No. Egypt prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, or import of butterfly knives (balisongs) under Law No. 394 of 1954 on Weapons and Ammunition, classifying them as “dangerous tools” without civilian utility. Violations may incur fines up to EGP 50,000 or imprisonment under the 2023 amendments to the Penal Code. Customs authorities enforce these restrictions at ports of entry, including the Suez Canal and Cairo International Airport.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Egypt
- Prohibited Classification: Balisongs are explicitly listed as prohibited weapons under the Ministry of Interior’s 2018 circular, which aligns with Law No. 394/1954. Possession requires a special permit, which is denied for non-military or non-police entities.
- Penalties for Violation: Unauthorized possession or trafficking carries penalties of 3–5 years imprisonment and fines up to EGP 50,000, per Article 204 of the Penal Code (as amended in 2023). Repeat offenses escalate to 7 years.
- Customs Enforcement: The Egyptian Customs Authority, in coordination with the National Security Agency, seizes balisongs at borders. Travelers found with these knives face confiscation and potential criminal charges, regardless of intent.