US Issues Advisory Against Travel to Greece Due to Covid-19

Photo source: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Americans – vaccinated or not – are now advised against traveling to Greece due to a “very high” risk of Covid-19 following revised guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State Department.

The CDC moved Greece into its “Level 4: Avoid Travel” and the State Department into the “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category due to a rise in Covid-19 cases and the faster spreading Delta variant.

“Your risk of contracting Covid-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine,” said the CDC in its statement.

The US Embassy in Greece advises reviewing the CDC’s specific recommendations on the State Department page for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers before planning any international travel.

Photo source: TSA

The embassy goes on to add that should US citizens decide to travel to Greece despite the advisory, they will be required to follow CDC guidelines upon return to the US:

A. Individuals fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization should:

– get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel. Those testing positive, should isolate

– self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms

– follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.

B. Unvaccinated travelers should:

– get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel

– even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full seven days

– if your test is positive, self-isolate to protect others from getting infected

– if you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel

– avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not

– self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms

– follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.

Earlier this week, the CDC also advised fully vaccinated populations to wear masks in public indoor areas in places with high and substantial viral spread.