Egypt: Complete Guide to Entering the Country

Egypt has set a schedule for the resumption of tourism in light of the new standards established. This was preceded by the complete disinfection of all accommodation facilities (hotels and restaurants), archaeological sites, and museums, along with the necessary training and awareness programs for employees and workers in the tourism sector.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in coordination with the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Ministry of Health and Population, and the Egyptian Tourism Federation, has presented this guide to outline hygiene safety regulations in accommodation facilities, tourist activities, archaeological sites, museums, airports, and onboard Egyptian aircraft.

Summary

May 15 / June 1, 2020

Egypt has begun gradually reopening 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 increased to 50% on June 1, 2020. In collaboration with tourism chambers and international consulting firms specializing in hygiene, MoTA conducts periodic inspections of certified accommodation facilities to ensure effective implementation of the established standards.

From July 1, 2020

Egypt will receive inbound tourism in certified hotels and resorts located in coastal governorates (Red Sea, South Sinai, and Matrouh) with a maximum occupancy of 50%. These three governorates have had excellent epidemiological results and are equipped with hospitals (public and private). It is important to remember that travel between these three governorates and other governorates in Egypt is not permitted (until further notice).

Museums and archaeological sites, closed since March 23, 2020, will gradually reopen. The regulations for the resumption of tourism in Egypt mentioned in this document are subject to regular review and updates based on new developments.

What to do before your trip to Egypt

Pre-boarding

Travelers must have a completed “Traveler Declaration” form before receiving the boarding pass. It includes a questionnaire asking for information on: a) travels of a person in the 14 days prior to the visit to Egypt; b) confirmation that the traveler has shown no COVID-19 related symptoms in the 14 days prior to the trip; c) confirmation that the traveler has not knowingly been in contact with COVID-19 patients in the 14 days prior to the trip; d) traveler’s declaration that they will inform hotel management or the doctor if they develop COVID-19 symptoms during their stay in Egypt; e) traveler’s declaration that they possess valid international health insurance covering their stay in Egypt.

The declaration forms are available through Egyptian tourism companies, their international counterparts, and at this link: http://egypt.travel/media/2364/declaration_form.pdf

Only travelers arriving from countries declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have a severe COVID-19 epidemic level are required to present a recent PCR test result (performed in their country of origin within 48 hours before travel) upon entry into Egypt; the list of such countries will be regularly updated and communicated.

On board Egyptian airlines

Aircraft are thoroughly disinfected before each flight.
Wearing masks inside the aircraft (passengers and flight attendants) is mandatory.
Only dry meals and canned beverages are served.
Universal protective kits containing disinfectants, gloves, and masks are available (stocked with the crew).
Distribution of printed publications (newspapers, magazines, etc.) is prohibited onboard.
A specific area is assigned on the aircraft for passengers with chronic illnesses who are unable to wear masks for long periods.
The last two rows of the aircraft are reserved for passengers showing symptoms of illness during the flight. An assigned flight attendant will attend to them, and a separate toilet will be provided for their use.

Arrival at Egyptian airports

Regular sterilization and disinfection of airports are carried out.
Employees and staff are required to follow all health and safety protocols.
Wearing masks is mandatory in all airport areas.
Social distancing must be maintained.
Temperature checks are performed for all travelers and airport personnel.
Luggage is disinfected before being placed on the conveyor belt.

General rules for accommodation facilities, archaeological sites, and museums in Egypt

Operational regulations

Obtaining the “Hygiene Safety Certificate” issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population and the relevant Tourism Chamber, and adhering to new established standards, are prerequisites for the operation of accommodation facilities.
Regular monitoring of accommodation facilities will be conducted by joint committees between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the competent Tourism Chamber, and international consulting companies specializing in hygiene.
Violating any of the established standards will result in license suspension of the facility.
The manager responsible for hospitality will sign a declaration of responsibility regarding the established standards, and any violation will result in severe sanctions.
Information about hygiene and safety standards will be made available to all guests and visitors of the facility.

Cleaning and disinfection

Regular disinfection of all public areas and contact points is performed.
Hand disinfectants are placed in all locations.
Regular cleaning of furniture and fabrics in hotels and tourist facilities is carried out.
Proper ventilation is maintained, respecting the requirements of the Ministry of Health and Population regarding centralized air conditioning.
Safe waste disposal according to guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Environment is required.
Daily disinfection of laundry sinks is performed.

Restrooms

Regular disinfection of restrooms and all contact points is carried out.
Adequate ventilation is maintained.
Disinfectants and liquid soap are constantly available.
Only paper towels are provided.
Foot-pedal trash bins are used exclusively.

Elevators

Social distancing inside elevators is maintained with floor markings.
Elevator staff and guests must wear masks inside the elevator.
Regular disinfection of elevators and all contact points inside is performed.

Hygiene and safety measures for staff members of accommodation facilities, archaeological sites, and museums

Facilities operate with a maximum of 50% of their total workforce (until further notice).
Staff members in coastal governorates are quarantined after returning from leave, with at least a 60-day interval between departures.
Staff temperatures are checked daily.
Separate accommodations are provided for hotel staff, considering social distancing and providing isolation areas for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases among staff (only mild cases).
Staff with contagious or chronic illnesses should not be employed.
Staff are trained and educated about COVID-19 symptoms and preventive measures.
Hotel management must be immediately informed if any staff or guests exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.
Staff are equipped with personal protective equipment (including disinfectants, masks, etc.).
Wearing masks during working hours is compulsory.

Hotel regulations

Guest reception

Guests will have their temperatures checked each time they enter the hotel.
Luggage is disinfected before check-in.
Floor markings are placed to allow social distancing.
Electronic payment is encouraged.

Accommodation

Room capacity is 2 adults + 2 children (under 12 years).
Personal protection kits (including masks, gloves, and hand disinfectants) 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.
Sheets and towels are washed at high temperatures.

Gyms and wellness centers

Contact points and surfaces are regularly cleaned and disinfected, and equipment is adequately distanced.
Showers are not allowed in gyms or wellness centers.
The use of Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, and massages is suspended until further notice.

Swimming pools and beaches at hotels

Pools and beaches are open to guests.
Regular disinfection of pools is performed.
Cleaning of the surrounding area of the beach and pool (including tables, sun loungers, beds, etc.) after each use, as well as before and after working hours.
Sun loungers are placed 2 meters apart.
Beach and pool towels are delivered to rooms.
Recreational activities on beaches and in pools are reduced.

Casino

Casino operations within hotels may operate at 50% capacity, with regular disinfection of the area and contact points, providing protective devices to guests, and ensuring safe social distancing.

Parties and social events

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

Clinics and hospitals

Hotels have an on-call doctor and a clinic.
Well-equipped hospitals (public and private) are nearby.

Handling tourists in hotels who test positive for COVID-19

Tourists must immediately inform hotel management or the doctor if they exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.
Hotel management must report any positive case to the Ministry of Health and Population.
A designated plan in each hotel (or nearby area) is assigned for quarantine of minor, non-critical, or suspected cases.
The hotel will cover accommodation, food, and beverage costs for mild and non-critical COVID-19 positive tourists.
Rooms occupied by guests testing positive for COVID-19 will undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection without hotel quarantine.
Critical cases of tourists testing positive will be hospitalized.
The Ministry of Health and Population will cover care and treatment costs for tourists testing positive for COVID-19 until full recovery.
Close contacts sharing the room with the positive case will receive free medical assessment from the Ministry of Health and Population and should adhere to all precautionary measures. They are authorized to stay at the hotel at no additional cost (if they wish).
Tourists testing positive for COVID-19 who wish to return to their home country should coordinate with their travel agent and follow all precautionary measures established by the Ministry of Health and Population.
Tourists testing positive for COVID-19 may take an alternative flight, coordinated with their travel agent, in case of arrival by charter flight. For those arriving with Egyptian airlines, the alternative flight will be provided (on the same originally booked airline) without penalty.

Restaurants (inside and outside hotels)

Dining room
The queue at the entrance is reduced prior reservation (via electronic apps, phone, or other means).
Temperature of each guest is checked before entering.
Electronic payment is encouraged.
Open buffet is not allowed. Served buffet is permitted while maintaining safe social distancing.
Tables are placed 2 meters apart, with 1 meter between people at the same table, with a maximum of 6 people per table.
Use of disposable cutlery (as much as possible).
Hand disinfectants are placed on tables.
Cloth tablecloths are changed and thoroughly washed after each use.
Hookah (Shisha) is prohibited.
Parties and social events are not permitted in restaurants.
Children’s areas are closed.
Takeaway service is authorized while maintaining social distancing. Customers are limited to just ordering, paying, and waiting outside the restaurant for their order.
Kitchens
Kitchens are thoroughly cleaned, properly ventilated, and disinfected daily.
Staff maintains social distancing in kitchens.
Workers adhere to all hygiene standards (wearing masks and gloves, washing hands constantly with water and soap).
Compliance with international food safety and quality standards.
Only pedal bins are used.

All the operational regulations cited above for hotels and restaurants also apply to Eco-lodges.

Regulation of tourism activities in Egypt

Staff

All staff are trained and educated on COVID-19 symptoms and necessary preventive measures.
Staff temperatures are checked daily.
Wearing masks is mandatory.
Employees working in cleaning, kitchen, fuel station, maintenance, and diving equipment cleaning must wear gloves.
Breaks between shifts are at least 60 days apart.

Diving centers, snorkeling, and water sports

Presence of hand disinfectants.
Use of disposable pens.
Only staff and divers are allowed onboard.
Encourage electronic and online payments.
Tables are placed 2 meters apart, and chairs are 1 meter apart inside preparation rooms.
Clients are encouraged to use their own diving and snorkeling equipment.
Regular cleaning of surfaces and contact points using sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and 70% alcohol.
Informative and multilingual signs on preventive and precautionary COVID-19 measures are placed around.
A register of clients and crew onboard is maintained.

Disinfection of diving, snorkeling, and water sports equipment

All equipment (regulators, masks, snorkels, BCDs, wetsuits) are disinfected by immersing in water containing 10% chlorine bleach, adding a quarter cup of bleach to 4.95 liters of water. For 5% bleach solution, half a cup of bleach is added to 4.9 liters of water.

All gear is cleaned and disinfected after each use. Equipment not cleaned is kept separate from clean gear.
Water sports activities require frequent gear changes.
Clients should not share gear with others and are responsible for cleaning their own equipment.
Equipment used in activities like kite surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, and water skiing is washed with water and left to dry in the sun for over an hour.

Onboard Safari boats or day boats

Boats are authorized to operate at 50% capacity.
Guests’ temperatures are checked before boarding.
Wearing masks is mandatory.
Regular cleaning of contact surfaces and points using sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and 70% alcohol.
Guests are encouraged to use their own towels, cutlery, and dishes onboard.
Disposable cutlery is used.
Social distancing is maintained during entry and exit from the water. No more than two people are allowed on the stern platform (lower rear deck).
First aid kits, antipyretics, and suitable protective devices are provided.
Food orders are made from a fixed menu (kitchens onboard will follow the above-mentioned standards).

Precautionary measures when a COVID-19 positive is onboard a boat or “Liveaboard”

A quarantine cabin is reserved onboard all boats, avoiding the cabin near the emergency exit.
If a guest or crew shows COVID-19 symptoms, they must inform the crew and immediately isolate in the designated quarantine cabin.
The use of air conditioning in cabins is minimized to allow fresh air to circulate regularly.

2 – Tourist shops

Gloves and masks are provided to customers and disposed of safely.
Floor markings are placed to maintain social distancing.
Signs instructing customers not to touch displayed items are placed inside the shop.

Transport regulations for tourists (bus, limousine, golf cart) in Egypt

Operate at a maximum of 50% capacity, leaving a seat free beside each passenger on buses and golf carts, with a maximum of 2 passengers in a limousine.
Passengers are not allowed to sit in the front seats of limousines and golf carts.
Hand sanitizers are provided; proper cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation are performed before and after each trip.
Passengers and drivers must wear masks during travel.

Rules for visiting archaeological sites and museums in Egypt

Disinfection of archaeological sites and museums is performed daily, before opening hours, under the supervision of a specialized team.
Temperatures of workers and employees are checked daily.
Visitors’ temperatures are checked before accessing archaeological sites and museums.
Floor markings are placed to ensure social distancing.

Tour groups and excursions in Egypt

Tour groups must not exceed 25 persons (until further notice). Tour guides are required to wear masks and use wireless microphones inside museums. Headsets are sterilized after each use.
Tour operators should provide masks for tourists and companions.
Distancing is maintained during visits to museums and archaeological sites.
The maximum number of visitors allowed inside museums and archaeological sites is:
200 visitors per hour at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and 100 visitors per hour at other museums.
10-15 visitors inside any pyramid or tomb (depending on size).
School, university, and government organization trips must be communicated to archaeological sites and museum management at least 48 hours in advance, with no more than 15 persons plus a supervisor per trip and no more than 5 trips per day.

Tourism operator incentives

Tourists arriving directly to the Red Sea, South Sinai, Matrouh, Luxor, and Aswan governorates are exempt from visa fees until October 31, 2020.
The current flight incentive program has been extended until October 29, 2020.
Air fuel prices are reduced by 10 cents per gallon.
A 50% discount on landing and parking fees at airports in tourist governorates is granted until October 31, 2020.
A 20% discount on ground assistance fees at airports in tourist governorates is granted until October 31, 2020.
Tourists arriving aboard EgyptAir and Air Cairo will enjoy a 20% discount on entrance fees to all archaeological sites and museums of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

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