An update from Greece
Six months after the end of the 2020 holiday season, I am, today, writing to you from Corfu, where the team and I are putting the finishing touches to our plans for summer 2021. My journey is timely with Greece not only celebrating Easter but also easing its own winter lockdown to prepare to greet its visitors – It is a day that I have waited ‘patiently’ for… or if truth be told, ‘impatiently’.
Firstly, I want to share my respect for Greece’s handling of the pandemic. The country has fought hard to minimise the spread of the Covid-19 and has imposed some of the strictest lockdowns in Europe over the winter. The goal, alongside that of protecting its citizens (always the priority), was to ensure that the country would be in a position to welcome visitors and generate a much-needed boost to the economy. And, ready they are!
On Monday 03 May, tavernas and cafes opened for business, and on the 15th May organised beach facilities will reopen. Greece and the Greek people are renowned for their hospitality and warmth of welcome, I can say filoxenia is greater - and the smiles broader - than ever.
Today, the UK government published its long awaited roadmap for the reopening of overseas travel. Greece has been categorised as 'Amber' with the following requirements (synopsis below):
- All travellers to Greece are required to take a PCR Covid-19 test within 72 hours of travel and to complete a Passenger Locator Form. Travellers issued with both vaccinations (received more than 14 days prior to travel) will be permitted travel without the need for a PCR test once the method of certification has been agreed by both governments.
- A Coronavirus test (PCR, LAMP or Antigen) carried out by a clinician 72 hours or less before your flight back to the UK departs. The test must meet the performance standards set by the UK government.
- A 10-day period of self-isolation on return to the UK plus a PCR test taken on/before Day 2 and on/after Day 8 is required
The categorisation will be updated on 28 May.
Whether you travel in the next month, months ahead, next year or sometime in the future with us, our promise will remain the same: to offer service with a human touch; fairness in all our dealings; to share our passion and knowledge with you and, most of all, introduce you to lesser-known destinations that you will invariably fall in love with.
We look forward to welcoming you to Greece and fulfilling your holiday dreams.
