Only people who can prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be permitted to enter indoor restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in Greece from September.
As the Delta variant continues to drive COVID-19 cases in Greece, the country is now experiencing a fourth wave of the pandemic. Consequently, the Greek government will soon ask businesses to verify patrons’ vaccination status before they can dine or drink indoors. Previously, individuals could present a negative test if they didn’t have the jab, but now only vaccinated patrons will be allowed inside. The measures will be effective from September 13 until March 31, allowing Greece’s vaccination campaign to gain momentum.
Similar measures will apply to some public transport networks. While people do not need to be vaccinated to visit museums, archaeological sites, and theaters, they will still need to present a negative test result to enter. The rules apply to adults and children between the ages of 12 and 17.
“The duty of the state is to protect public health, and it does so with these measures,” the health minister, Vassilis Kikilias, said in a statement. “It is our duty to our fellow citizens who lost the battle before the vaccine, to those who spent the night in hospitals treating patients, to those who are vaccinated to build a wall of immunity.”
The Associated Press reports that Greece has seen a record number of infections recently, surpassing March’s peak, as hospitalizations and deaths rise alongside case numbers. However, the country hopes that the vaccination campaign can protect people against the worst of the virus. More than 5.6 million individuals are now fully vaccinated in Greece.
If you’re traveling to Greece this year, here’s what you need to know about the new measures and how they might impact your trip.
Where do I need to show proof of vaccination?
You’ll need to show proof at any restaurant, bar, club, cafe, or taverna in Greece if you wish to go inside. Moreover, you’ll also need to present it at entertainment venues and open-air sports stadiums. Individuals can also show proof of recent recovery (within the last six months) from the virus to dine and drink indoors. When visiting museums or archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, or theaters in Greece, you won’t need to prove your vaccination status. However, you will need to present a negative COVID-19 result to enter if you’re not vaccinated, and that result can be taken from a rapid antigen test within the last 48 hours. Venues will also have the right to only permit vaccinated visitors, as stated by the health minister.
If you plan to enjoy intercity travel or island hop in Greece, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative COVID-19 test result if you take a boat, board a plane, or ride a long-distance bus. Children between the age of five and 12 will need to show a negative self-test certificate done 24 hours earlier, and their results can be uploaded here.
Sports clubs and gyms will also require mandatory vaccination or certification of recovery from their members.
How can I present proof?
Travelers visiting Greece who have an EU digital COVID certificate can use that to enter venues. Official health certificates from Schengen Zone countries are also easily recognized in Greece. If you’re coming from a country outside the EU, you should be able to present your printed or electronic vaccination certificate, according to the US Embassy in Greece. Nevertheless, it advises people to “be patient with businesses working to comply with Greek health measures and also have a Plan B to try another business.” All certificates must include all relevant information (number of doses, dates, etc.) and be presented in either Greek, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Russian.
Where can I get tested?
Tests are widely available in Greece, and rapid tests will cost €10 for people who are not vaccinated. They are free for those who are vaccinated.
What vaccines does Greece recognize?
Greece accepts a wide range of vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sputnik, Cansino Biologics, and Sinopharm. To be considered fully vaccinated, at least 14 days must have passed since your last recommended dose.
