Greece: Authorities start easing additional COVID-19 domestic measures, as of June 24 /update 63

Event

Authorities have eased domestic, and several international entry restrictions imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Effective June 24, face masks are only mandatory in enclosed public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. Additional domestic restrictions will be eased from June 28. The nationwide curfew will be lifted. Workers will no longer be required to regularly test themselves for COVID-19 provided they completed a full course of vaccination no less than 15 days ago; this also applies to gym attendees. Restaurants may seat up to 10 persons at a table. Up to 300 people will be permitted in outdoor reception areas and up to 120 people per 1,000 square meters (3280 square feet) on public beaches. All civil servants may return to work from June 28.

Most businesses and services are already permitted to operate subject to social distancing requirements. Tighter local restrictions remain in place in areas experiencing higher COVID-19 activity.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities have also eased some international entry restrictions. As of June 24, travelers from Austria may enter Greece with a rapid antigen test no more than 48 hours old. Travelers from the Netherlands may move freely within Greece, except for the Attica region, from June 27.

Authorities are maintaining numerous other international entry restrictions. Entry is permitted for foreign travelers from the EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as travelers from Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, China, Israel, Kuwait, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Ukraine, as well as the UAE, UK, and the US. All arrivals must complete Greece's Passenger Locator Form (PLF) detailing the place and duration of their stay. Arriving travelers must also present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours or 48 hours before arrival, respectively, or an official document certifying that they have recently recovered from COVID-19. Travelers may be selected to undergo a rapid test upon arrival; travelers found positive will need to self-isolate for either seven days if they are vaccinated or 10 days if they are not.

Travelers to any of the Greek islands, including those traveling domestically, must fill out a special sea travel COVID-19 declaration and possess either a certificate of vaccination, a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test no older than 72 hours, a negative rapid test taken within 24 hours, or evidence that they have recently recovered from COVID-19. The Promachonas and Ormenio land border crossings with Bulgaria operate 24/7, while the Nimfea crossing with Bulgaria and the Evzonoi border crossing with North Macedonia operate 07:00-23:00 daily.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Greek Government Coronavirus Portal (Greek)
World Health Organization (WHO)
General Secretariat for Civil Protection
Passenger Locator Form
Sea Travel Form
Schengen Area Countries