Greece to raise seven-day quarantine soon

Friday, April 16, 2021

For visitors from the European Union, Greece is planning to raise seven-day quarantine that was compulsory. Along with EU, five other countries including the US and UK are also in the list next week.

The decision of April 19th is part of a slow re-opening process of tourism that’s one of the most important sectors in the country, accounting for about a fifth of the economy of Greece and over a quarter of job opportunity. Revenue from tourism in 2020 dropped by 76% as governments closed their international borders and inflicted lockdowns to restrain the virus spread.

For visitors from the US, UK, Serbia, Israel and United Arab Emirates, Greece will not impose isolation. However, they still require producing a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test from within 72 hours before arrival.

A return of virus cases has impacted many European countries where a vaccine-rollout plan is at an early stage. The U.K. is further advanced with inoculations, but is hesitant on confirming that citizens will be allowed to resume leisure travel from May 17.

A Greek government spokeswoman confirmed the plans, without mentioning the affected countries.

“It’s a pilot opening, a mini pilot implementation of the green pass,” Aristotelia Peloni said in a briefing Thursday. “Visitors will be subject to the same restrictions as Greek citizens.”

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek Prime Minister, was the first leader in Europe to request for a vaccine passport that will make travelling hassle-free for those who have been inoculated. Also, Tourism Minister, Haris Theoharis, is visiting Russia to meet with government officials ahead of this year’s tourism season.

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