Edinburgh to Greece flights: tourists will be welcome back from May - current travel rules explained

The Greek Tourism Minister has announced that the country aims to open its doors to UK tourists once again from 14 May
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Greece is aiming to welcome UK holidaymakers from 14 May, depending on the status of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis.

Theoharis added that a “pilot” reopening of the borders is likely to take place early next month.

Greece reopening to tourists

Everything you need to know as Greece reopens its doors to tourists (Photo: LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)Everything you need to know as Greece reopens its doors to tourists (Photo: LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Everything you need to know as Greece reopens its doors to tourists (Photo: LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)
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During a virtual appearance at travel trade show ITB Berlin, Theoharis said: “We are approaching the exit from this dark tunnel thanks to the power of the human spirit and the progress of science.

“Please allow me to emphasise that no image could better portray the return to the normality of tourism than the Greek smile, the Greek landscape, the Greek hospitality.

“Regarding 2021, in Greece we are more than optimistic. We are ready, we are ready to share the experience of liberation from the unpleasant memories of the pandemic with each and every one of our guests.”

Theoharis explained that visitors will be required to have had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, and to also have proof of a negative Covid-19 test, or have coronavirus antibodies.

Flights from Edinburgh to Greece

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According to travel website Sky Scanner, there are a number of flights from Edinburgh to Greece available.

These prices are based on two travellers flying economy from Friday 14 May to Friday 21 May:

- Edinburgh to Athens, £280

- Edinburgh to Corfu, £280

- Edinburgh to Crete, £352

- Edinburgh to Kos, £534

- Edinburgh to Mykonos, £469

- Edinburgh to Santorini, £330

- Edinburgh to Thessaloniki, £507

Covid-19 measures at Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport has implemented a number of Covid-19 measures to ensure the safety of both passengers and staff.

Staff will be wearing face coverings in passenger facing areas, and customers are encouraged to also do the same.

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Passengers are asked to wear face coverings upon arrival at the airport, and face masks will also be available in vending machines in the airport for those who don’t have one. These masks are sold in packs of four.

All passengers will also have to ensure that they have cleaned their hands before entering the airport. There is a bank of cleaning stations just below the multi-storey car park, with two stations with three sanitiser dispensers each. Sanitiser stations are also installed directly outside the Security Hall and at the back of the Security Hall so people can clean their hands before heading into the Departure Lounge.

There is a one way system in and out of the airport in order to reduce the flow of people and reduce crossover points.

Different airlines might also have their own guidelines and requirements, so be sure to check what they are before travelling. This could include things like requiring temperature checks and face coverings.

Going on holiday from Scotland

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It has been announced that the earliest date that English people will be able to travel abroad is 17 May, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have set to announce any potential dates for resuming foreign holidays.

In Scotland, travel to or from the country without a reasonable excuse is currently prohibited by law.

There are some exceptions that allow for travel, such as for work, school and healthcare.

The Scottish Government also states that travelling for the purpose of an essential reason “should not be used as a pretext for a holiday” and that “you should not stay longer than for the length of time required to undertake the necessary work”.

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On Tuesday 9 March, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced an update to Covid-19 restrictions across the country, which included changes to outdoor meetings and activities.

She said: “We hope to be in a position to relax - at least to some extent - travel restrictions within Scotland in the weeks ahead, but our advice is that it would not be safe to do so just yet.”

Sturgeon added: “In addition to vaccine protection, continued international travel restrictions, and the work of test and protect, will help us keep the virus under control as we hopefully return to much greater normality in our everyday lives.”

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