Egypt launches new pass for Giza an Cairo archaeological sites

CAIRO- 19 July 2017: The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities launched a new pass for foreigners to use to visit all archeological sites in both Cairo and Giza called ‘Cairo Pass’ on Wednesday.

The pass will give access to all archeological sites including Islamic, Coptic, ancient Egyptian and all museums in both governorates for a period of five days, according to the Ministry’s statement.

Foreigners may acquire the newly launched pass, at the Cultural Relations Department at the Ministry of Antiquities found in Zamalek and ticket outlets found in the Giza Plateau, Egyptian Museum, and Salah El Din Citadel, by showing their passport, student card if necessary, and a personal photo.

The new pass costs $ 80 for foreigners and will cost $ 40 for foreign students. The idea behind this program is similar to the Luxor Pass that was announced last year as part of the ministry’s plan to increase revenues through a wider promotion of archeological sites.

The Luxor Pass included two categories; one which permitted access to all sites, museums, and royal tombs and used to cost $ 200 for foreigners and $ 100 for students, while the second category cost $ 100 for foreigners and $ 50 for students and excluded access to the royal tombs.

The Ministry has previously also launched similar passes, such as the Annual Visitors Pass which allows access to all archeological sites and museums nationwide. The passes were available for foreign diplomats and foreigners who work in Egypt at a cost of $ 340 that allowed access to the royal tombs, and $ 240 without the royal tombs.

These passes were also available for Egyptians and Arabs residing in the country at a cost of EGP 400 and EGP 100 for university students, while senior Egyptian citizens and school trips were allowed free-entry.