Starting today, Monday 15th June, Greece is opening its borders to mass tourism in stages, hoping its success in containing the Covis-19 pandemic will attract visitors from abroad.  The country is prepared for a huge drop in visitors from last year's 33 million.  The Greek Prime Minister said "A lot will depend on whether people feel comfortable to travel and whether we can project Greece as a safe destination".  PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis went on to say "I believe the worst (of the pandemic) is over and I don't think a full lockdown will be necessary.  In case of a localised outbreak, we have the medical and civil protection infrastructure in place to tackle it safely and efficiently".  Many 'seasonal' hotels have reopened on Monday as well, providing the visitor a good range of accommodation throughout Greece and her islands.

Athens and Thessaloniki international airports will lift some restrictions for incoming intermational flights today, with specific health safety protocols in place on the ground.  From today, Athens International Airport (which continued to receive international flights from specific countries during the last three months) will also lift restrictions on arrivals from Italy, Spain and the Netherlands until 30th June.  The ban on flights from UK and Turkey will be maintained, regardless of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's list.  All other airports across Greece will be open to international flights from 1st July 2020.  A 1.5 metre distance among everyone at airports and at all times must be observed as must the use of face masks.  All passengers arriving from 'high-risk' airports are being tested on arrival.

All museums in Greece are sceduled to reopen to the public today, after almost 3 months of lockdown following the Coronavirus pandemic.  A distance of 2 metres between visitors and air-con, using open circulation, will be required with the use of face masks and antiseptic recommended.  The number of visitors per hour will be limited for extra safety.  Greece had already opened its archaeological sites on 18th May, so visitors are able to see and experience the Acropolis, Delphi, Olympia and Epidavros again.