Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Egypt
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Egypt.
Overview
The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) regulates telecom services in Egypt. Bulk SMS sender names are registered through the operators, and promotional messages should be sent only to consenting recipients with an opt-out.
Egypt's Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 151 of 2020) requires consent for processing personal data and contains specific provisions on electronic direct marketing.
Most searches in Egypt are in Arabic, often in Egyptian colloquial Arabic, while English is common for B2B, technology and higher-income audiences.
WhatsApp is widely used for business in MENA markets. Official API use must follow Meta's policies, and newer national data protection laws in the region set rules for consent and data handling.
Telemarketing in the region is increasingly regulated, with rules on calling hours, registered numbers and do-not-call preferences in several countries.
Advertising Rules
Advertising should follow Egyptian consumer protection rules and platform policies, with sensitivity to cultural and religious norms.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Egypt
The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) regulates telecom services in Egypt.
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Egypt
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in Egypt.
Read the guide →Voice Call in Egypt
Marketing calls in Egypt should follow NTRA and operator requirements and the Consumer Protection Law (Law No.
Read the guide →RCS in Egypt
RCS business messaging availability in Egypt depends on operator and device support, so we confirm coverage before planning campaigns and keep SMS as a fallback; the same consent rules that apply to SMS apply to RCS..
Read the guide →Digital Habits and Channels in Egypt
Egypt is a large, young, mobile-first market where Facebook and WhatsApp are the main channels for discovering and contacting businesses. Business SMS sender IDs are registered with the mobile operators, Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat by e& and WE, under the NTRA's rules.
Cash on delivery remains common, while InstaPay instant transfers and mobile wallets such as Vodafone Cash have grown fast. The weekend is Friday and Saturday. Ramadan, with its distinctive TV advertising season, Eid, back-to-school and White Friday are key periods, and inflation makes customers price-sensitive.
Egypt's economy relies on Suez Canal revenues, tourism to the pyramids, Luxor and Red Sea resorts, natural gas, remittances from Egyptians abroad, textiles and a large agricultural sector. VAT is 14%, and prices are in Egyptian pounds. The Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 requires consent for direct electronic marketing, with an opt-out in each message and the sender's identity, and creates a data protection centre to supervise compliance. Fawry payment points and mobile wallets serve customers without cards.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Egypt
Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) regulates telecoms and requires sender IDs for bulk SMS to be registered with operators. The Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 set up a Personal Data Protection Centre, and its executive regulations, licences and compliance requirements are being phased in. Direct electronic marketing requires consent and must include an opt-out. Vodafone, Orange, e& (Etisalat) and WE are the operators.
Egyptian Arabic works well for consumer messaging.
Messages to Egyptian customers should include the brand name and avoid asking for card details or wallet PINs, because SMS fraud that impersonates banks and wallets is common. Instant payments through InstaPay and wallets such as Vodafone Cash are widely used, so payment links and reference numbers should be clearly labelled. Ramadan, the two Eids and back-to-school are the peak messaging periods.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Practical Details
Country code +20; time zone Africa/Cairo; currency Egyptian pound (EGP). Usual working week: Sunday to Thursday.
Cities we cover in Egypt
General information, not legal advice, as of October 2026.
Compliance in Egypt: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Egypt?
It depends on the channel. Sender IDs for SMS often need registration with operators or the regulator, WhatsApp requires a verified business account and approved templates, and RCS needs brand verification. Each channel guide explains the details.
Does data protection law apply to messaging in Egypt?
Egypt's Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 151 of 2020) requires consent for processing personal data and contains specific provisions on electronic direct marketing.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
Plan Compliant Campaigns in Egypt
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