Travel

Greece U-turns to let in Brits in but Spain says UK’s coronavirus record ‘must improve’ before we’re allowed back


GREECE has said it will now allow Brit tourists, despite having previously banned visitors from the UK.

The holiday hotspot is opening up to tourists again on June 15 with strict quarantine – but Spain said Brit tourists could have longer until the situation here improves.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

 Brits could soon be able to visit the Greek island of Rhodes

3

Brits could soon be able to visit the Greek island of RhodesCredit: Getty – Contributor
 A trip to Majorca might have to wait a while longer

3

A trip to Majorca might have to wait a while longerCredit: Getty – Contributor

Greece has managed to contain the spread of coronavirus infections to just below 3,000 cases but it brought the tourism sector to a virtual standstill.

An initial list of countries whose citizens were allowed to visit after June 15 didn’t include the UK.

But Greek authorities have said they will conduct coronavirus tests on visitors arriving from airports deemed high-risk by the European Union’s aviation safety agency EASA when it opens its airports.

EASA regularly updates a list of airports located in affected areas with high risk of transmission of the COVID-19 infection – including 13 in the United Kingdom.

“If you originate from an airport on the EASA affected area list, then you will be tested upon arrival,” said the ministry of foreign affairs, adding that movement restrictions will also apply.

“If the test is negative, then the passenger self-quarantines for 7 days. If the test is positive, the passenger is quarantined under supervision for 14 days.”

UK SITUATION HAS TO IMPROVE

Spain’s tourism Minister has opened up the possibility of foreign tourists being allowed Balearics and Canary Islands in two weeks time – but confirmed they won’t be British.

Maria Reyes Maroto said the holidaymakers would most likely come from Germany and the Nordic countries if pilot schemes get approval before Spain allows foreign holidaymakers properly from July 1.

In a slap-down for the UK and British holidaymaker hopes of being among the first to return, she was quoted as saying: “There the health situation still has to improve.

“For us it is important to guarantee that people arrive healthy and leave healthy.”

The Balearics Islands regional government has been leading the way in campaigning for the right to organising a test run with foreign tourists from June 16.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph reports airlines are preparing for a major return to the skies come July, amid growing speculation government will ease quarantine measures for international arrivals.

British Airways, EasyJet and RyanAir have all announced thousands of job losses in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown grounding most of their flights in March.

But companies are now scheduling more than 160,000 passenger flights from July, with room for 29.5million passengers, as the restrictions are eased.

 The sun has set for holidays in Magaluf - for now anyway

3

The sun has set for holidays in Magaluf – for now anywayCredit: Getty – Contributor

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW

Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.

To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.

Greece’s Prime Minister says the country will open its doors to overseas holidaymakers from July 1





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.