Greece lifts COVID curbs for travellers ahead of key summer season

Greece has lifted COVID-19 restrictions for domestic and foreign flights on Sunday, according to its civil aviation authority. This announcement comes ahead of the summer tourism season, which officials hope will bring back revenues from the pandemic slump.

Before flying in or out of the country, travellers had to present a certificate of vaccination, a certificate stating that they have recovered from coronavirus, or a negative test.

The civil aviation authority stated that crew and passengers will no longer need to wear masks starting May 1.

The Greek Orthodox Easter on April 24 is when the summer tourism season begins. Officials in Greece expect a high number of tourists this year. Revenues are expected to reach 80% of the 2019 levels. This was a record year before the pandemic that brought down travel stopped it.

Restaurants and shops were able to reopen at 100% capacity after the decline in infections. Customers were allowed to enter on Sunday without proof of vaccination, but they had to wear a mask.

So far, Greece has reported 332,922 cases and 29153 deaths from COVID.