Greece: COVID-19 Entry Requirements Travelers Need To Know

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Greece has long been known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world before the COVID-19 outbreak. Looking to revitalize its tourism, Greece has implemented COVID-19 entry requirements to help keep its residents and tourists safe during the pandemic. 

Here is everything you need to know before booking your trip and the health protocols that need to be followed once arriving. Make sure to bookmark this page as it will be updated as new entry requirements are released. 

Temporary Restrictions and Updated News for Greece

• May 14, 2021 many services, business and tourism attractions have reopened
• August 2021, more countries were added to the approved list for entry (see below)
• December 2021, proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test needed to travel domestically by ferry within Greece

Entry Requirements For Countries Permitted to Visit Greece For Tourism

The following countries are permitted to enter Greece for tourism under the following entry requirements, last updated December 4, 2021: 

• ALL EU Countries 
• ALL Schengen/EEA Countries

• USA
• Canada
• UK
• Albania
• Andorra
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Australia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brunei
• Chile
• China
• India
• Israel
• Japan
• Kosovo
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Mexico
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Oman
• Qatar
• The Russian Federation
• San Marino
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Turkey
• UAE
• Ukraine
• Uruguay
• Vatican City (Holy See)

Countries not listed on any of the above lists are NOT permitted to visit Greece for tourism at this time.

As of December 2021, passengers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are not allowed to enter unless they are Greek nationals.

Mandatory Passenger Locator Form

All travelers arriving in Greece must fill out the Passenger Locator Form at least 24 hours before arrival. 

COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements For Greece

Proof of a negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery needed for entry

Travellers who are residents of the Russian Federation must show a negative result PCR or antigen test, and they will also be subject to new testing upon arrival.

As of December 17, 2021, ALL travelers arriving in Greece must present a negative 48-hour PCR test.

Proof of Recovery Exemption as of December 17, 2021: The validity of COVID recovery certificates have been shortened from 6 months to 3 months.

Quarantine Entry Requirements 

Quarantine has now been dropped for all approved countries if they either present a negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery.

Passengers who test positive during random testing at the airport mus quarantine for 10 days,

COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements 

All travelers are highly recommended to have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Greece.

Symptomatic Passengers Arriving Into Greece

All tourists visiting Greece should be aware that if they are displaying symptoms upon arrival at the border, a test could be randomly conducted, no matter what proof/exemption like vaccination the traveler might have. Random sampling may also occur.

Greece's official government site reads: “Every traveler who arrives in Greece, regardless of the certificate in their possession, may undergo a random health screening. If you are selected, please keep in mind that the screening is mandatory. In case of refusal, authorities reserve the right to refuse entry into the country. The selection is made through a targeted sampling system ”EVA” used also in the summer of 2020”

In the case a tourist tests positive upon entry into Greece, themselves and their party will be transferred to a quarantine hotel for 10-days, at the cost of the Greek government.

Antigen Testing at Athens Airport

Some travelers, notably tourists from the U.S. will need to obtain a negative Antigen test before returning to their home country (as dictated by their country's entry requirements, not Greece)

Athens airport has a Athens Medical Center satellite testing booth located on the Arrivals level, between exits 2 and 3. The testing booth is open 24 hours a day, giving antigen results in 15-20 minutes at a cost of €20. PCR tests with results in 24 hours are also available for €60.

Air, Land and Sea Borders Open

Travelers are permitted to enter the Greece through:

• All international airports (many direct flights have restarted)
• Seaports of Patras, Igoumenitsa, and Corfu
• Land borders of Promachonas, Ormenio, Evzonoi, Nymfaia, Niki, Doirani, Kristallopigi, Kipi (limit of 1500 passengers per week), Kakavia, Kastanies (limit of 1500 passengers per week), and Exohi.
• Cruising and yachting is allowed

COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Greece

All travelers must follow Greek health protocols to help protect against the transmission of COVID-19.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate or an equivalent document is required to access some public spaces, including catering establishments, indoor venues and touristic attractions.

Physical distancing in public spaces such as shopping malls, hospitals, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, public transportation, and places of worship.

Mask are required in all indoor public spaces including grocery stores, banks, public transportation, malls, salons and all enclosed spaces. Masks are also required in some outdoor areas in Greece. Follow all signage and instructions. Failure to abide by mandatory mask rules where required could result in fines up to 300 euros. 
Note: Children under 5 years of age are exempt

COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements 

As of April 19, 2021, Greece is now recognizing proof of vaccination for entry and a substitute for presenting a negative PCR test.

They state: “We clarify that the entry of tourists in Greece is not subject to vaccination. The presentation of a vaccination certificate greatly facilitates the formalities on arrival. However, in no case is a vaccination or an antibodies certificate considered a “passport”.

Vaccines accepted by Greek officials include: Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca/Oxford, Novavax, Johnson + Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, Sinopharm.

As of December 2021, vaccine certificates must come in the English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Russian language.

Visa Entry Requirements For Greece During COVID-19

All travelers arriving in Greece must follow all regular visa entry rules. 

Use this government page to find out if you need a visa before traveling to Greece.

Travelers that require a visa must apply at a Greek embassy in their home country before traveling.

Greece Covid-19 Entry Requirements:

1. Complete online Passenger Locator Form at least 24 hours before arriving in Greece.
2. Check if you need a visa for entry to Greece.
3. Show proof of a negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery
4. Present QR code from Passenger Locator form to border patrol
5. Follow all mask mandates while in Greece

Read More: 

Countries allowing vaccinated tourists to enter in 2021

Countries Reopening The Complete A-Z List

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions, Join Our: Facebook Community

Sources: Government of Greece / U.S. Embassy in Greece

Disclaimer: Current Greece entry requirements can change without notice and are being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

Originally published August 28, 2020 with updates