Tourism Minister says Greece will remain open to US travelers through tourist season

While a growing number of European Union member states are tightening entry requirements for visitors from the United States, authorities in Greece say the country will remain open to U.S. travelers through October, the end of tourist season.

“USA constitutes a very important market, which creates added value for the country's economy,” Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said in a statement shared with USA TODAY Friday. “US Visitors as well as tourism professionals and of course the Greek diaspora, have shown and continue to show their love for Greece as well their trust in the Greek tourism product."

The Greek Ministry of Tourism Press Office added that the Ministry intends to allow U.S. visitors to visit Greece after October as long as “the situation with the Covid-19 pandemic will allow such a process.”

The move comes as other EU member states tighten restrictions on U.S. travelers amid the latest COVID-19 surge. France confirmed Friday that only vaccinated visitors will be allowed to visit for vacation starting Sunday, Sept. 12, and Spain began requiring proof of vaccination from travelers coming from the U.S. on Monday, Sept 6.

The updated policies follow the EU's Aug. 30 decision to remove the U.S. from its list of safe travel countries. While travel restrictions are up to each member state, the move signaled that countries should tighten entry requirements for people from the U.S.

► US travel to France: France's new travel restriction bans unvaccinated US tourists

► Travel to Europe: European Union countries tightening COVID-19 restrictions for US tourists

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Greece set to remain open to US travelers though October