If you go on vacation to Greece

After Rutte gave the all-clear for safe holidays in early June, I dared to book. Outside of school holidays, as requested, and to a place we know like the back of our hand: that little hotel by the cozy bay on a Greek island. I had a feeling that the Greeks wouldn't just stop at wearing masks in stores, and on Monday evening I suddenly received a flood of messages: you need a negative corona test to go to Greece.

No surprise here, but perhaps even a bit of relief. We are allowed to go, but now we know if we are healthy before we leave. Just like the rest of our fellow travelers on the plane, by the way. I find that a reassuring thought, even though I dread that cotton swab that apparently goes further than ever into my nose. But as my partner quite soberly said: ‘I don't think there have been any casualties from testing.‘

But where can you get a COVID-19 test done without symptoms? Because you can only join the testing lane of the RIVM for free if you suspect you have corona. It's easier than it seems, because for Aruba, such a negative test already counts as a measure. After some googling, it turned out that TUI even offers the tests through an RIVM-approved agency. You book the test via The HuisartsLab and there it costs you 80 bucks (you can also get tested for antibodies right away if you want). It's a bit of smart calculating, because when you enter Greece, the test must not be older than 72 hours or 3 days. So I'm flying very early on Sunday morning and having the test taken on Thursday afternoon; even with a bit of flight delay, we should just make it. The Greek government requires a negative PCR test starting Monday, August 17, so if you're traveling this week, there is no obligation yet.

Just a handy summary of what you must not forget when traveling to Greece:

1. Filling out the PLF form, because you need a QR code to enter the country. Since the end of July, families are allowed to travel on one form, but many agencies still advise filling it out per person.

2. A health declaration for traveling by plane. Note: you need two per person, one for the outbound journey and one for the return flight. You can print the health declaration here. 

3. The negative corona test that is a maximum of 72 hours old; this indeed requires some calculation. So we are flying on Sunday, so let's have the RT-PCR test taken on Thursday at the end of the afternoon. Furthermore, the certificate must be in English, issued by an accredited agency, and this measure applies to all ages, including children.

4. Transavia is the frequent flyer to Greece. If you fly with the green rocket, there is currently no option to check in online, which you need to take into account in your travel schedule.

5. Dettol wipes, face masks, and hygienic gel. But that goes without saying, of course.

A bit more to arrange, so a different kind of holiday prep, but that's not strange in these times.