TripZillaAs vaccines are rolling out around the world, people are meeting the rollout both with open arms and hesitancy. After a full year where most countries were in quarantine, it’s obvious why people are now rushing to get vaccinated. However, it’s equally important to note that some have been reluctant to get vaccinated considering the efficacy of certain vaccines. Specifically speaking, the Chinese vaccines and sometimes even the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Sinovac and Sinopharm have lower efficacy rates than other COVID-19 vaccines while AstraZeneca became known for its drastic side effects. It wasn’t until the World Health Organization (WHO) approved these vaccines when people finally became more comfortable with them. And so, some countries have likewise adjusted their border policies according to the approvals and validations of WHO. Two of the most popular European holiday destinations, Spain and Greece, are among them.
That means those who have opted to take two doses of the Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccine can take comfort in the fact that they are gradually being welcomed as tourists to more and more countries.
Spain accepts tourists vaccinated with Sinovac and Sinopharm
Image credit: Eliott Van Buggenhout
According to Schengen Visa Info, Spanish authorities announced on 7 June 2021 that all fully vaccinated tourists from EU and low-risk countries will be allowed to enter Spain. The vaccines Spain recognises are those approved either by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization. These are namely Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Sinopharm, and Sinovac-CoronaVac.
Unvaccinated children over the age of six are also allowed to enter Spain as long as they’re travelling with their vaccinated parents. To know more about Spain’s border exemptions to fully vaccinated travellers, click here.
Also read: These Hobbit Houses in Spain Look Straight Out of Hobbiton in New Zealand!
Greece accepts tourists vaccinated with Sinovac and Sinopharm
Image credit: Johnny Chen
On the other hand, Greece also recognises the following vaccines: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Novavax, Johnson and Johnson, Sinovac, Sputnik V, Casino Biologics, and Sinopharm. However, Greece is only open to the EU, the US, Canada, Russia, China, and 50 other countries.
Tourists from these countries only need to present a medical certificate affirming that they’re fully vaccinated. They will also be exempted from quarantine measures unless they have to go through random testing upon arrival. To read more about Greece’s exemptions and entry requirements, click here.
Also read: 14 Fantastic Airbnbs in Greece to Make Your Dream Getaway Happen
With all that said, do note that not everyone who has been fully vaccinated with the Chinese vaccines is welcome to travel to Spain or Greece right now. It will still depend on if you come from a low-risk country or not. However, European countries welcoming foreign tourists vaccinated with any WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine is indeed a stepping stone in reviving tourism and eradicating prejudices. As doctors often put it, “The best vaccine is the one available.” See you in Europe.
Featured image credit: Jorge Fernández Salas | Unsplash
