Greece wants to welcome UK tourists as early as May
A Greek minister says the country hopes to welcome tourists from May 14
Last updated 10th Mar 2021
A minister in Greece says they are aiming to reopen its borders to UK tourists as early as mid-May.
Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis said the country hopes to welcome foreign tourists from May 14, depending on the status of the coronavirus pandemic.
During a virtual appearance at travel trade show ITB Berlin, Mr Theoharis commented: “We are approaching the exit from this dark tunnel thanks to the power of the human spirit and the progress of science.
“Please allow me to emphasise that no image could better portray the return to the normality of tourism than the Greek smile, the Greek landscape, the Greek hospitality.
“Regarding 2021, in Greece we are more than optimistic.
“We are ready, we are ready to share the experience of liberation from the unpleasant memories of the pandemic with each and every one of our guests.”
There will be Covid-19 checks
Visitors will be required to have been vaccinated, had a recent negative Covid-19 test or have coronavirus antibodies, Haris Theoharis explained.
A “pilot” reopening of borders is likely to take place early next month, he added.
When will the UK government allow foreign holidays?
People living in England could be permitted to take foreign holidays from May 17 under Boris Johnson’s road map for easing coronavirus restrictions.
The Government’s Global Travel Taskforce will provide a report to the Prime Minister on April 12 setting out recommendations for how and when overseas leisure trips could resume.
The Scottish government is yet to set out potential dates for allowing foreign travel, but it's hoped that restrictions on travelling around Scotland could be lifted in the next few weeks.
However back in February Nicola Sturgeon said that summer holidays abroad are highly unlikely this year.
It's a similar situation in Wales and Northern Ireland where the devolved administrations have not yet set out planned dates for the return of foreign holidays.
Greece is one of the most popular summer destinations for UK holidaymakers, usually receiving three million visits each year from Brits.
The lockdown easing dates Boris Johnson announced
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.