What works in Egypt
Check what will work on holiday. Every fact with its source and date.
Checked 12.11.2026
Egypt⚠️ Some limitsEgypt blocks more than 500 websites, including news and VPN sites; internet calls on mobile networks are officially restricted and sometimes do not work. Messengers and social networks work for messaging.
- ⚠️WhatsApp calls VoIP is blocked from time to time on mobile networks; the lifting of the ban promised in 2024 for May 2025 did not happenSource: freedomhouse.org, 05.2025 · verified
- ⚠️FaceTime Some VoIP services are unavailable, FaceTime was blocked in 2017Source: freedomhouse.org, 05.2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 05.2025
- ⚠️Telegram calls Some VoIP services are unavailableSource: freedomhouse.org, 05.2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 05.2025
- ⚠️Viber calls Some VoIP services are unavailableSource: freedomhouse.org, 05.2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 05.2025
- ⚠️VPN VPN service websites have been blocked since 2018 (AFTE and OONI)Source: ooni.org, 07.2018 · according to ooni.org, 07.2018
- ⚠️Other 562 websites blocked, ~132 of them news sites (FOTN, June 2024); Discord blocked on WE and Vodafone in January 2026 (Al Manassa/Masaar, OONI)Source: freedomhouse.org, 06; 2.2024 · according to freedomhouse.org, 06; 2.2024
- ❔Signal No data found on Signal blockingSource: freedomhouse.org, 2024 · not verified
✅ 8 more work
- ✅Messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) WhatsApp messaging is widely usedSource: freedomhouse.org, 2024 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2024
- ✅Facebook Works, no blocking of major platforms foundSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Instagram Works, no blocking of major platforms foundSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅YouTube Works, no blocking of major platforms foundSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅TikTok Works, no blocking of major platforms foundSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅X (Twitter) Works, no blocking of major platforms foundSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Google (Search, Gmail, Maps) Works, no blocking of major platforms foundSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
- ✅Streaming Works, no blocking of major platforms foundSource: freedomhouse.org, 2025 · according to freedomhouse.org, 2025
Getting round via a roaming eSIM: We found no reliable source that a roaming eSIM bypasses local restrictions. eSIM sellers' blogs claim it does, but they are an interested party.
What to do
- Messages work, calls may drop. Have a fallback: voice notes or a normal call.
- VPN services' sites may not open here. Is a VPN legal: VPN service websites have been blocked since 2018 (AFTE and OONI)
- Install and sign in to the apps you need at home: WhatsApp, Telegram, Privat24, monobank, Diia, Maps. Some app stores and sites may not open in the country.
- Keep your Ukrainian SIM in the phone with roaming on: bank SMS come to it. Switch data to the eSIM and turn off «Data roaming» on the Ukrainian SIM.
- About Tutu eSIM, honestly: Tutu eSIM is data only, without a number. Normal calls and SMS go through your Ukrainian SIM at roaming rates. So where calls in messengers are blocked, the eSIM alone won't open them.
Do WhatsApp calls work in Egypt?
VoIP is blocked from time to time on mobile networks; the lifting of the ban promised in 2024 for May 2025 did not happen
Does FaceTime work?
Some VoIP services are unavailable, FaceTime was blocked in 2017
Is a VPN legal?
VPN service websites have been blocked since 2018 (AFTE and OONI)
Do Privat24 and monobank work?
Yes, mostly. Banks confirm log-ins by SMS or push to the «financial» number, so keep the Ukrainian SIM in the phone.
