While Europe has been an out-of-reach destination for Americans for most of the past year, there are signs that may be changing, with Greece leading the way for vaccinated or negative-tested travelers.
Earlier this week, Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theocharis told reporters that “Greece is ready with a complete protocol for summer 2021. Tourists will be welcome if before travel they are either vaccinated, or have antibodies, or test negative. All tourists will be subject to random testing.” He has a target of mid-May for Greece to be open to tourists.
That stance by Greece, which relies on tourism for 20% of its economy, puts it at odds with the more cautious stand of other EU members who are still considering recommendations for easing travel among EU members, and are not yet open to most third-party travel.
Greece has been among the strongest proponents for the proposed EU ‘green pass’ or ‘vaccine passport’ that is under consideration, and has warned that if that proposal is not in place soon, it will go ahead on its own. Possibly the new announcement is in part intended to put more pressure on that front.
