COVID-19 Egypt Travel advice

On May 15, 2020, Egypt started to gradually re-open hotels and resorts that have obtained the "Hygiene Safety Certificate", to receive domestic tourism, with a maximum occupancy rate of 25%. The occupancy rate was then increased to 50% on June 1, 2020.

As of July 1, 2020, Egypt received inbound tourism in certified hotels and resorts located in coastal governorates (Red Sea, South Sinai and Matrouh) with maximum occupancy rates of 50%.Those three governorates have had excellent epidemiological results, in addition to having equipped hospitals (public and private).

As of July 1, 2020 museums and archeological sites re-opened after being closed since the March 23, 2020.

Tourists arriving directly to Red Sea, South Sinai, Matrouh, Luxor, and Aswan governorates are exempt from visa fees until October 31, 2020

On June 27, 2020, Egypt started to gradually re-open touristic restaurants that have obtained the "Hygiene Safety Certificate" with a maximum occupancy rate of 25% and to close at 10 pm.

On July 26, the occupancy rate of touristic restaurants was increased to 50% and they were allowed to work until midnight.

Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh airports received tourists from Ukraine, Belarus, Hungary, Serbia and Switzerland.

Hotels Regulations:

Hospitality establishments operate with a maximum of 50% of their total workforce (until further notice).
Staff members are trained and educated on symptoms and preventive measures of COVID-19.
The hotel management should be immediately notified in case any staff member or guest shows symptoms of COVID-19.
Wearing face masks during working hours is mandatory for hotel staff members.

Receiving Guests:

Guests will have their temperatures checked every time they enter the hotel.
Luggage is disinfected before check-in.
Floor signs are placed to maintain physical distancing.
Electronic payment is encouraged.

Accommodation:

Room capacity is 2 adults + 2 children (less than 12 years old).
Personal Protection Kits (containing personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers) are provided in rooms for each guest.
Rooms are disinfected and properly ventilated for 12 hours between check-out and check-in.
Rooms and bathrooms are properly ventilated and disinfected daily.
Furniture and fabrics are disinfected using steam machines.
Linens and towels are washed at high temperatures.

Gym and Health Clubs:

Touch points and surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly, and equipment are adequately spaced.
Showering is not allowed in the gym or health club.
Use of Jacuzzi, sauna, steam, and massage services is suspended until further notice.

Swimming Pools and Beaches in Hotels

Swimming pools and beaches are open for guests.
Regular disinfection of swimming pools is carried out.
Cleansing the area around the beach and pool (including tables, deck chairs, sunbeds, etc...) after every use, as well as before and after operating hours is carried out.
Sunbeds are placed 2 meters apart.
Beach and pool towels are delivered to rooms.
Recreational activities on beaches and at swimming pools are reduced.

Casinos:

Casinos inside hotels are allowed to operate at 50% of their total capacity, maintaining regular disinfection of the area and all touch points, providing personal protection equipment to guests and ensuring safe physical distancing.

Parties and Social Events:

Parties, social gatherings and events are not allowed in hotels.

Dining Halls:

"Open Buffet" is not allowed.
"Served Buffet" is allowed keeping safe physical distancing.
Queuing at the entrance is reduced by pre-booking (via electronic applications, telephone, or other means).
Temperature of every guest is checked before entrance.
Electronic payment is encouraged.
Tables are placed 2 meters apart, with 1 meter between people on the same table with a maximum of 6 per table.
Using disposable cutlery (as much as possible).
Hand sanitizers are placed on tables.
Fabric table cloth is changed and thoroughly washed after each use.

Shisha is prohibited.
Parties and social events are not allowed in restaurants.
Kids areas are closed.
Take-away service is allowed maintaining physical distancing.
Customers’ presence is limited only to order, pay, and then wait outside the restaurant for their order.

Diving, Water Sports Activities and Daily Boats:

Boats are allowed to operate at 50% of their total guest capacity.
All staff members are trained and educated on symptoms and necessary preventive measures related to COVID-19.
Wearing face masks is obligatory.
Only staff members and divers are allowed on board.
Customers are encouraged to use their own towels, cutlery and tableware onboard.
Customers are encouraged to use their own diving and snorkeling gears.
A registry of customers and crew onboard is kept.
Customers should not share their gear with others, and they are responsible for cleaning their own gear.
Physical distancing is maintained while going in and out of the water. It is not allowed to have more than two people on the stern platform (lower back deck).
Ordering food onboard is from a set menu.
Equipment used in water sports activities such as in kite surfing, wind surfing, parasailing and water skiing are washed with water and left to dry in the sun for over 1 hour.

Desert Safari Trips:

Operating at 50% of the total capacity, maintaining regular disinfection of the vehicles used and all touch points, providing personal protection equipment to customers and staff, and ensuring safe physical distancing.
Wearing face masks is required for customers and staff.
Allowing only canned drinks and meals that are pre-prepared in establishments that acquired the "Hygiene Safety Certificate".

Regulations for Visiting Archeological Sites and Museums:

Disinfection of archeological sites and museums is carried out daily, before opening hours, under the supervision of a team of conservators and curators.
Temperature of visitors and employees is checked before entering archeological sites and museums.
Safe physical distancing is maintained (at least 1 meter).

Tourist groups shall not exceed 25 people (until further notice).
Tour guides are requiried to wear face masks and use audio equipment inside museums. Ear pieces are sterilized after each use.
Tourism companies provide face masks to tourists.
Physical distancing is maintained during visits to museums and archeological sites.
The maximum number of visitors allowed inside museums and indoor archeological sites is
- 200 visitors per hour in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, and 100 visitors per hour in all other museums,
- 10-15 visitors inside any pyramid or tomb (depending on its dimensions).

Regulations for the resumption of Tourism to Egypt are subject to regular review and update in light of new developments.