The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new warning to Britons hoping to travel to Greece. The popular holiday island of Crete has several “lockdowns” in place across some of its localities.
In its most recent update, the FCDO has updated “information on partial lockdowns in force in Messinia, and in Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno (Crete)”.
So, what are these new lockdown rules and how will British tourists be impacted?
What are the new lockdown rules in Crete?
In its most recent update, the FCDO explains a new “partial lockdown” has been put into place in certain areas of Crete.
It states: “A partial lockdown is in force in Messinia, and in Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno (Crete) until at least September 1.
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Taxis are only permitted to carry a maximum of three passengers in a vehicle with up to seven seats, or four people in a vehicle of up to nine seats. This rule does not apply to members of the same family.
Cross-regional travel is allowed for mainland Greece and the islands of Lefkada, Evia and Salamina, though the use of “self-tests ahead of travel is strongly recommended but is not mandatory.”
However, cross-regional travel to all other islands is only permitted for those who can provide either proof of vaccination 14 days or more prior to travel, a negative PCR test carried out up to 72 hours prior to travel, or a negative result from a self-test conducted up to 24 hours before travel.
Greece also accepts documentary proof of having recovered from COVID-19.
What is the coronavirus situation like in Greece?
According to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), Greece has recorded 393.88 confirmed cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants in the 14 days prior to August 25.
COVID-19 infections are increasing in Greece, with 3,270 new infections reported on average each day, according to Reuters data.
This is reported to be “99 percent of the peak”.
The vaccine rollout in Greece is well underway.
Reuters reports: “Greece has administered at least 11,215,341 doses of COVID vaccines so far.
“Assuming every person needs two doses, that’s enough to have vaccinated about 52.3 percent of the country’s population.”
What travel rules are in place for Britons visiting Greece?
Greece is currently on the UK’s amber list for travel. This means fully-vaccinated travellers who have received both doses of a UK, European Union (EU) or US approved and administered vaccine 14 days or more prior to travel are exempt from quarantine.
They must, however, take a pre-departure lateral flow or PCR test before heading for the UK.
They are also required to take a PCR test on day two of their arrival.
Non-vaccinated travellers are required to take both of these tests, and quarantine for 10 days. A further test on day eight of their self-isolation is also mandatory.
Greece is allowing UK arrivals to enter the country as long as they can provide either a negative coronavirus PCR test taken within the 72 hours before arriving in Greece or proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before arrival.
Authorities in Greece will also accept proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory, undertaken within the 48 hour period before your arrival into Greece, or proof of recovery from COVID-19.
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