Egypt reveals plans to reopen select tourist destinations to international charter flights starting July 1. Travellers across the world will be allowed to return to popular yet remote attractions, sparingly hit by the virus. Meanwhile, did you know The 5000-Year-Old Tomb Of Queen Meresankh III In Egypt Is Now Offering A Free Virtual Tour?
Egypt To Reopen Select Attractions From 1 July
Southern part of the Sinai Peninsula, home to the major resort and beach destination of Sharm el Sheikh, the Red Sea resort areas of Hurghada and Marsa Alam, as well as Marsa Matrouh, on the Mediterranean coast will reopen to tourists.
However, Cairo airport will remain closed to international commercial flights util further notice. Further, public parks and beaches will also remain closed until end of June 2020. Besides, curfew timings in Egypt has been reduced from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., starting 14 June 2020. Hotels following social distancing rules and other precautionary measure reopened to domestic tourists last week.
The decision comes even as Cairo continues its battle against Covid. Many people even complain about not being able to find beds in hospitals. So far, the Health Ministry has recorded 39,000 cases in Egypt, including 1,377 deaths.
About 12% of Egypt’s economy relies on tourism and the government fears a prolonged lockdown might leave it irreparable. Empty hotels and grounded flights have taken a heavy toll on tourism. In case you plan a trip to Egypt, once this is all over, take a look at this 7-Day Itinerary To Egypt. On that note, Iceland too is planning to welcome tourists from June 15.
While Egypt is reopening remote attractions, a few other countries are also opening up for tourism rather cautiously. Here are Places That Are Opening Up For Tourism Again.
Flights To Egypt
To help stranded Egyptians get home, Emirates plans to operate four flights between Dubai and Cairo on 14,18,19 and 21 June. Customers can also connect to these flights in Dubai from any destination on Emirates‘ current network of 30 destinations in the GCC, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. Flights can be booked on emirates.com, via travel agents, Emirates sales office and contact centre.
Only Egyptian citizens and those who meet the entry requirements of the destination will be allowed to board. Passengers will be required to comply with all requirements of the destination country.
Travellers from the UAE should arrive at Dubai International airport Terminal 3 for check-in, three hours before departure. Emirates‘ check-in counters will only process passengers holding confirmed bookings.
Meanwhile, Bali Might Welcome Tourists By October and if you plan a trip to this paradise, do check out this 8-day itinerary for Bali.