Yes, magnet fishing occupies a legal gray area in Egypt, tolerated in some governorates but prohibited near military zones, archaeological sites, or state-owned waters under Law No. 117 of 2018 on Antiquities Protection and Decree No. 2026/2024 on Coastal Zone Management. Authorities may confiscate equipment if artifacts are recovered, as all cultural property is vested in the state per Article 8 of the Antiquities Law. While no explicit ban exists, local police or the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities frequently intervene, citing public order or security risks.
Key Regulations for Magnet Fishing in Egypt
- Antiquities Protection Law (No. 117/2018): All recovered items—regardless of age—are presumed state property; failure to report discoveries risks fines up to EGP 5 million or imprisonment under Article 42.
- Coastal Zone Management Decree (No. 2026/2024): Prohibits metal detecting or excavation within 500 meters of shorelines adjacent to protected areas (e.g., Ras Mohammed National Park) or military installations, enforced by the Egyptian Navy and Tourism Police.
- Criminal Procedure Code (Article 206): Authorizes seizure of equipment if used in proximity to “sensitive sites,” with judicial discretion to classify activities as theft or unauthorized excavation under the Penal Code (Articles 354–356).