Greece is one of the go-to destination spots of people during the summer. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disabled aspiring travelers to visit the country. Travel bans were implemented and tourist spots were closed.
Nonetheless, Greece has eased travel restrictions. Greece's isolation helped it maintain a relatively low risk of infection rates from the global pandemic. The state has implemented safety rules in opening tourism again. Greece implemented protocols for road transport services and car rentals - a safer way to roam around Greece.
Greece Eased Travel Restrictions
On May 4, 2020, Greece has already re-opened their commercial establishments. These establishments include bookshops, electronic stores, and hair salons. On May 11, more shops opened. On May 18, shopping malls and archaeological sites also opened. With the gradual reopening of tourism in the country, the Greek government is asking business owners and travelers to comply with COVID-19 health protocols.
The Greek Tourism Ministry announced last May 22, 2020, the official health protocols for tourism businesses for hotels, car rentals, tourist accommodations, and tourist travel agencies. These protocols are the answer to the COVID-19 pandemic. Greece also allowed the opening of bars and restaurants. In mid-June, hotels were allowed to open and international flights were gradually restored.
The health protocol limits the number of passengers aboard a tour bus to carry only 50% of its capacity. This protocol applies to tour buses of public use, either with close or open tops. Tourism companies of tourist buses are required to train their employees regarding safety precautions.
Travelers from specified European countries are allowed to enter Greece. Some of these countries are Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein. However, countries with high cases of COVID-19 will be subjected to stricter travel restrictions. The Greek government has extended its travel ban on flights from Britain and Sweden.
Although Greece will open its borders for international flights, some countries are banned from traveling to Greece. These countries are Sweden, the United States of America, Russia, Qatar, Israel, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Travelers from these countries will only be allowed, subject to certain COVID-19 protocols.
Currently, arriving passengers in Greece are required to undergo tests. While waiting for the results, these passengers will stay at a designated hotel or accommodation provided by the government. The Greek Tourism Ministry then announced that those arriving from 29 countries will only be subjected to random testing and can freely roam the country after such tests.
However, those arriving from specific airports with high-risk coronavirus transmission will be subject to compulsory testing, 7-day isolation if negative, and 14-day quarantine if positive. The list of airports will be based on the European Aviation Safety Agency list.
After July 1, foreign ferry boats, cruisers, private yachts, and private cruisers will be allowed to dock in Greek ports. Subsequently, tourists will also be allowed to enter the land borders from Albania. Land travel from Bulgaria is also allowed, subject to random testing.
Aside from travel agencies, hotels, and other tourist accommodations are also subject to health protocols. Health measures were required for reception desks, housekeeping, air conditioning, and ventilation.
Renting a Car in Greece
Renting a car is recommended when exploring Greece. Greece is jam-packed with historical sites, which you can easily visit when driving a car. You will have the liberty to explore every corner of Greece at your own pace, even those places that are not listed as top tourist spots in the country.
Renting a car has become essential for travelers, especially at this time that people should avoid physical contact as much as possible. There are lesser chances of contracting coronavirus by avoiding tourist buses with people you do not know. Thus, rent a car if you want to safely travel to Greece during this pandemic.
Booking a car rental in Greece is relatively cheap and easy. Shop around and book car rentals in advance to get a cheaper price. Look for car rentals in the place you will visit. For example, if you will visit Crete, then look for Car Rental Crete. Renting a car within the area you're visiting makes it easier for both you and the rental company.
You might be thinking that renting a car is dangerous since there were different users before you. You should not be worried since the Greek government implemented health protocols for car rental services.
Car rental companies were required to thoroughly clean and disinfect the units after every usage of different customers. A limit was also placed for the number of passengers, depending on the capacity of the car. A 7-seater car has a limit of two passengers and a driver, a 9-seater car has a limit of three passengers and a driver, and these passenger limits may be modified if there is a minor passenger.
Takeaway
Although it might be tempting to book a flight going to Greece, travelers should consider the risks of traveling to another country. People are advised to refrain from non-essential travels to places with local COVID-19 transmission. If you do travel, make sure you comply with health protocols set by the government of the place you will be visiting.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
