Greece: Government eases entry restrictions for tourists from June 15 /update 23

Event

Greek authorities announced on Friday, May 29, that tourists from 29 countries will be permitted to enter Greece as of June 15, amid the easing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. The Greek Tourism Ministry announced that travelers from the permitted countries will be allowed to enter Greece through direct flights to Athens International Airport (ATH) and Thessaloniki Airport (SKG). As part of the new measures, tourists from Albania, Australia, Austria, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, New Zealand, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, South Korea, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Finland will be permitted to enter, however, may be subject to random COVID-19 testing. Further countries are expected to be added to the list on July 1.

Greek authorities allowed cafes and restaurants to reopen on Monday, May 25, as part of its easing of COVID-19 measures ahead of the country's tourist season. Different restrictions remain in place at cafes and restaurants, including social distancing, and only allowing customers to sit outdoors. Employees are also being encouraged to wear facemasks.

Separately on May 25, ferry services to all Greek islands were restored, with passenger ferries operating at 50 percent capacity. Year-round hotels will also reopen from June 1. Additionally, from July 1, all Greek airports will be open to all international flights.

As of Saturday, May 30, health authorities have confirmed 2909 COVID-19 cases and 175 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.