No Testing for EU Covid Certificate Holders Traveling to Greece
Photo source: European Commission / Photographer: Yorgos Karahalis
Travelers with a valid EU Digital Covid Certificate coming to Greece will no longer need to be tested for Covid-19 starting on Monday, February 7, Health Minister Thanos Plevris announced.
“Starting Monday, February 7, admission to the country for those who have an active European certificate will be conducted without a mandatory test,” said Plevris speaking to public broadcaster ERT on Friday.
On Thursday, the Commission proposed extending the use of the EU Digital Covid Certificate by a year to June 30, 2023.
It should be reminded that the EU’s digital Covid certificate for travel will only be valid for a period of nine months following the administration of the last dose of the primary Covid-19 vaccination and without a booster shot.
Photo source: European Commission / Photographer: Denis Lovrovic
“Member states should not provide for a different acceptance period for the purposes of travel within the European Union. The standard acceptance period does not apply to certificates for booster doses,” said the Commission in a statement on February 1 .
The rules apply only to the vaccination certificates used for the purpose of travel in the EU.
On Thursday, the Commission reiterated its call on EU national governments to harmonize their domestic validity periods with the validity period set at EU level for the purpose of travel.
Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias
Commenting on the announcement, Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said it was one more step toward strengthening tourist flows to Greece, adding that the decision comes after a series of actions aimed at facilitating travel planning for potential visitors.
Greece “is preparing this year to welcome summer season visitors earlier than any other time as of March 1. The country’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the past two years, sending out a strong message of safety to travelers and it will do the same this year,” he said.
In the meantime, Greeks vaccinated with a two-dose vaccine will need to renew their vaccination cycle with a booster shot as will those with a single-dose vaccine seven months after the last jab in order for their vaccination certificates to remain valid and allow admission to restaurants, bars and other establishments.
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