Eiffel Tower in Paris reopens for visitors

By Shweta Desai

PARIS (AA) – The emblematic monument of the Paris skyline, Eiffel Tower, reopened its doors to visitors on Friday, eight months after it was shut down due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

"That's it ! After more than 8 months of closure I finally reopen my doors. It's so great to see you again," its official account tweeted.

Visitors can now once again reach the summit of the monument at 300 meters (985 feet), either by the staircase or lifts.

The site will be open seven days a week, all day from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Entry will be capped at 10,000 visitors per day, same as last year, as against 25,000 prior to March 2020 before the COVID-19 restrictions came into force.

Starting July 21, the government-mandated health pass proving one is vaccinated or has a negative COVID-19 test carried less than 48 hours ago, will be mandatory for all visitors aged 18 and above. Face masks will also be compulsory as per the current health measures.

Last year, lockdown restrictions by the French government on public places forced the busiest tourist site of the world to shut down from March 13 to June 25, and then again from Oct. 30 until now. This is the longest period that the landmark has been shut since World War II.