Greece will test visitors from high-risk EU airports for COVID-19

Greece will be opening its borders for international tourists from June 15, as the country ended its lockdown in May to regain stability in the crippling economy.

However, the government has decided to conduct coronavirus tests for visitors arriving from high-risk areas of the European Union (EU). The tests will be specifically for the airports which have been categorized as 'high-risk' by the European Union's Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Also read: Border closures, pre-travel tests largely ineffective against COVID-19 spread: EU health agency

"If you originate from an airport on the EASA affected area list, then you will be tested upon arrival," the ministry of foreign affairs said in an announcement.

"If the test is negative, then the passenger self-quarantines for 7 days. If the test is positive, the passenger is quarantined under supervision for 14 days,"  ministry added.

Also read: Greece to resume international travel from July 01; no screening to be done

EASA has issued a list of high-risk airports, including 13 in the United Kingdom, all 22 in the US and in the Ile de France region surrounding Paris; the list is regularly updated.

Greece issued a list of 29 'safe' countries, whose visitors will not be compulsorily tested on arrival. However, the government has mentioned that the visitors can be randomly tested for coronavirus during their stay in the country.

The country relied heavily on tourism, and has faced a steep decline in the economy as the tourism halted due to the pandemic. Greece's economy is seen contracting by up to 10% this year.