Latest travel advice for Corfu, Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Kos

Tens of thousands of Brits have had their Christmas travel plans turned upside down as the Omicron variant of coronavirus continues to spread across Europe.

Countries are continuing to change their entry requirements on a daily basis, but as it stands, people planning to visit Greece and the Greek islands are currently in luck.

But with new restrictions and varying rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers, many people’s holidays have been thrown into chaos.

READ MORE: The winter sun destinations that have banned Brits after spike in Omicron cases including France and Morocco

More than 1,400 flights were scrapped today (December 29) in the UK, while more than 8,000 flights were grounded over the long weekend due to staff having to isolate.

At this time of year many are travelling to see family and friends or get some winter sun, but some popular destinations like Australia, Morocco and France have banned Brits from entering them – regardless of their vaccination status.

The Greek islands are a popular choice for travellers at this time of year as they still enjoy sunny relatively high temperatures upwards of 20 degrees Celsius.

With commercial flights to Greece and the Greek Islands from the UK still operating, thousands of Brits are snapping up some last-minute deals with hopes of catching some winter sunshine.

Flights to Greece and the Greek islands from London’s Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports to Greece can take as little as three and a half hours.

If you’re travelling to Greece, Corfu, Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Kos, here’s what need to know.

Masks

The Greek government announced that from 6am on Christmas Eve it is now mandatory to wear masks (either double surgical masks or N95 masks) in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, in all areas of Greece – including the islands.

Covid passports

Proof of vaccination is required to enter shops, restaurants and museums. You should be prepared to demonstrate your proof of vaccination and present ID when asked.

You must use a face mask (double surgical mask or N65 mask) in all indoor and outdoor public and communal spaces, and on public transport.

Unless all passengers are members of the same family, a maximum of three people are permitted to travel in a taxi or other private vehicle with up to seven seats, or four people in a private vehicle with up to nine seats.

The Greek government “strongly recommends” that people self-test before any outing.

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Demonstrating your Covid-19 status

Greece will accept the UK’s proof of Covid-19 recovery and vaccination record.

Your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to you presenting your evidence of vaccination.

Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

Unvaccinated in Greece

If you have not been fully vaccinated or do not have proof of recovery from Covid-19:

• Travel by aeroplane, train and bus is allowed subject to either a certified negative PCR test in the last 72 hours before the scheduled time of arrival at destination, or to a certified rapid (antigen) test within 48 hours of scheduled arrival at destination;
• You will not be allowed to enter nightclubs, indoor restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums, exhibitions, conferences, gyms and stadiums.
• You must present proof of a negative rapid test, taken up to 48 hours before entry, to visit other public spaces including shops and outdoor restaurants.
• Failure to comply with these rules may be met with fines of up to €5,000.

Unvaccinated children between the ages of four and 18 require a negative self-test to enter public spaces such as shops, restaurants and museums.

Travel within Greece

Travel within Greece is permitted subject to following public health measures. You must wear a mask at all times on all public transport.

Travel by air and sea to the rest of Greece is permitted for those aged 12 and above but only with either:

• proof of vaccination and 14 days since second dose; or
• a negative result from a PCR test carried out up to 72 hours prior to travel; or
• a negative result from a certified rapid test up to 48 hours before travel; or

Children aged five to 11 can travel with a negative self-test taken up to 24 hours before the scheduled travel time.

Accommodation

All hotels are permitted to open, and other types of accommodation, including e.g. Airbnb, private rentals and hostels, are also available.

However, you should note that many operators are likely to reduce their offer and close some accommodation during the winter months, particularly in light of measures put in place by the Greek authorities to fight the spread of Covid-19.

You should check directly with your accommodation provider in case of related concerns.

Healthcare

If you think you have symptoms, including a fever or shortness of breath or a cough, you should avoid visiting local health facilities, but contact a doctor remotely to see whether a test is recommended.

There is likely to be a cost associated with this, for call out, examination and testing, which you will have to pay.

If you are tested and the result is positive, the Greek authorities will ask you to quarantine until advised otherwise.

You may be able to remain in your existing accommodation, or be required to transfer into a state hospital or other government-provided accommodation.

Costs related to transfer to alternative accommodation and treatment at state healthcare facilities will be covered by the Greek Government.

The nature of your accommodation may differ from the specifications of your pre-booked hotel, villa or other place of stay.

Depending on local arrangements, travellers in groups may be required to stay in separate accommodation.

Testing positive for Covid

If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Greece you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test result.

If you are symptomatic you must continue to self-isolate until you have shown no symptoms for three days.

At the end of this period you will need to take an antigen test. If the result is positive you should take a further test 48 hours later.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to self-isolate in your current accommodation, or Greek authorities will ask you to self-isolate in a state provided quarantine hotel.

The expense of the accommodation in quarantine hotels is covered by the Greek authorities.

If you do not self-isolate or quarantine when required you may be fined by the Hellenic Police. The fine could be as much as €5000.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Quarantine hotels

If you test positive for Covid-19 you may have to enter a quarantine hotel.

The UK government will not cover mandatory quarantine costs for British nationals. In Greece, the Greek authorities will pay the cost of your quarantine.

Make sure you have access to funds to cover the costs or take out insurance, checking the policy has adequate cover.

Have you had to change your travel plans over Christmas due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant? Let us know in the comments.

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