Greece: Authorities to suspend all COVID-19-related international entry and domestic restrictions from May 2 /update 85

Event

The Greek government plans to suspend all COVID-19 international entry and domestic restrictions. Effective May 2, all travelers regardless of vaccination status and country of origin will be allowed to enter Greece without any COVID-19-related requirements. Officials have indicated, however, that the move is only temporary at this juncture and restrictions could be reintroduced in September following a review of the epidemiological situation in the country.

Domestic Measures
Under existing regulations that will remain in force through May 1, officials prohibit unvaccinated individuals from entering indoor public spaces such as restaurants, cinemas, theaters, museums, and gyms. Patrons must show a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours to enter open-air cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as religious spaces. Most businesses and facilities nationwide operate subject to health controls, including social distancing requirements and capacity limits. Facemasks are recommended in enclosed and crowded outdoor public spaces, as well as on public transport.

International Travel Restrictions
Under current directives in effect through May 1, residents of certain countries can enter Greece with the EU Digital Covid Certificate showing their vaccination, recovery, or testing status. The countries include the EU and EEA member nations, as well as Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Chile, China, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, the UAE, Ukraine, the UK, and Uruguay.

Additionally, travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia can enter the country with a vaccination certificate, a certificate of recovery, or a negative result from a PCR test or rapid antigen test taken within the previous 72 or 24 hours respectively.

Travelers from all other countries, regardless of vaccination or recovery status, must possess a negative result either from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. These travelers might be subject to randomized rapid testing for COVID-19 upon arrival; those who test positive must self-isolate for five days.

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.

Resources

Greek Government Coronavirus Portal (Greek)
Passenger Locator Form
Schengen Area Countries