Greece to reopen for tourism on May 14

 

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theocharis said in the Greek Parliament on April 6: "We will open on May 14. We will open safely despite the danger." 

The third wave of cronavirus pandemic affected many European countries. Teocharis said in a speech before the Greek parliamentarians that in order to safely open its doors to international tourists this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing a plan that includes the following five lines of defense: Passengers should present their vaccination documents or a negative result of the coronavirus test upon arrival. Launch the "EVA" random control system at the border. Isolate the hotels so that people can stay in self-isolation. Workers’ vaccination will begin immediately after vaccination of vulnerable groups is completed. Observe strict compliance with health protocols. 

 

The Greek Minister of Tourism said: “Our country’s tourism opening plan is comprehensive.” He added, “This is a very detailed and balanced plan that can achieve safe tourism across the country.” The Greek government continues to implement lockdown restrictions to prevent a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections. 

Since the coronavirus outbreak, Greece has reported 281,570 cases of COVID-19 infection and 8,532 deaths.

Greece is one of the first European countries to support and initiate digital vaccination certificates for people who have received two doses of the vaccine against the disease. The initiative was confirmed by Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of Digital Governance. 

 

At the same time, the country’s authorities revealed that their goal is to vaccinate most citizens by the summer to revitalize the tourism industry and ease the travel process. 

However, despite the current COVID-19 situation, citizens of North Macedonia, Albania and Turkey will have an easier procedure when trying to enter Greece as Athens announced last month that it would lift restrictions on flights to the three neighboring countries.