Egypt scraps tourist visa fees as flights start from July 1 – despite coronavirus cases still climbing
EGYPT has suspended visa fees for tourist destinations until October as flights are set to resume from next month, in a bid to encourage tourists to return.
However, cases of coronavirus continue to climb across the country.
Today, 1,475 new cases have been confirmed, taking the total in Egypt to 55,233 and 2,193 deaths.
To encourage holidaymakers to return, visas for South Sinai, where the popular Sharm El-Sheikh is located, Marsa Matrouh and the Red Sea, home to Hurghada, will no longer cost.
Tourist visas, which usually cost £20, will be free until October 31.
International flights to the country are to resume from July 1, although Brits are yet to be allowed to travel abroad according to the UK government's advice.
With a two-week quarantine when returning to the UK as well, Brit may be wary about heading abroad any time soon.
More than 260 hotels and resorts are also being issued hygiene safety certificates in Egypt, proving they have sufficient measures in place to allow tourists to safely return.
Hotels will only be able to operate at 50 per cent capacity, and must have a clinic and doctor on-site.
Guests must be registered online and workers have to undergo rapid coronavirus tests when entering resorts, while a hotel floor or small building must be assigned as a quarantine area for positive or suspected coronavirus cases.
Resorts are not permitted to host weddings or parties, organise entertainment activities, serve shisha water pipes or offer open buffets.
Hotel restaurants will depend instead on pre-set menus and wider spaces between tables.
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Other countries are introducing strict measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Turkey is fining anyone without a face mask on £100, with 81 provinces enforcing the strict rules.
Spain, Greece and Portugal may be on the cards for holidays this year as they all discuss an air bridge agreement with the UK.