Latest News: Greek civil aviation authority extends entry ban currently in place for travelers from majority of third countries until 31 May (SVI,24.05.2021). Movement restrictions lifted, night curfew continues (OSAC, 18.05.2021). Government imposes lockdown on Kalymnos Island (Reuters, 04.05.2021).

International Restrictions:

*From within the EU:

Greece adopts its own national classification of risk areas, hence travel restrictions for Greece are not based on the common "EU Traffic Lights" map.

Passengers are allowed to enter the country through all international airports and the ports of Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu.
Travellers are allowed to enter from the land borders through the entry gates of Promachonas and Ormenio on a 24/7 basis, and through Evzonoi from 07:00 to 23:00.
Cruising and yachting is allowed. Maritime connections with Albania and Turkey are temporarily restricted.

Travellers arriving from EU Member States and Schengen Associated Countries are exempted from the mandatory 7-day quarantine if they provide an acceptable form of certification of their health condition. Acceptable documents include:

• certificate of vaccination against Covid-19, issued by a national authority in the English language, and a 14-day period has elapsed since these passengers were fully vaccinated;
• negative result to a molecular PCR test for Covid-19, taken within 72 hours before their entry in Greece (children aged 5 and under are exempted);
• certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 9 months issued by a public authority or a certified laboratory. Another option is a certificate of a positive PCR molecular test result, confirming that the holder recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, performed at least 2 months before arrival, and no later than 9 months before arrival.

All certificates must include the critical information (i.e. number of doses and their respective dates) in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Russian. The person’s full name must match the name on the passport or any other recognized travel document.

Upon arrival, regardless of the certificate in their possession, passengers will also be subject to random testing (rapid tests) as per the procedure described in the Passenger Locator Form. If the result of this test is positive, the travellers and their travel companions are accommodated in quarantine hotels, where they will undergo further PCR testing to confirm the initial diagnosis. Guests will stay in quarantine hotels for at least 10 days. The expenses of the accommodation in quarantine hotels are covered by the Greek state.

In all other cases, travellers will be required to quarantine for at least 7 days. In case their test result is positive, they will be quarantined for 14 days.

Upon their arrival, passengers will also be subject to random testing (rapid tests) as per the procedure described in the Passenger Locator Form. Those entering from Promachonas will also have to take a rapid test for Covid-19 at the entrance checkpoint.

It is possible to perform PCR or antigen tests directly at the place where each guest stays, if the guest needs a test for returning home. This makes it easier for every tourist to be consistent with his/her obligations in order to safely return to his/her country.

Mandatory Travel Documentation

Before entering the country, all travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form no later than 23:59 of the day before arriving in Greece.

Find out more:
Destination Greece. Health first!
Travel.gov.gr
Arrangements for the smooth movement of coastal passengers during curfew hours

Health cover for temporary stays *Transit:

As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restriction.

EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.

Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.

Third-country citizens are not allowed to enter Greece.

Exceptions apply to residents of the following countries:

• United Kingdom
• USA
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Rwanda
• Singapore
• United Arab Emirates
• Russia
• Serbia
• Israel
• North Macedonia
• Canada
• Belarus
• Bahrein
• Qatar
• China
• Kuwait
• Ukraine
• Saudi Arabia

Travellers arriving from the countries listed above are exempted from the mandatory 7-day quarantine if they provide an acceptable form of certification of their health condition. Acceptable documents include:

• certificate of vaccination against Covid-19, issued by a national authority in the English language, and a 14-day period has elapsed since these passengers were fully vaccinated;
• negative result to a molecular PCR test for Covid-19, taken within 72 hours before their entry in Greece (children aged 5 and under are exempted);
• certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 9 months issued by a public authority or a certified laboratory. Another option is a certificate of a positive PCR molecular test result, confirming that the holder recovered from the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, performed at least 2 months before arrival, and no later than 9 months before arrival.

All certificates must include the critical information (i.e. number of doses and their respective dates) in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Russian. The person’s full name must match the name on the passport or any other recognized travel document.

Upon arrival, regardless of the certificate in their possession, passengers will also be subject to random testing (rapid tests) as per the procedure described in the Passenger Locator Form. If the result of this test is positive, the travellers and their travel companions are accommodated in quarantine hotels, where they will undergo further PCR testing to confirm the initial diagnosis. Guests will stay in quarantine hotels for at least 10 days. The expenses of the accommodation in quarantine hotels are covered by the Greek state.

In all other cases, travellers will be required to quarantine for at least 7 days. In case their test result is positive, they will be quarantined for 14 days.

Upon their arrival, passengers will also be subject to random testing (rapid tests) as per the procedure described in the Passenger Locator Form. Those entering from Promachonas will also have to take a rapid test for Covid-19 at the entrance checkpoint.

It is possible to perform PCR or antigen tests directly at the place where each guest stays, if the guest needs a test for returning home. This makes it easier for every tourist to be consistent with his/her obligations in order to safely return to his/her country.

Mandatory Travel Documentation

Before entering the country, all travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form no later than 23:59 of the day before arriving in Greece.

Find out more:
Destination Greece. Health first!
Travel.gov.gr
Arrangements for the smooth movement of coastal passengers during curfew hours

*Wearing a mask: At present, it is mandatory to wear a mask in all public places (both indoors and outdoors), in all areas of Greece.

*COVID-19 restrictions: All restrictions remain under regular review. In Regional Units (περιφερειακές ενότητες) where the spread of COVID-19 is particularly high and hospital capacity is limited, restrictions may be tighter or re-imposed with limited notice.

Only the most relevant measures to travellers are included below. You should keep up-to-date by checking this page regularly, and following local announcements.

As restrictions may vary, you should check the latest local guidance (in Greek).

• you must use a facemask in all indoor and outdoor public and communal spaces, including work-places and on public transport;

• a curfew is in place from 12:30am to 5am;

• restricted numbers are in place for churches and religious services;

• Maximum 3 persons permitted to travel in a taxi or a private vehicle (unless all members of the same family).

• Cross-regional travel is allowed for mainland Greece and the islands of Lefkada, Evia and Salamina (use of self-tests ahead of travel is strongly recommended but is not mandatory).

Cross-regional travel to the rest of the islands is permitted but only with either:

• proof of vaccination and 14 days since second dose (see Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status), or

• a negative result from a PCR test carried out up to 72 hours prior to travel; or

• a negative result from a rapid test or self-test conducted up to 24 hours before travel; or

• documentary proof of having recovered from Covid-19 (at least 2 months since infection, and no more than 9 months)

*Travel in Greece: Travel within Greece between Regional Units is permitted subject to adherence to public health measures as outlined above. You must wear a mask at all times on all public transport.

If you are travelling via ferry, you will need to complete a health questionnaire and hand it to the ferry operator before boarding. The necessary forms will be provided by the operator: you should contact them directly if you need further information. Temperature checks may also be carried out before boarding.

If you are travelling by internal (domestic) flights, specific measures relating to check-in, baggage allowances and other details are in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus. You should check with your operator directly for further detail.

*Accommodation: All hotels are permitted to open, and other types of accommodation, including e.g. Airbnb, private rentals and hostels, are also available. However, you should note that many operators are likely to reduce their offer and close some accommodation during the winter months, particularly in light of measures put in place by the Greek authorities to fight the spread of COVID-19. You should check directly with your accommodation provider in case of related concerns.