Greece will open to tourists on July 1 with no prior COVID-19 test required

·

Greece’s long-awaited tourist season will officially begin on June 15 with the opening of seasonal hotels, while international flights will begin heading directly for holiday destinations as of July 1, the government said on Wednesday.

In an address to the nation, the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said tourists will be allowed to enter Greece without taking a coronavirus test or remaining in quarantine, but health officials will conduct spot tests when required.

“Our visitors will undergo test sampling and our general health protocols will be observed, which will not overshadow, however, either our bright sun or the natural beauty of Greece,” Mitsotakis said.

“Our weapon is the passport of security, reliability and health that our country has won. Its great fame. The shield of health in every place of hospitality. And of course, the passion of the Greek who is always inspired by the hospitality of the Greek god of Zeus.”

Elaborating on Mitsotakis’ announcement, Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis said flights will initially only land in Athens’ International Airport when services resume on June 15 but will eventually extend to all the airports as of July 1.

“The first tourists will be from countries where epidemiological data is encouraging such as the Balkans (Bulgaria) and countries in northern Europe, such as Germany,” Theoharis said.

Theoharis also stressed authorities will boost the healthcare capacity of several tourist destinations by providing tests and doctors, as well as an operational plan for the handling of possible infections (a hotel doctor, quarantine areas and transfer to a health facility).

READ MORE: Strict new rules for hotels in Greece as they prepare to reopen on June 1.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Derrimut 24:7 Gym owner Nikolaos Solomos promotes memberships amid ATO wind-up order

Days after the ATO ordered the wind-up of Derrimut 24:7 Gym, owner Nikolaos Solomos appeared in a video promoting $99 one-year memberships.

SA musician Kiki Courtidis pleads guilty to airport theft, faces false ID charges

Adelaide musician Kiki Courtidis has apologised after pleading guilty to stealing books from a retailer at Adelaide Airport.

Basil Zempilas walks tightrope between gun owners and tougher regulations in WA

WA’s Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has refused to say whether he supports the state government’s strict firearms regulations.

Court hears case of George Plassaras injured in $1m Rolls-Royce crash

Sydney chauffeur George Plassaras is at the centre of a high-profile court case after suffering horrific injuries in a head-on collision.

NBL cancels Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament’s Monday fixture in Sydney

The National Basketball League has announced the cancellation of the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament event on Monday, September 22.

You May Also Like

Meet the Greek Australian doctor fighting to save Indigenous children’s lives

Professor Jonathan Carapetis, renowned paediatrician and infectious disease expert, hopes to close the health gap for Indigenous children.

Tribute show for Mimis Plessas and Giorgos Zambetas to be held in Sydney

A tribute show for Mimis Plessas and Giorgos Zambetas will take place on Sunday, April 2 at the Factory Theatre in Sydney.

Life of Byron: A story of struggle, strength and a clash of modernity with tradition

The Life of Byron was a journey which resonated with me from the start. A story of struggle, strength & a clash of modernity with tradition.