Travel to Greece as early as this summer!

The situation of the country since the beginning of the pandemic

Greece was able, from the very beginning of the pandemic, to adopt drastic decisions which have meant that today the damage has been less compared to other countries. Indeed, by implementing a strict lockdown, travel restrictions, mask-wearing, and a rapid closure of borders, the country can already consider a reopening to tourism for summer 2021.

Priority will be given to travelers coming from Europe and from countries where the health situation is optimal. All this will be supported by a vaccination program; indeed, about one tenth of the population has already been vaccinated, and this seems to be just the beginning.

4FR – On the island of Santorini

The purpose and functioning of the progressive reopening of borders

It was the Greek Minister of Tourism who, just a few days ago, spoke remotely at the ITB 2021 tourism fair, addressing the measures as well as the objectives of this reopening. The official date was revealed: it is therefore on May 14 that European travelers will be able to start coming to Greece.

As the minister made clear, the main goal remains to secure this return of tourism, and this thanks to various measures. First of all, in order to minimize risks, people involved in the tourism sector will be given priority for vaccination. In addition, anyone wishing to enter Greek territory will have to present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old and may be subject to a random test upon arrival at the airport. Nevertheless, if a traveler is able to show official proof of full vaccination, they should not have to take the PCR test. It is specified that vaccination will not be made mandatory for travel. In order to attract travelers and compensate for the economic shortfall created by the decline in tourism, the minister announced that he would offer health coverage to travelers. In the event that, during their stay, a tourist tests positive, the costs will be covered: quarantine including factors such as food, transportation, and a place to sleep (mainly in hotels mobilized for this occasion).

The main goals of the country are to recover a tourist population that will be a real economic asset for the country, as well as to create a wall of immunity by accelerating the vaccination process of the population (those over 60 should, according to estimates, all be vaccinated before May).

On March 18 at 1pm, a conference on tourism will be organized, especially for Greece-France stakeholders, which will address the different objectives for the future. It will take place online and will be partly presented by the director of the Greek Tourism Office in Paris (Dimitra Voziki).