Haris Theoharis confirmed to ITV News on Wednesday (24 February) there would be no self-isolation requirement for those looking to head to Greece this summer, with vaccination and pre-departure testing likely to be considered sufficient to mitigate the risk posed by Covid-19.

“We feel vaccination means someone with the required certificates, which will be issued by the government, will mean you don’t need to have a negative test before the flight,” said Theoharis.

“But it doesn’t mean only vaccinated people can travel. We still have the option of a negative test for those who haven’t had a vaccine.”

Theoharis also confirmed recent reports that talks were ongoing between the UK and Greek governments over any necessary vaccine certification and how this can be implemented.

Earlier this week, The Times reported Greece was ready to break with EU-wide efforts to restart international tourist travel this summer, with EU chiefs due on Thursday (25 February) to discuss a common regime of vaccine certification.

Speaking to The Guardian, also on Wednesday, Theoharis said Greece would look to ensure its work on a restoration of tourist travel would “dovetail” with the UK’s Covid roadmap, which was outlined by prime minister Boris Johnson on Monday (22 February).

He wouldn’t, however, be drawn on whether Greece would do this in defiance of wider EU efforts to restart travel.