The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced it would reopen to visitors all its museums and archaeological sites as of 1 September 2020. All visits to such places and sites were halted since March 2020 on account of the outbreak of COVID-19 which necessitated restrictive measures to protect the public against infection; these included social distancing and banning gatherings.
The Ministry said that cultural tourism activities would resume according to special measures which include:
1. As of 1 September, Egyptians and non-Egyptian tourists would be allowed to travel between touristic towns and cities, monuments and various museums.
2. Tourist buses and all activities associated with cultural tourism should adhere to the cautionary measure of operating at 50 per cent of their capacity.
3. Tourist groups are not to exceed 25 persons when visiting museums and archaeological sites.
4. Tour guides are required to wear face masks and use audio equipment inside museums. Ear pieces are sterilised after each use.
5. All touch points and floors in museums are disinfected daily before opening hours.
6. The temperatures of employees and visitors are checked before entering museums and closed archaeological sites.
7. Safe social distancing is maintained between individuals during visits.
8. The maximum number of visitors allowed inside museums and indoor archaeological sites is 100 visitors per hour in all museums, and 200 visitors per hour in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.
9. The maximum number of visitors allowed inside any pyramid or tomb is 10 – 15 visitors (depending on its dimensions).
10. Extending the period of the initiative “Summer in Upper Egypt” that was launched by the ministry to encourage tourists to visit ancient sites in Upper Egypt until 31 October 2020.
11. The initiative grants non-Egyptian visitors to museums and archaeological sites in Upper Egypt a 50 per cent reduction on the full ticket price.
12. All tourists will pay a flat rate which is the rate of foreign student tickets; it represents 5 per cent of the full ticket rate.
Watani International
31 August 2020