Travel: Calder predicts 'more positive than negative' changes
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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice page for Greece in line with “partial lockdowns” across certain regions. These restrictions include changes to opening hours and a ban on certain activities.
The FCDO is warning holidaymakers to “check the latest local guidance and follow the advice of local authorities” when visiting Greece.
Which regions are under “partial lockdowns” in Greece?
According to the FCDO: “A partial lockdown is in force in Messinia, Achaia and Ilia (Peloponnese), the municipality of Ikaria and in Heraklion (Crete) until at least September 10.”
All restrictions remain “under regular review” by Greek authorities.
The restrictions are in places where “the spread of COVID-19 is particularly high and hospital capacity is limited.”
The FCDO points out that restrictions may be tightened or re-imposed with “limited notice”.
What are the “partial lockdown” rules?
“Partial lockdowns” are not the same as full lockdowns previously experienced nationally across Greece.
The FCDO explains: “Restrictions include a curfew between 1am and 6am, and a ban on playing music at entertainment venues.”
Holidaymakers should follow the rules imposed by local authorities.
However, travel experts say that it is still safe to book a Greek holiday.
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Managing director of Greece tour operator Sunvil, Chris Wright, previously told Express.co.uk that travellers will be mostly “unaffected” by these rules.
He said: “By-in-large most travellers will be unaffected. Life continues as normal, with safety measures in place as per the rest of the country.
“All of our guests that travelled in June had a wonderful time and didn’t notice any difference.
“Whilst the restrictions may affect those that want to party the night away in music bars, our guests are more at home in tavernas and quieter bars at which they see no difference.”
What other Covid rules are in place across Greece?
Greece also has several national Covid restrictions.
The FCDO lists some of the main rules which may impact tourists.
These include the mandatory use of face masks in all indoor public and communal spaces, including on public transport.
There are restricted numbers in place for some events, including religious services.
Taxis are only permitted to carry a maximum of three people in a seven-seat vehicle, or four people in a nine-seat vehicle. This rule does not apply to families.
The FCDO advises tourists to “check the latest local guidance” of their specific region before travelling.
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What are the latest travel rules for Greece?
Greece is on the UK’s amber list for travel. This means fully vaccinated travellers do not need to self-isolate on their return to the UK from Greece, but they must take a pre-departure Covid test and day two PCR Covid test.
Unvaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure Covid test, and then a further day two and day eight PCR test.
They must also self-isolate for 10 days.
Greece is allowing UK travellers to enter as long as they can provide evidence of being fully vaccinated, negative COVID-19 PCR test or a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test. Greece will also accept proof of recovery from COVID-19 for entry purposes according to the FCDO.
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