Greece says it is ready to reopen to some foreign visitors starting June 15

Greece said on Wednesday it is ready to reopen the country to some foreign visitors starting on June 15.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis announced in televised speeches a roadmap to kickstart the country’s tourism sector, which stands for roughly 20 percent of the country’s GDP.

Starting from June 15, some international flights will resume, but only to and from Athens International Airport.

In this first phase, only visitors from specific countries with low coronavirus infection rates will be allowed in. Theoharis said the list of countries will be announced by the end of this month but cited Germany, Israel, Cyprus, and countries in the Balkan and Nordic regions as examples.

On July 1, all Greek airports will be open to international travellers from all countries with some potential exceptions for countries with high infection rates.

Visitors will not be required to take a compulsory coronavirus test before entering Greek and they will not have to remain in quarantine. The country, however, retains its ability to subject travellers to sample coronavirus testing once they have arrived.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a 24 billion euro ($26 billion) package to boost the country’s economy and tourism industry. The plan involves, among other measures, lowering the VAT in transport fares from 24 percent to 13 percent.

Theoharis said the government will strengthen the health infrastructure and capacity in popular tourism destinations to meet every possible need.