In the past couple of weeks, we've been witnessing the gradual easing of travel restrictions across the globe. Some countries are now allowing international travellers as well. One such country is Egypt which will let in international travellers from July 1.
Travellers can stay at certified hotels and resorts located in the Red Sea area, in South Sinai and Matrouh. These will operate at 50 per cent capacity. Museums and archeological sites will also gradually reopen.
Here's what you need to know if you want to bookmark Egypt as a possible destination in the near future
Before you get on board
All travellers have to fill in a copy of a &lsquotraveller declaration&rsquo form before boarding, including information about the person&rsquos travel history in the last 14 days. Travellers arriving from countries declared as 'severely infected' with COVID-19 by the WHO will also be required to submit a PCR test result, done as recently as 48 hours prior to the travel date. The usual safety precautions of masks and physical distancing will also have to be followed at airports.
At your hospitality unit
All hospitality units will have to comply with latest protocols and obtain the 'Hygiene Safety Certificate' given by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population and the relevant tourism chamber. Information about hygiene and safety regulations will also be made available to all guests and visitors.
Before entering the hotel, all guests will have to undergo mandatory temperature checks and maintain physical distancing, even inside elevators. All rooms will be disinfected and ventilated for 12 hours between check-out and check-in. Personal Protection Kits (containing personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitisers) will be provided in the rooms.
The room capacity at hotels is two adults with two children (below 12 years of age).
Although swimming pools will be accessible, jacuzzi, sauna, steam, and massage services have been suspended. Casinos will be allowed to operate, but at 50 per cent capacity. However, parties, social gatherings and events will not be permitted. As for the dining halls, buffets will also not be allowed and only a maximum of six people will be allowed on the same table.
If you want to sign up for an excursion or outing
A group of not more than 25 people will be allowed on these outings.
Tourists who arrive directly to Red Sea, South Sinai, Matrouh, Luxor, and Aswan will be exempt from visa fees until October 31, 2020.
It's raining more discounts
A 50% discount on landing and housing fees at airports (at these destinations) will be in place until October 31. Travellers can also avail of a 20% discount on ground handling fees at airports at these places (until October 31). Tourists arriving onboard Egypt Air and Air Cairo will also enjoy a 20% discount on their entry ticket, and on entry fees to archaeological sites and museums which fall under the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
In case you contract the virus in Egypt
The hotel will cover the cost of lodging, food and drinks for minor cases. Critical cases will be taken to a hospital. The Ministry of Health and Population will cover the cost of medication and treatment for tourists testing positive with COVID-19 until their full recovery. Those sharing rooms with people who test positive will also undergo a free medical examination by the Ministry of Health and Population.
