Greece To Scrap Entry Restrictions In Time For Summer
Ministers in Greece have announced the dropping of entry rules for travelers, including test requirements, proof of vaccination, or a recovery certificate. These changes will come into effect on Monday, May 2, 2022. Read on to find out more about the changes Greece is making in the run-up to the busy summer season.
Greece drops COVID-19 restrictions in May
As of May 2, 2022, Greece will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from the virus. Moreover, Health Minister Thanos Plevris said that proof of vaccination or recovery certificates will no longer be required when entering public indoor venues in Greece from May 1 this year. Meanwhile, these include restaurants, cafés, bars and other public venues in Greece.
Speaking to local media, Health Minister General Secretary Marios Themistocleous said that Greece is “moving into a summer without certificates.” However, the government did emphasize that these measures are temporary. Themistocleous stated that the situation will be reviewed again in September.
Summer travel to Greece
Greece is renowned for its idyllic beaches, blue skies and fascinating ancient ruins which attract many travelers each year.
Meanwhile, the country had already eased back on some entry requirements for vaccinated visitors ahead of the season. For the season which traditionally runs from Easter through October, the requirement to complete a passenger locator form was dropped last month.
Rules remain in place until May 2
Naturally, if traveling to Greece and its islands prior to the changes on May 2, the original rules remain as follows.
Travelers with a valid European Union digital COVID-19 certificate are not required to present proof of a negative, pre-arrival COVID-19 test. This includes visitors from the EU and Schengen zone, as well as 33 other non-EU countries that are taking part in the EU digital COVID certificate system.
Meanwhile, visitors from Australia, Canada and the US are welcome to visit Greece by providing one of the following. Proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from the virus; or a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered three days prior to departure. Alternatively, a negative antigen test is administered no more than one day prior to departure.
Meanwhile, travelers from all other countries are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken three days prior to departure. Alternatively, they can present a negative antigen test administered no more than one day prior to departure.
All of these requirements are set to be dropped on May 2, 2022.
When entering restaurants, cafés, bars, cinemas, theaters, museums, fitness centers, exhibition centers and sports venues proof of vaccination is required up until May 1.
Face mask requirements in Greece
When it comes to face masks, these are currently still required in indoor situations in Greece. It is recommended to always have one handy, just in case. Meanwhile, when traveling on public transport, people are required to double-mask or wear a high-quality mask such as N95 or FFP2.
Currently, people can be fined for not wearing masks in these situations. When it comes to taxis, currently passengers are limited to three persons in addition to the driver. However, more are allowed if passengers are all from the same family.
As mentioned above, from the start of May, restrictions will be dropped in Greece. Moreover, after the season, the situation will again be reviewed by the government of Greece.
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