Highlights
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate not a precondition for travel to Greece, says minister
- Arrivals not having received the jab will be subject to rapid testing
- Confusion around the issue reportedly followed a proposal by Greece’s PM to the European Commission
In an interview with private broadcaster Skai, Haris Theoharis states optimistic about the expected tourist flow this year.
“We are anticipating an even better year,” Mr Theoharis said.
He noted however that accurate estimations about arrivals are hard to make at the moment.
“Consumer habits are changing, nobody books anymore 6-7 months in advance…normally around this time we’d have a clear picture.”
Questioned about the COVID-19 vaccination certificate, the minister clarified it will not be a prerequisite for tourists to be allowed into Greece.
“Under no circumstance will it become a condition for someone to travel to our country,” he said speaking of a “misunderstanding” around the issue.
He named however the certificate as one of the two "tools", along with rapid tests, at the country’s disposal as safeguards against imported infections.
Vaccinated travellers will be able to “pass freely” to avoid “a waste of resources” with tests, under the current plan, preserved for those who have not undergone vaccination.
Final guidelines though will be subject to health expert advice, the minister said.
Debate around the vaccination certificate was reignited after PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis reportedly suggested its introduction at an EU-wide level in a letter addressed to the European Commission President.
But Mr Theoharis’ said the Greek Prime Minister’s aim was to “stir things up” in order to promote a uniform approach on the issue for all member states.
EU leaders are expected to deliberate on the topic at the upcoming summit on 21 January.
