Booking a flight - what if the rules change?

longwalks1

We are planning on going away with another couple to Greece in July, but one of them isn’t vaccinated by choice.  We’ve checked the gov website and they can still travel just have to do an approved PCR test 72 hours prior to travel.
what happens to our flights should the rules change, and Greece decide you have to be fully vaccinated to enter?

Caz3121

you would need to look at the fare rules of the tickets/package or any waivers that are in place. Would you be able to change destination?/ get a voucher for future travel?  Would you choose to travel without the other couple?
Unlikely to be an insurance position as this is a choice (and the non-vaccinated person may find getting travel insurance difficult)

Upsidedownandaround

Nothing. The terms and conditions will remain the same as when you booked and it will be there problem if they no longer meet the entry requirements.

In these circumstances if you/they are concerned you/they should either book fully refundable flights or book with an airline that allows a large amount of flexibility to allow free changes or vouchers for future flights.

I understand BA and Easyjet are two of the most flexible.

longwalks1

Many thanks people.  We havent travelled anywhere since November 2019 so apologies for the back-to-basic questions 

hadn’t even thought of insurance for him being unvaccinated, any recommendations?  Am guessing holiday insurance asks you for your status now 

emmajones1976

Personally I would book as seperate couples. You really dont want the hassle of having to change things round etc all because one of the other couple likes wearing tin foil hats.

If they cant go, it means your own plans are unaffected.

zagfles

I'd reconsider travelling with them, it could be a right PITA. It's not just entry requirements, it's being able to do stuff there. Lots of countries in Europe won't let you do basic stuff if you're not vaccinated, like enter pubs, restaurants, pools, travel by public transport etc. Just google "super green pass" to see what some countries like Italy are doing. Not sure about Greece now but that's the direction most of Europe seems to be going so Greece may have similar rules in the summer.

emmajones1976

Also does your friend realise he might have to quarantine in the UK for 10 days on return, and pay for two tests? Its possible that restriction will be one of the last to go, and may still be in place in summer?

onashoestring

The rules at the time of writing are :

That unvaccinated people in Greece are not allowed to enter nightclubs, restaurants (indoors), theatres, cinemas, museums, exhibitions, conferences, gyms and stadiums;

They must present proof of a negative rapid test, taken up to 48 hours before entry, to visit other public spaces including shops and restaurants (outdoors);

Failure to comply with these rules may be met with fines of up to €5,000;

Having a member of the party that is required  to take a test every 48 hours and wait for a results could really impact on what you can do on your holiday - and even with that it only allows you to go to outdoor restaurants.

You would need to check if your hotel will even accept an unvaccinated guest , given that they  won’t be able to eat in the hotel’s restaurant / bars if it’s indoors and would need a negative result to do so out doors.

The rules could change but  I would suggest before you book a holiday that you read the section “unvaccinated in Greece “ 
 for a summary of the current restrictions on unvaccinated people in Greece.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/coronavirus

Upsidedownandaround

I wouldn’t let anyone put you off your plans.

Just make sure you are aware of the terms you are agreeing to and have flexibility if things change and you or they can’t or no longer want to go.

It’s so far away there will be numerous changes between now and when you go.

Although hopefully things don’t change too much.
The forum would be a far drier place without any corny tinfoil hat quips.

emmajones1976

I think its absolutely fair comment to warn the OP of what she is potentially about to get herself involved with, she may not even have considered that all 4 of them may not even be allowed into the hotel restaurant together.

longwalks1

Thanks for your helpful answer to my initial question.