Greece intends to open its borders to foreign tourists from May 14, said the country’s tourism minister, Haris Theocharis.
As reported by Kathimerini, the minister said this, speaking from Athens in the framework of the world’s largest tourism exhibition ITB in Berlin.
“We are more than optimistic, we are ready,” the minister said.
According to him, Greece is ready to welcome all tourists if they were vaccinated against coronavirus, have antibodies to the virus, or test negative for COVID-19.
Theocharis said that upon arrival in the country, tourists will be selectively tested for coronavirus using express tests. If the results are positive, the infected people will be quarantined immediately. All medical expenses will be covered by the Greek state.
According to the minister, the Greek government will give special priority to vaccinating workers from the tourism sector and will oblige sector employees to undergo regular testing.
Theocharis said that by May 14, the government will begin to gradually lift coronavirus restrictions.
Tourism-dependent Greece is lobbying for the introduction of a vaccination passport in the EU in order to unblock travel. The tourism industry accounts for about a fifth of the Greek economy.
We will remind, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic said that the mechanism of “vaccination passports” in the EU for the restoration of travel will be ready in May.
