The Greek Minister for Tourism has announced he is ‘in talks’ with the UK government about adding some islands to the “green list” ahead of May 17.
Harry Theoharis appeared on Good Morning Britain and he said he has come to the UK to discuss the possibility of adding Greek islands to the green list with the Prime Minister.
It follows reports that the UK green list ‘hurts’ countries like Greece, which has been preparing to open up for tourism for those who have been fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for the virus from this week.
Talking to GMB hosts Susanna Reid and Alistair Campbell, Mr Theoharis said: “This decision was very disappointing and of course we are respecting the decision … but we’re also engaging with [the government.]
"This is the purpose of my trip to discuss the various parameters and criteria that went into this decision.
"Greece is a very, very safe destination, we have been safer than most countries all throughout this pandemic and we’re continuing in the same way.
"We are engaging with the government to provide all the necessary data for them to make decisions.
"Many of our islands are on the same level as Portugal, so it doesn’t make sense that the whole of Greece is on the amber list."
If a country is on the amber list this means arrivals must quarantine for ten days, take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day two and day eight after their return, with the option of a “test to release” on day five to end self-isolation early.
France, Spain and Italy are also all on the UK’s amber list.
It’s understood the lists will be reviewed every three weeks “from early June.”
The first update is expected to take place between June 1 and 4, with any changes coming into effect a week later.
