Greece no longer requires coronavirus screening tests for holders of a European vaccination certificate wishing to enter its territory from Monday, the Greek Ministry of Health announced on Friday.
“
From Monday February 7, entry into the territory of all those with a valid European (vaccination) certificate will be without compulsory testing
,” Health Minister Thanos Plevris said on television.
Greece is following in the footsteps of many countries in the European Union which are easing health restrictions, with the aim of attracting travelers to reach 4.5% growth this year.
The decision aims to boost the tourism sector, crucial for the Greek economy, whose season begins on March 1, Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Tourism, said on Friday.
"
Our country is preparing to welcome summer tourists from March 1, earlier than ever before
," he said.
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Tourism accounts for a quarter of Greek GDP.
The sector generated more than 10 billion euros in revenue in 2021. Mr Kikilias announced that Greece is forecasting an "
unmatched record
" of cruise arrivals this year, with a first ship expected in Thessaloniki on Sunday.
Greece has more than 2 million cases of Covid-19 contamination and more than 23,000 virus-related deaths.
