, and use. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Egypt.
Pouches
in Egypt
Egypt legally allows the sale, purchase, and use of nicotine pouches. However, available sources do not specify whether importation for personal use is permitted or how many units of these products can be imported. Use of Pouches is permitted by law in Egypt.
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice.
We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region,
you should verify the information independently.
If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details
and any references and we will rectify any errors.