UK opens quarantine-free “travel corridor” with Greece and 58 other countries

The UK will be allowing quarantine-free international travel to 59 “lower risk countries” including Greece.

The list of exempt nations posing “a reduced risk” from the deadly coronavirus, was released by the UK government on Friday afternoon.

“Today marks the next step in carefully reopening our great nation. Whether you are a holidaymaker ready to travel abroad or a business eager to open your doors again, this is good news for British people and great news for British businesses,” said UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps at the time.

“The entire nation has worked tirelessly to get to this stage, therefore safety must remain our watch word and we will not hesitate to move quickly to protect ourselves if infection rates rise in countries we are reconnecting with,” the minister said.

The new measures which come into force from July 10, mean that passengers arriving from any of the 59 countries, will be able to enter England without needing to self-isolate, unless they have been in or transited through non-exempt countries in the preceding 14 days.

It is recalled that earlier this week, Greece extended its ban on flights from the UK and Sweden until July 15.

The decision was made during a meeting held at Maximos Palace on Monday, chaired by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He reportedly said: “The whole opening procedure is dynamic and the data will be continuously evaluated.”

The list includes France, Germany, Italy and Spain, a number of other European countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan. For the full list, please visit- Travel corridors: countries and territories exemption list.

Before travelling, it is still paramount that you check the travel restrictions in place for the country or island you want to visit.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s father, Stanley Johnson, has defended his trip to Greece.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic travel advice from the government, the 79-year-old arrived in Athens on Wednesday night, as reported by Greek City Times.

Johnson had flown via the Bulgarian capital Sofia because the Greek government has banned direct flights from the UK until mid-July.

According to Dailymail, speaking from the balcony of his villa in northern Greece, Johnson said: “I’m in Pelion on essential business trying to Covid-proof my property in view of the upcoming letting season. I need to set up distancing measures at the property because they’re taking it very seriously here.”

Responding to criticism, he said that he came to Greece to carry out the necessary work at Irene Villa, in order to ensure that it is safe to rent inline with the necessary health protocols.

Pelion and Horto, specifically where the Johnson family’s villa is located, has been a favourite holiday resort for years, both in summer and winter.