Greece scraps Covid tests for vaccinated Brits just in time for half term

Greece has scrapped Covid tests for vaccinated UK travellers as its travel rules have changed just in time for half term holidays – we take a look at the new entry rules

Greece holidays are about to get even easier for fully vaccinated Brits, as the holiday hotspot is scrapping Covid test rules for those who are double jabbed.

Under previous rules, all UK arrivals were required to have a pre-departure Covid test in order to visit Greece which could be either a PCR taken within 72 hours before arrival, or an antigen from an authorised lab done within 24 hours pre-arrival.

However from today (February 7), Greece will join a line-up of countries you can visit without tests if you’re vaccinated, as the country no longer requires pre-departure tests from those who are fully vaccinated.

It’s worth noting that this means having received a full vaccination course, which was administered within 270 days before travel (aka nine months).

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Anyone who is unvaccinated can still visit Greece for non-essential reasons such as holidays, but you’ll be required to take the pre-departure Covid test.

There may also be random Covid testing on arrival at the airport.

With February half term just around the corner, the news will no doubt come as a relief for families planning to visit Greece for holidays, as it will both reduce the admin and costs for those who are double jabbed.

The best part is that there are also still plenty of half term holiday deals to be found for those who are considering booking a last-minute getaway.

Holidaymakers will still have a number of local Covid rules to follow while on holiday in Greece.

The UK Foreign Office advice explains: “It is mandatory to wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, in all areas of Greece. In certain areas, such as in supermarkets and pharmacies, and on public transport, you will be required to wear either double masks (at least one of which should be surgical), or an N95/FFP2 mask.”

Meanwhile, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination to enter the likes of shops, restaurants and museums. Those who are unvaccinated will need a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours before entry.

Children under four years old are exempt from requiring a negative test.

Greece isn’t the only country to be easing its travel rules for Brits. Morocco has lifted a travel ban meaning it’s once again open to UK travellers, while Australia has announced it will welcome back tourists later this month.

Meanwhile a new EU-wide rule has seen countries such as Spain and France tightening up their rules around vaccinations and what will be accepted as a full vaccination.

Under the new restrictions, full course of vaccine must have been administered within 270 days – or nine months – of arrival if you want to be considered vaccinated. If your vaccination was completed outside of this window, you’ll then need to show proof of a booster jab.

Essentially, the booster jab change affects those who had completed their Covid vaccination by May 1, 2021.

• Travel restrictions can change quickly during the pandemic. Always check the UK Foreign Office’s latest Greece travel advice before booking or going on a trip.