Britons may be able to holiday in Greece from the 1st June without facing quarantine rules, according to Greek authorities. The Greek government is now looking to ease its lockdown restrictions and revive the country’s usually booming tourism industry. However, Britons will still have to be put in quarantine on their return to the UK from Greece, in line with the UK Government’s latest measures.
Other countries across the world have spoken out on when they believe holidaymakers will be allowed to visit. Cyprus, Italy, Turkey and other countries have issued their latest advice to holidaymakers.
Cyprus
Cyprus has extended a ban on all inbound and outbound flights for another two weeks until May 28. The government first imposed a flight ban on March 21 as part of a strict lockdown. Authorities have said that airports could reopen in June – depending on the situation.
Italy
Giorgio Palmucci, president of the Italian National Tourist Board, ENIT, told local media that European tourists will be the first international group to be allowed to visit. He said: “I am ready to sign bilateral treaties between European countries to encourage the arrival of foreigners as well while waiting for the emergency to be definitively behind us. We will only start (with tourists) from the European Union, and at the earliest, in July or August.”
Turkey
The country had previously said that they hoped they will be able to see travellers back by July. But whilst life for residents is slowly returning to normal as measures are relaxed during May, tourists are not yet allowed back in. And they will need a certificate stating they don’t have the virus in order to be allowed into the country, the government has said. Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said that European tourists won’t be able to enter the country until the end of July at the latest.
Matt Crate, Managing Director of the UK’s largest P2P travel money provider, WeSwap, commented on whether Brits should look to book their travel to these destinations now.
“The news that Brits may be able to travel to the Greek islands from the 1st June is welcome news to many who have had their travel disrupted this year. However, Brits will need to accept that they face 14-days of quarantine upon their return, but it is a sign that things are at least beginning to get back to normal.
Italy, a country that has been hit hard by the crisis is looking at a July to August opening date, so there may be signs that others could follow suit. Ryanair is looking to resume 40% of its flights in July if passengers observe new PPE rules, so travel this summer could look different. However, so long as your holiday is protected and you don’t mind waiting to receive compensation if it is delayed, postponed or cancelled, booking now could mean taking advantage of the 2020 Summer. If you can wait until winter, it is likely that more destinations will be available with more deals as well. It is too early to know exactly which date to look to travel on, but hopefully, this news is a positive step for getting the travel industry back up and running again.”
