What is the allowed number of visitors to Egypt’s museums and archaeological sites?

CAIRO – 9 July 2020: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities reopened a number of archaeological museums after they had been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 epidemic. 

The reopening took place early July 2020, and visitors flocked to these site. ET reviews the procedures and the number of individuals allowed during visits.

How many archaeological sites and museums have been re-opened?

A total of five museums and eight archaeological sites have been reopened to receive the public in various parts of Egypt, coinciding with the resumption of the inbound tourist movement to Egypt, and in preparation for the gradual opening thereafter.

Are these sites and museums sterilized daily?

Archaeological sites and museums are sterilized daily before they open for visits, under the supervision of a team of restorers, secretaries and antiquities inspectors.

What precautions are taken in archaeological areas?

Temperature of employees is measured daily, temperature of visitors is measured prior to entry, social distancing is applied, and wearing face masks and gloves is obligatory.

How is social distancing applied?

By placing stickers on the ground to mark appropriate spaces between visitors in rows, in addition to determining the appropriate number of visitors in each site according to its nature.

What is the maximum number of visitors per visit?

A group of visitors must not exceed 25 individuals, until further notice.

What is the maximum number of visitors in the same location?

• Egyptian Museum in Tahrir: 200 visitors per hour.

• Other Museums: 100 visitors per hour.

• Ten to fifteen visitors only are allowed per visit to the inside of any pyramid or ancient cemetery according to its area.

How to deal with tour guides?

The tour guide must commit to wearing a face mask at all times, and to communicate with visitors using the speakers in the museum. Headsets must be sterilized after each use. Touristic companies must provide face masks for visitors and their accompanying guides.

Are there rules for student trips?

Universities and government agencies must notify archaeological sites and museums 48 hours before the date of the visit, provided that the number of individuals per trip does not exceed 15 individuals with each supervisor. A maximum of five school trips are allowed per day.