Greece Ends Travel Ban for 4 Third Countries & Extends Current Entry Restrictions Until November 12

Greek authorities have lifted entry restrictions for arrivals from Argentina, India, Uruguay, Oman and Chile, taking the number of third countries on the safe travel list from 36 to 41.

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However, like other third countries arrivals, those from these four countries are also required to present a pre-departure test, which can be a PCR test taken 72 hours or 48 hours before departure for antigen tests, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

“Air directive for nationals of Argentina, India, Uruguay, Oman and Chile: Permanent residents of these third countries, in addition to all other conditions of entry into Greece provided by the foreign flight directive, must arrive at the airport with a test (PCR or rapid),”  the press release notes.

Moreover, the current air directive, which includes the following rules, has been extended for another two weeks:

1. Third-country nationals are not permitted to travel to Greece except for essential travelling. Exempt are travellers from Australia, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine, The United Arab Emirates, The United Kingdom, The United States of America, and the Vatican.
2. Arrivals from all countries are required to complete the entry registration form or Passenger Locator Form any time before reaching Greece
3. Travellers have to present a vaccination certificate, recovery from COVID-19 medical proof or test taken pre-departure

Furthermore, holders of the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate and other documents equivalent to it are also exempted from additional entry requirements.

>> Greece Has Highest Number in the World of COVID-19 Vaccines Recognised for Travel

The entry lift for Oman citizens came right after the agreement to abolish visas for diplomatic and service passport holders.

The agreement was concluded with a ceremony where all representatives from both parties, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs, Alexis Konstantopoulos, together with the Ambassador of the Republic of Greece to the Sultanate of Oman, were present.

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“I have to say that the Hellenic Republic, besides bilateral relations with Gulf countries, has expanded cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which the Sultanate is a proud member. In this regard, last April, we have signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the GCC Secretary-General, and we met a few weeks ago in New York. And I am expecting him in Athens next week. So I hope that you are next after the Secretary-General of the GCC,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias said.

Last week, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) revealed that most EU countries were placed in the dark red and red category due to a surge in COVID-19 positive cases.

Greece, too has been placed on the red list, as it has registered about 23,650 positive cases in the last seven days, which account for 220.6 positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This number is 11per cent higher than the other week.

In the last 24 hours, 2,957 positive cases with COVID-19 and 31 deaths caused by the virus have been reported in Greece.

 

Earthquake rattles with 5.4 R southern Greece, felt in Athens

 An strong earthquake rattled with 5.4 on the Richter scale parts of southern Greece early on Saturday morning. The tremor occurred in the sea area between western Crete and south Peloponnese at 7:16 a.m. local time, the Athens Geodynamic Institute reported. Its focal depth was 57.6 km.

Greek media reported the earthquake was felt from Athens to Crete.

It was “about five seconds long, quite strong even in the basement of a building,” one witness in the city of Chania on Crete, wrote on the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) testimony board.

Greece’s fire brigade service said it had no reports of damage.

“Because of its considerable depth, the tremor was felt in a wider area,” Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s organisation for anti-seismic planning, told Greek state broadcaster ERT.

ECB’s decision on Greek bonds a “message of confidence”, says Greece

A decision taken by the European Central Bank on Greece is a strong message of confidence and a signal of acknowledging the progress made by our country, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said on Friday, commenting on an ECB’s decision on Greek bonds.

The European Central Bank will offer threefold support to Greece after the end of the extraordinary quantitative easing program (PEPP) in March, and despite Greece’s exclusion from the conventional QE program (APP). Frankfurt will reserve the option of purchasing Greek bonds worth at least 20 billion euros and therefore cover the Greek state’s issuing activity.

That support will come through the extension of the bond reinvestment period, the flexibility that the reinvestment will have, and the possibility of reactivating the PEPP if required. Importantly, all ECB Governing Council members were in favor of that support to Greece, thanks to the systematic work by all Bank of Greece officials involved over the last six months.

“This is a very strong signal for Greece,” said ECB chief Christine Lagarde at a press conference, noting that the country “has clearly recorded great progress, especially at the front of reforms, and its credit rating has improved considerably.”

Staikouras stressed that this decision and the comments made by ECB’s president added to the chain of recent reports by partners, institutions and credit rating companies, which all certified that the country was moving towards the right direction and that its economic policy and the sacrifices of the citizens were bearing fruit.

He stressed, however, that the government and its economic team have no room for complacency that it will continue implementing reforms, and a prudent fiscal policy.

The FinMin noted that that the government and the economic team are working with a plan and with determination and confidence to further strenthen the country and to obtain, the soonest possible, the investment grade.

 

State Department approves potential frigate sale to Greece, despite agreement with France

WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department on Friday approved a pair of potential deals for frigate construction and modernization with Greece, as the Hellenic Navy navigates a complex effort to upgrade its surface fleet.

Greece has an ongoing competition for a three-part plan: upgrade its four Hydra-class MEKO 200 frigates; obtain an interim capability it can operate while the MEKOs are at the maintenance yard; and buy four new frigates. Additional objectives, as outlined to the U.S. Navy, were to involve the Greek industrial base and to increase interoperability with the U.S. as a NATO ally and frequent collaborator in the Mediterranean Sea and elsewhere.

Refugees in Lesbos await Pope to share their stories

Archbishop Josif Printezis highlights the significance of the Pope’s upcoming trip to Lesbos, noting that the camp he will be visiting is not the same as it was on his trip 6 years ago reports the Vatican news

Six years have passed since Pope Francis last visited the Greek island of Lesbos. Since then, according to Archbishop Josif Printezis, a lot of things have changed. Speaking to Francesca Sabatinelli, the Greek Archbishop notes that the conditions at the migrant camp are much better now than they were. It’s actually a new camp, he says, explaining that after Pope Francis visited back in 2016, it burnt down and a new one was built. 

The Pope visits Lesbos and meets with migrants and refugees at the island’s Mavrovouni refugee camp on Sunday, his penultimate day in Greece. 

A different reality

Another difference is that “now there are much fewer refugees”, says Archbishop Printezis. There were around 25,000 when the Pope came to visit, now there are around 2,500. This, he explained, is partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning many fewer refugees are travelling, “but also due to the agreement between the European Union and Turkey”. They are not being “sent over”, he explains. He also adds that the process of identification and asylum is much faster now, and people are getting their papers and moving to mainland Greece or to the continent. 

The agreement between Turkey and the EU was made in March 2016, EU Heads of State or Government and Turkey agreed to end the irregular migration from Turkey to the EU and replace it instead with legal channels of resettlement of refugees to the European Union.

The Pope’s concern

The Pope really is concerned for the situation surrounding migrants, said Archbishop Printezis. He is concerned about the many lives being lost, especially at sea, but he is also concerned about the situations that are causing the migration forcing people to leave their homes and their countries… about war.. about poverty. 

A significant visit

“We are looking forward to the Pope’s visit”, he says. It is a wonderful opportunity for us as such a “small Catholic community” to be able to meet the Pope, to have him visit, or even just to have him “think about us”. It is important that the Catholic people of Greece not feel left out, he continued, and for them to feel part of the bigger Catholic Church in the world. Pope Francis is very highly esteemed he concluded, by our Catholics, but also by the Orthodox.. “by everyone”, he says. “All people are very fond of him for all he says and all he does”.

Pope Francis arrived in Lesvos

At just a few minutes after 10:00AM, the plane carrying Pope Francis to Lesvos landed at Mytilene airport.

Pope Francis will visit refugees in the “Welcome Center and Authentication” at Kara Tepe.

The President of the Republic, who arrived on the island half an hour earlier, will accompany the Primate of the Roman Catholic Church during his visit.

The two of them had a short conversation upon his arrival, while Metropolitan Iakovos welcomed him to the island.

The Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schoinas, and the Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Notis Mitarachi, will also be in Kara Tepe.

The Pope will stay for about an hour at the “Reception and Identification Center” and at 12:15 he will leave Lesvos for Athens.

At 16:45 he will perform a Divine Liturgy at the Athens Concert Hall.

Yoga in Greece: The Perfect Idea for Your Summer Break

Greece has one more reason to become your next summer destination and that’s none other than yoga.

After reopening its borders to tourists and being declared one of the safest destinations for vaccinated travelers, the country is emerging as an excellent choice for yoga aficionados from all around the world.

From the magical coastlines and the traditional picturesque islands to the beautiful cities full of ancient history, Greece is the ideal place to practice yoga while immersing in the country’s rich culture.

Even though the Greek Church has expressed its discontent about the popularity that yoga has gained over the past years among Christians, Greece is full of beautiful yoga retreats that allow travelers to rejuvenate while enjoying the picturesque view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Summer Allows for Yoga at Mythological Sites

Spirituality has always been a part of the Greek culture: oracles, mythological sites and temples show that ancient Greeks were passionate about spiritual guidance and inner balance.

And that’s what yoga is all about. Yoga practitioners learn how to harness the power of their mind to reach a state of absolute calmness and awareness. Yoga is also a great antidote to stress. Breathing techniques along with stretching exercises help our body release accumulated tension and focus on the present.

A Magical Retreat in a Private Island

The Silver Island, located in Eboea, is a privately-owned earthly paradise. This place is ideal for travelers, who want to be surrounded by nature, while practicing yoga away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

“I can safely say that it was the best week I’ve had in a very long time, if not ever! Everything about the retreat was perfect; from the surreally beautiful island location to the delicious vegetarian food to the weather and of course the amazing yoga sessions,” famous British fashion blogger RosieGlow wrote, referring to her vay-cay to the Silver Island Yoga.

Euboea, aka as Evia, is also known for its crystal clear waters and surrounding mountains. The deep blue water of the Aegean sea is so clear that the bottom is visible from the surface even kilometres away from the shore.

Retreats all over Greece

Yoga retreats can be found all over the country. Travelers can combine their daily practice sessions with sightseeing and tours.

Whitewashed and blue-painted traditional houses on the islands, cosmopolitan towns and wineries in small villages give travelers plenty of options to immerse in the local culture after their daily yoga sessions.

The diverse landscape of the Greek islands gives yoga fans planty of options as to where they’ll practice: surrounded by verdant nature or crystalline waters, on sandy or pebbly beaches, on mountains with thick vegetation and breathtaking views.

Kythera: An Enchanting Greek Island Where History Meets Beauty

Kythera is a unique Greek island full of majestic beaches and green mountainous terrain, so there is something there for everyone.

Kythera is a lesser known Greek island, as it is overshadowed in fame by Antikythera and the its amazing Antikythera Mechanism, discovered off its shores.

The island is opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. It was inhabited in ancient times and has the oldest sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite.

Through the 19th century it was a trade crossroads of several civilizations and cultures, including Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman.

History of the Greek Island of Kythera

The Venetian rule marked the culture and idiosyncrasy of Kytherians. It contributed to their excellence in the arts, politics and commerce.

Due to the historical relationship between the Ionian Islands and Italy, many Kytherians studied in Italian cities.

Several Greek politicians and prominent academics hail from Kythera. General Panos Koroneos served as Minister of War in the mid-1800s; Panagiotis Tsitsilias was a Liberal Party MP; Spiridon Stais was MP for Harilaos Trikoupis’ party and Minister of Education.

Also, Grigorios Kassimatis was a distinguished academic; MP Grigorios L. Kassimatis fought in the Resistance; Giorgos Kassimatis was one of the most distinguished professors at the Law School of Athens and a writer.

In the arts and literature, Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) – also known for his roots in Lefkada – is Japan’s national poet and lived in Kythera in the second half of the 19th century.

Painter Georgios Drizos, the engraver and lithographer Vasilios Charos, the painter and engraver Manolis Charos, photographers Panagiotis Fatseas and Manolis Sofios, were all artists whose body of work makes a priceless cultural heritage for the island.

Kytherians in Australia

If you visit Kythera, you will be surprised by the percentage of Australian tourists among visitors. The reason is that thousands of Kytherians went to Australia in the first wave of migration to the land down under in the early 20th century.

It is estimated that there are over 60,000 Greek-Australians of Kytherian descent living in Australia and the Kytherian community of Sydney is one of the oldest communities in the

In the dawn of the 20th century, hundreds of Kytherians could not sustain and raise a family on the island due to its small size and mountainous terrain.

Many were forced to migrate to Australia, since America had made migration policies more strict by that time. So Kytherians settled in Sydney and Brisbane instead.

So it is natural that the second and third generation Greek-Australians of Kytherian decsent to want to make a connection with their ancestral roots, while having a great holiday.

Once there, let yourself be enchanted by Kythera

Kythera is ideal for relaxation and is great for families and nature lovers. The more adventurous types can enjoy hiking, cycling or splash in the waterfalls.

Off the beaten track despite its ferry connections and an airport, the island still somehow has remained a hidden Greek treasure.

Don’t be surprised if you go to a small beach and find that you can have it all for yourself for a few hours.

In Kythera you can stay in Palaiochora, Agia Pelagia, Diakofti, Livadi, Avlemonas and other villages.

Ten great beaches on the Greek island

Kythera has many great beaches, typical of the Aegean Sea, with clear turquoise waters and golden sands.

Kaladi is on the east side of the island, near Paleopoli. The beach has average size pebbles, while the waters are deep, and ideal for diving.

Vroulea is on the southeast part of Kythera, near Kalamos. It is rather isolated and has pebbly sand.

Kapsali, is also south, but this is a large beach with pebbly sand and shallow waters. It is a busy family beach with deckchairs, umbrellas, restaurants, snack bars, and cafes.

Chalkos  is in Kalamos and it is an average size beach with big rocks and pebbles. It has blue-green waters with beautiful reflections. The beach is lined with deckchairs, umbrellas and snack-bars like Kapsali.

Fyri Ammos is a large beach also in Kalamos, with coarse red sand, it is a rocky beach with deep waters and a cave. You can find deckchairs, beach umbrellas and a snack-bar there.

Fournoi is rocky beach on the northeastern part of the island with the same offerings as Fyri Ammos.

Gerakari is a small isolated beach in the northwest. It has pebbly sand and offers lots of privacy so couples can enjoy a romantic sunset.

Lorentzo in Agia Pelagia is in the north part of Kythera. It has coarse crimson sand and is famous for its caves.

Limni Kakias Lagadas in Agia Pelagia is a small isolated beach with small pebbles between a lake and the sea.

Fyri Ammos of Agia Pelagia is in the northeast part of the island. It is very busy with deep waters, coarse red sand and pebbles.

Other natural wonders on Kythera

There is more to Kythera than just lying on the sand or swimming in the crystal clear waters.

The ravine of Mylopotamos with its running waters starts from the center of the village and ends at Kalami beach.

Surrounded by plane trees and poplars, the water creates waterfalls and small beautiful ponds, ideal to jump in. The ravine is bordered by 22 watermills.

The mountainous part of the island is great for cycling, but requires a lot of effort and the legs of an athlete. Hiking is also an activity on offer for the more athletic types.

There is a wild and very beautiful gorge known as Kakia Lagada. It starts in Palaiochora, a Byzantine citadel formally called Agios Dimitrios, and stretches all the way to the northern coast of Kythera, east of Agia Pelagia, to Limni.

 

Six Things You Shouldn’t Say to a Greek

When visiting Greece it may be difficult for you to understand some of the cultural norms to follow during your stay in this beautiful country. To help you avoid embarrassing conversations and awkward situations, here’s a list of things to avoid saying to a Greek. You’re welcome!

Things you shouldn’t say in Greece

1. “Can I have some Turkish coffee?”

No, you may not. Truly, you never want to ask this question – not in a Greek’s home or in a cafeteria. Two reasons: first of all, it is Greek coffee and you will be told entire back story — so be sure to get comfy! Secondly, you’re in Greece — so again, it’s Greek coffee!

2. “Which way is the ocean?”

Greece is not located in the ocean! We have the Mediterranean Sea and it is divided into the other seas – the Ionian, Aegean and Cretan. If you have ever been to an island in the ocean you know there are huge waves. In Greece we are very proud of our beautiful, relatively calm blue seas, which are perfect for swimming, sailing and water sports.

3. “Where is the Pantheon”?

Wrong country. You mean the Parthenon. For Greeks, history and historical ruins are an interwoven part of culture and society. So before you come to Greece looking for the Pantheon — an Ancient Roman building located in Rome — please do a Google search!

4. “Can you teach me something to say in Greek?”

This is a bad question to ask, as many Greeks get a kick out of telling foreigners to try out the almost impossible to say, tongue-twisting word describing an ancient Greek festival dish invented by Aristophanes. Go on, try it and see how you do! It’s “Lopathotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimipotrimmatosiliphiokaravomelitokatakechimenokichlepikossiphophttoperisteralektruonoptokefalliokiglopeleiolagoosiraiovafitraganopterugon.”

5. “Here’s my address, look me up if you come to my country.”

Don’t say this unless you actually mean it! If you give your address to a Greek it is pretty much a given that if they are ever visiting your country, they will look you up. Greeks are known for their hospitality and after having welcomed you into their country, or island, or village, they will assume that you wish to do the same.

6. “Istanbul.”

Greeks still call this city Konstantinopoli. Nothing bad is going to happen to you if you call it Istanbul, but it’s a really sensitive subject for many Greeks for several reasons.

In fact, if you buy a plane ticket from Greece to go to Istanbul, you will find that it says Konstantinopoli in Greek.

Even the on the news, reporters refer to Istanbul as Konstantinopoli. Here’s why: The city is not only steeped in Greek history, it is also because of its deep religious ties. Konstantinopoli means “City of Constantine,” and was named after the Byzantine emperor who established the city as the capital of the Christian Byzantine Empire.

The Ottomans took over the city in 1453 and its name was officially changed to Istanbul in the beginning of the last century. Actually even this name means “to the city” — meaning Constantinople — but that’s a story for another day.

 

Moderna seeks EU authorization for Covid-19 vaccine in young kids

Moderna Inc on Tuesday sought conditional marketing authorization with the European Medicines Agency for use of its Covid-19 vaccine in children in the age-group of 6-11 years.

The vaccine was authorized for use in teens aged 12 to 17 years by the European Union in July, but several countries including Sweden have paused its use for people aged 30 and younger due to rare heart-related side-effects.

The drugmaker sought US authorization of its vaccine for use in teens in June and is awaiting a decision by the US Food and Drug Administration.

“This marks our first submission for the use of our vaccine in this age group,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive of Moderna, adding the company will submit the data to other regulatory agencies around the world.