Greece will open its borders to tourists from Russia in the spring of 2021, provided that the epidemiological situation is in line with forecasts. The Minister of Tourism of the country Haris Theocharis told about this in an interview with RIA Novosti.
“The Russian market is very important for our country. Next year we will be open to our Russian friends. However, today it is difficult to speak about it with full confidence, because the epidemiological situation is changing, ”said Theocharis.
Theocharis noted that his country is entering the homestretch for vaccinations and by March-April most of the population will be vaccinated, which will allow it to receive tourists more safely and without fear.
In September, the Greek authorities opened the borders for 1,000 Russians. Up to 500 people could come to its territory within a week. The day before, the country's authorities extended this permit until January 7.
Russian tour operators called Greece's decision to let in up to 500 Russians a week a “declaration”. According to the first vice-president of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) Vladimir Kantorovich, Greece's readiness to receive Russian tourists is not enough: it is required that authoritative bodies are ready to release them.
The EU border remains closed for Russians. In October, EU Ambassador to Russia Markus Ederer said that it was too early to talk about the imminent opening of the EU borders for Russians.
