More than six months after it was closed down for visitors, Taj Mahal and Agra Fort will be opened for tourists from September 21. The monuments were closed to the public since a nationwide lockdown was imposed in March to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

Only 5,000 visitors will be permitted to enter Taj Mahal, while the number of visitors is limited to 2,500 in Agra Fort. Tourists will have to purchase tickets online as ticket counters won’t be open. They also have to adhere to all government norms, including physical distancing, sanitisation of hands, and face masks.

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Tickets can be purchased through the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) phone app. Taj Mahal will remain closed on Fridays and Sundays and Agra Fort will remain shut on Sundays. According to ASI data, around 70 lakh people visit the Taj Mahal each year, and 30 lakh visit the Agra Fort.

According to the Unlock 4 guidelines issued on August 30, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has permitted social, academic, sports, entertainment functions and other congregations with up to 100 people from September 21. The guidelines have also permitted to partially re-open the schools, on a voluntary basis for Classes 9 to 12.