As the world slowly opens up after months of COVID-19-related travel restrictions, Greece has announced its plan to welcome all tourists for summer 2021.
Picture yourself in Greece, gyros and Mythos in hand, looking over those classic white rooftops to the sparkling blue seas. There’s nothing quite like a Greek summer: the sun, sea, sites, food, and the lovely people. It might be hard to imagine right now, but recent announcements mean your Greek dream may soon become a reality.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant strict travel restrictions across the world. Visiting other countries for tourism has been off the cards for most, grounding flights and our hopes for international vacations. But as vaccine programs roll out across the globe and normality gradually resumes, some countries are looking at what could be possible for safe tourism in the near future. One country that seems to be leading the pack is Greece.
The country’s Tourism Minister, Harry Theoharis, said the government aspires for all tourists to be welcomed into Greece by May 14, with such strict safety protocols: “Tourists will be welcome if, before travel, they are either vaccinated or have antibodies or test negative.”
Still, each country will have its own rules on international travel and Theoharis emphasized, “I stress that these are indicative dates provided for guidance.”
Restrictions can change quickly in the ongoing circumstances but hopefully, that dream Greek summer may finally be within your reach.
How Will It Work?
All international travelers will be required to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test that was taken within 72 hours of traveling. Alternatively, travelers can use documentation to prove they have been vaccinated, or provide proof of antibodies against the virus if they have recently recovered.
Additionally, all tourists that enter Greece will be subject to random testing, just like last year. “An important difference this year is that we can use rapid tests,” Theoharis said, as he addressed the virtual ITB Berlin trade show from the Athens Acropolis Museum. If a traveler tests positive, they will need to isolate immediately.
