Greece has announced that it will soon drop quarantine requirements for visitors from more than 30 nations, including the US and UK, provided they have tested negative for COVID-19 or prove they’ve been fully vaccinated against the disease. It is also planning to gradually lift restrictions, if conditions allow.
From April 19, travelers from across the European Union and five other countries, including the UK, US, Israel, Serbia and the United Arab Emirates will no longer have to quarantine upon arrival in Greece if they can show proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 vaccine, or present a negative result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. The move comes as Greece prepares to open its tourism sector on May 14, according to Reuters.
Welcoming visitors back is important to the country © PNIK/Shutterstock
Welcoming visitors back is important to the country, as its tourism sector accounts for about a fifth of Greece’s economy. It has a population of 11 million, and Germany is its biggest market for visitors followed by the UK.
Under current regulations, all visitors arriving in Greece must present negative tests and then quarantine for seven days. Local lockdown rules have been in place across Greece since November as the country entered a second wave of the pandemic. Last month, however, tourism minister, Haris Theoharis, indicated that once elderly and vulnerable people are vaccinated, it will begin vaccinating those working in the tourism sector as it ramps up efforts to welcome visitors back.
Travelers should note that they must follow local public health guidelines even if they have tested negative or have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Greece is a great destination for foodies as it was named Best Food Destination in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2021. It has been promoting locally-sourced ingredients for centuries thanks to its age-old habit of growing vegetables, harvesting olives for oil and utilizing every type of produce imaginable. Over the last decade, it has increased organic food production by 51%. And today, organic markets and island seafood make it an unintentional leader of the world’s most sustainable food.
This article was first published in March 2021 and last updated in April 2021.
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