This means that travelers will no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test on entry. According to executives of Marketing Greece and the Hellenic National Tourism Organization (EOT), the country’s Committee of Health Experts proposed to the government that the entry requirements be lifted during a meeting on Thursday. A government statement issued last night states: “At today’s meeting, the Committee of Experts of the Ministry of Health unanimously recommended: Suspension of the Covid pass from May 1 and return of capacity to 100%. Suspension of the EUDCC certificate at the entrances of the country. The Commission proposal is accepted by the government and the details will be clarified in the new Joint Ministerial Decision on [be] was issued. “ From Sunday, unvaccinated visitors can enter the country without a pre-trip test – a measure Greece has held in place for many months. However, Health Minister Thanos Plevris said yesterday that the rules regarding the use of masks indoors could remain for longer. When asked on television when masks could be made optional, he said: “We do not know. It is possible not to lift the measure of using the mask indoors, because the mask is a gentle measure. “What we are proposing is that the masks indoors will continue in May and then, based on the epidemiological picture in the country, decisions will be made in June.” Earlier this month, Mr Plevris announced on television that Covid cases had dropped far enough in the country to “proceed with the suspension of protection measures that took effect on May 1st”. Many understood that this meant all the remaining Covid measures, but in the coming weeks, a tourism official made it clear that mask use (indoors) would remain in place until at least June. Earlier this week, however, tourism officials continued to say that no formal announcement had been made about relaxing entry rules for holidaymakers, suggesting there was a good chance the rules would remain in place until May. Tourism agencies have now confirmed the easing of border rules from May 1, although ministers call it a “suspension” for the summer and not a definitive end to the rules. Mr Plevris says mandatory mask restrictions will be reviewed before June, while loose rules will generally be reviewed shortly before September. At present, travelers must wear a mask in all indoor public areas, including public transport and taxis. Fully vaccinated Britons traveling to Greece today or tomorrow, before the May 1st rule change, will have to download their Covid Pass ready to show up at the border. Those who are not fully vaccinated should test negative for PCR from a test performed 72 hours before arrival. Valid proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the previous 180 days is also accepted. Those who use a vaccine certificate to enter the country must make sure that their second vaccine is “up to date”. recognized as fully vaccinated. There is no expiration date for boosters at this time.
