British expats in Greece will be fined £83 if they are unvaccinated – ‘Everywhere checks’ | Travel News | Travel
Those without a jab will face a fine of 100 euros (£83) per month. The age limit is expected to be lowered to 50 in Greece soon.
The head of the Greek medical association said: “It is necessary for all adults to be vaccinated, and, of course, if the Government decides it is mandatory, we support it.”
One woman told ITV News: “We are only doing it as they are putting a knife to our throats. This is blackmail.”
The law will also apply to British expats over 60 living in Greece who will need to be vaccinated to avoid the fine.
In the Facebook group ‘Expats in Greece’ one person said: “They will check the vaccine name, dates you had them, batch numbers.”
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They added that people have to show them “everywhere except supermarkets and pharmacies.”
Another said: “You must also carry ID. Everywhere in Athens check. Even a tiny hardware store today.”
Some expats struggled to be vaccinated in Greece as they didn’t have an AMKA (social security number).
Several also had issues getting a vaccine done outside the EU recognised in Greece.
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Greece is the first European country in the world to fine its citizens for avoiding vaccination.
The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “It’s the price to pay for health.
“We are focusing our efforts on protection of our fellow citizens and for this reason their vaccination will be mandatory from now on.
“(The decision) tortured me, but I feel a heavy responsibility in standing next to those most vulnerable, even if it might fleetingly displease them.”
Statistics show that 200,000 of the 600,000 unvaccinated elderly people in Greece have got their first dose since the policy was announced.
Around 80 percent of people intubated in hospital with Covid in Greece are currently unvaccinated.
There have been street protests over the rules which are unpopular with some Greek citizens.
In Greece, the average pension is around 700 euros (£584) per month so the fine will be very heavy for many pensioners.
