Yahoo News What are the rules for travelling to Greece this summer?
Greece remains on the UK government’s “amber” list of countries as travel restrictions continue to ease throughout England.
Ancient monuments, delicious food and around 200 (populated) islands to explore mean that Greece has long been a firm favourite with British holidaymakers.
And with tourism accounting for 20 per cent of GDP and providing one in five jobs, it’s unsurprising that the European country has been at the forefront of campaigns to let international tourism resume this summer.
So, is a Greek getaway likely this summer? Here’s everything you need to know.
Can British holidaymakers travel to Greece this summer?
Greek tourism minister Harry Theoharis confirmed that the country would open to tourism on 14 May, with security protocols and testing in place.
Quarantine regulations are now lifted for fully vaccinated travellers and those who have tested negative for Covid.
What will travel to an amber list country entail?
Holidaymakers travelling to Greece are expected to provide either proof of full vaccination completed at least 14 days before travel, a negative PCR Covid test taken within 72 hours of their arrival, or a negative rapid antigen test taken within the 48 hours before a scheduled flight, to be allowed into the country.
Greece will also accept proof of recovery from Covid-19 for entry, including evidence of a positive Covid-19 PCR test result taken between 30 to 180 days prior to your trip.
Anyone travelling to Greece must comply with the Greek authorities’ requirements, including completion of a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before you travel (both into and out of Greece).
Upon arrival to the UK from an amber list country, travellers must self-isolate at home for 10 days, plus pay to take two PCR tests: one on day two and one on day eight.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed that double-jabbed Britons can swerve quarantine when returning from “amber list” destinations from 19 July, however.
The move will allow fully vaccinated travellers to holiday across key European destinations, in a boost to the travel industry.
Will I need to have been vaccinated to visit Greece?
No. A negative Covid test, or proof of recovery from Covid (see above) will also be accepted.
What rules and restrictions are currently in place in Greece?
Covid-19 restrictions throughout the Greek mainland and islands remain under constant review.
At present, you must wear a face mask in all indoor public and communal spaces, including work-places and on public transport.
The vast majority of hotels, restaurants, shops, beaches and tourist sites are open to visitors.
What is the current Covid-19 status in Greece?
Covid-19 infection rates are rising throughout Greece, with 2,400 new cases reported on average each day – the highest daily average reported since 5 April. Around 43 per cent of the population have been vaccinated.
On 12 July, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced mandatory vaccinations for certain workers to contain the spread of the virus.
“The country will not shut down again because of some,” he said. “It is not Greece that is in danger, but unvaccinated Greeks.”
As part of the new measures, only vaccinated customers will be allowed indoors in bars, cinemas, theatres and other closed spaces, he said.
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