Greece and Britain will fully resume flights on July 15, Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas announced on Monday.
"In cooperation with the British government, and following advice of experts, the government announces the resumption of direct flights from the United Kingdom to all airports of the country from July 15," Petsas stated.
It is recalled that on Friday afternoon, the UK announced it will be allowing quarantine-free international travel to 59 “lower risk countries” including Greece.
“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.
Before travelling, it is still paramount that you check the travel restrictions in place for the country or island you want to visit.
Last week, Greece launched an information campaign “Enjoy your stay – Stay safe”, urging tourists to be mindful of health rules during their holiday in the country.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection issued nine directives for the necessary protection measures:
Greek authorities are hoping to salvage the season and limit some of the losses incurred by the tourism industry while maintaining the positive momentum achieved by the successful management of the first wave of the novel virus.
The messages will be located at all entry points (airports and ports) and will be available in three languages – English, French and German. Flyers will also be distributed to travellers.
In addition, basic rules for travellers on both international and domestic flights require mandatory use of a mask for those entering the airport building, where only holders of a ticket are permitted to enter except in cases where an escort is essential, such as for children or disabled persons.
Protective barriers have been installed at all points where the public is served, while masks must be worn at all times in the airport and on flights except when they are required to be removed for security and identity checks. Changing the mask every four hours is recommended.
Staff will be equipped with PPE and a distance of 1.5 metres from others must be maintained at all times. Surfaces and equipment will be regularly disinfected while antiseptics will be available in airport waiting areas and toilets. Plastic bins used at the security checkpoints will be disinfected between each use.
Passengers are also advised to use web check-in and self-check-in, luggage tag printing, baggage drop off and e-parking where possible.