Traveling to Greece: COVID-19 Guidelines and Restrictions

Thanks to some early intervention, was remarkably successful at containing the coronavirus. The country confirmed its first positive case of COVID-19 on February 6, closed schools, theaters, and gyms in early March, and entered full lockdown less than two weeks later. By May, things were opening back up – June 15, and international flights July 1. However, on August 10, Greece confirmed it was in a second wave due to a recent spike in infections and introduced new restrictive measures aimed at stabilizing the situation.

Travel Restrictions in Greece

Currently, only residents of EU and Schengen member states, plus the UK, are allowed entry for non-essential purposes. Exemptions also apply for travelers from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. All visitors must submit a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) detailing their contact information prior to entry, and they’ll receive an email with a link to a QR code on the day of their scheduled arrival. This QR code must be presented upon screening. Furthermore, anyone making multiple stops in Greece must declare and report their itinerary for the next 7 days.

As of August 17, travelers arriving from Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and the Czech Republic must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of travel. The same requirements apply to passengers arriving from Bulgaria, Malta, and Romania.

Ferry arrivals are only allowed at ports in Patras, Corfu, and Igoumenitsa, and passengers must present a PLF QR code. Passengers arriving via yacht have no such restrictions. When crossing the Promachonas border with Bulgaria, travelers are required to show negative test results. Passengers in transit to a final destination will be permitted to pass through. A maximum of 750 people will be allowed to cross through the Kakavia land border with Albania as of August 16.

Will I Have to Quarantine When I Arrive in Greece?

Any traveler who tests positive on arrival will be contacted and placed on a 14-day quarantine.

Current Lockdown Status in Greece

Ahead of the anticipated return of international tourism on July 1, Greece restaurants, bars, and cafes, ensuring that tables are spaced one meter apart for outdoor dining and two meters apart for indoor dining. Moreover, waitstaff is required to wear masks, and customers are encouraged to do so as well.

In light of the recent spike in cases—blamed on overcrowding in clubs and social events despite new regulations—all bars, restaurants, and food-related shops in the regions of Crete, East Macedonia, Thrace, and certain areas of Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Larissa, and Corfu are mandated to close by midnight. Similar rules are enforced in the municipalities of Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Volos, Katerini, Rhodes, Antiparos, Zakynthos, and Kos. This new curfew will remain effective until August 23.

Hotels and other accommodations, operating under strict health protocols, are welcoming guests. Ferry service to the islands has resumed, and both social distancing and masks are required in public spaces, including public transit and beaches. Additionally, beach umbrellas must be spaced four meters apart.

Many of Greece’s renowned archaeological sites in May, and museums followed suit in June, placing limits on visitor capacity.

You Might Be Wondering About…

Athens: In late May, the reopened, along with 200 outdoor archaeological sites across the country. The is also open, requiring masks and maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Greek Islands: Greece reopened its 18 regional airports to international arrivals on July 1, and travelers arriving on Rhodes, Crete, and other locations enjoyed local sweets and live musical performances. Ferries are operating at 60% capacity, with passengers required to fill out a health questionnaire and undergo temperature checks before boarding. Moreover, bars and restaurants on popular holiday islands are mandated to close at midnight.

According to USA Today, preparations for the influx of travelers included establishing “a safety net for the islands—with connections to each other and to mainland hospitals for testing and health evacuations.” This system is supported by over 100 mobile units and backed by the coast guard, air force, and civil authorities.

What They’re Saying in Greece About COVID-19 and Travel

When Greece announced its reopening, officials recognized the risks involved, particularly since tourism accounts for a significant portion of the national economy. As tourism minister Harry Theocharis noted, “It’s a calculated risk,” adding that “we do not rush things, we take it one step at a time.”

In June, the Associated Press reported that the country experienced a 99% drop in travel revenue during the lockdown in April. While some residents appreciated less crowded beaches, many missed the vital seasonal traffic necessary for their livelihoods. As Mykonos resident Stacey Harris-Papaioannou poignantly declared, “Nice as it is, we can’t pay our bills with sand.”

However, a return to normalcy may take time. One study indicated that while most people trust Greece’s handling of the pandemic, only a quarter of 3,000 surveyed individuals intended to travel before September.

This sentiment is particularly relevant as officials strive to halt rising infection numbers. Gkikas Magiorkinis, an assistant professor of hygiene and epidemiology at Athens University, stated on August 10 that “Greece has formally entered a second wave of the epidemic. This is the point that we could win or lose the battle.”

COVID-19 Snapshot

This article was initially published on July 28, 2020, and was last updated on August 12, 2020.