Athens, Mar 17 (Agency) Greece plans to open borders for Russian tourists on May 14 or even in the beginning of May if the coronavirus incidence dynamics allows, Minister of Tourism Harry Theocharis said in an interview with Sputnik. “We take a risk when we make plans [to open borders] amid a changing situation, but we keep track of sanitary data. We say with confidence that we have plans to open the borders with Russia on May 14, we confirm this,” Theocharis said.
The Greek authorities would be happy to open borders for Russians already in late April or early May, when many of them traditionally leave for vacation, the minister assured. “We will try, but I do not want to make promises that we can fail to fulfill. Everything depends on the epidemiological situation … Although I would really like to celebrate Easter on May 2 in our country with our Orthodox brothers, this is not something I can promise at the moment,” Theocharis noted. The minister announced that the current restrictions (limiting Russians’ entry to Greece to 500 citizens weekly) should be canceled on May 14, as well as limitations related to the air traffic.
“For our part, we plan to allow Russian citizens’ entry with no restrictions starting on May 14, including via other airport apart from Athens [International Airport]. There will also be a decision on charter flights,” Theocharis said.