Coronavirus info for travelling in Greece

Latest update June 19th

Tourist entering in Greece can now present a negative rapid antigen test from authorized laboratory within 48 hours before their flight to Greece.

Updates info about travelling to Greece from June 19th 2021

a) have completed COVID-19 vaccination at least fourteen (14) days prior to travel to Greece and submit a certificate of vaccination, in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian, issued by a public authority. The vaccination certificate includes the person’s name as indicated in the passport, the type of vaccine administered, the number of doses and the date of administration, or

b) tested negative for COVID-19 coronavirus by the PCR (molecular) method in the last seventy-two (72) hours prior to their arrival in Greece, or negative rapid antigen test  from authorized laboratory within 48 hours before their flight to Greece.

c) alternatively, the medical certificate of antibodies to coronavirus valid from two (2) to nine (9) months from the date of diagnosis of the disease. The certificate must have been issued by a public authority.

The requirement of entry conditions due coronavirus to Greece is valid for children aged 12 and over. (it was previously mandatory for children over 6)

• It is mandatory to fill in the questionnaire before departure. The form can be downloaded here
• Passengers can enter the country through all airports-port in Greece.
• To travel between the islands by ferry, the same documents are required as for arrival in Greece (vaccination certificate, coronavirus test or immunization certificate). This applies to ferry trips between the mainland and the islands; for example if you leave Piraeus for Mykonos by ferry or from any port on the mainland to the islands. Once in Mykonos, if you decide to visit Naxos or other islands, you can travel freely.
• So if you are traveling by ferry from one island to another; for example arriving by flight to Kos and traveling by ferry between the islands there is no need to present anything at the port; except self-certification that the shipping company will provide you on boarding.
• From the beginning of May, hotels, restaurants, museums, yachting and excursions following Covid measures are operating.
• It is possible to perform all types of COVID tests directly on each Greek island at a pubic hospital or private facilities, if the guest needs a test for the return home. This makes it easier for every tourist to be consistent with their obligations to return safely to their country in the case required.
• The rules are simple and clear; the authorities are making every effort to ensure that all travelers have a relaxing and safe holiday.

Older articles about coronavirus info for travelling in Greece

Entry conditions for travelers coming to Greece for summer 2021

a) have completed COVID-19 vaccination at least fourteen (14) days prior to travel to Greece and submit a certificate of vaccination, in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian, issued by a public authority. The vaccination certificate includes the person’s name as indicated in the passport, the type of vaccine administered, the number of doses and the date of administration, or

b) tested negative for COVID-19 coronavirus by the PCR (molecular) method in the last seventy-two (72) hours prior to their arrival in Greece, or

c) alternatively, the medical certificate of antibodies to coronavirus valid from two (2) to nine (9) months from the date of diagnosis of the disease. The certificate must have been issued by a public authority.
The requirement of entry conditions due coronavirus to Greece is valid for children aged five and over.

• It is mandatory to fill in the questionnaire before departure.
• Passengers can enter the country through all airports-port in Greece.
• To travel between the islands by ferry, the same documents are required as for arrival in Greece (vaccination certificate, coronavirus test or immunization certificate). This applies to ferry trips between the mainland and the islands; for example if you leave Piraeus for Mykonos by ferry or from any port on the mainland to the islands. Once in Mykonos, if you decide to visit Naxos or other islands, you can travel freely.
• So if you are traveling by ferry from one island to another; for example arriving by flight to Kos and traveling by ferry between the islands there is no need to present anything at the port; except self-certification that the shipping company will provide you on boarding.
• From the beginning of May, hotels, restaurants, museums, yachting and excursions following Covid measures are operatting.
• The curfew for the month of May is from 00.30 to 05.00. It could be eliminated starting from mid-June. The opening of night clubs is not currently planned.
• It is possible to perform all types of COVID tests directly on each Greek island at a pubic hospital or private facilities, if the guest needs a test for the return home. This makes it easier for every tourist to be consistent with their obligations to return safely to their country in the case required.
• The rules are simple and clear; the authorities are making every effort to ensure that all travelers have a relaxing and safe holiday.

Cabin gulet cruises in Greece confirmed for June 2021

• Dodecanese from Rhodes in VGO gulet from 6 June 720 € per person all inclusive

• Northern Ionian Islands from Corfu from 7 June 600 € per person with half board 

• Southern Ionian Islands from Zakynthos from 12 June 750 € per person with half board

   

  Read older articles about travelling in Greece and Coronona virus restrictions:

• Greece is opening its borders gradually, in a safe and doable manner. The first stage, from the 19th of April, has some limitations compared to the generalized opening. In the following paragraphs, we describe what applies as of the 19th of April. Information relating to the generalized opening, which will be affected as of the 14th of May, will be announced in due time.
• For the protection of your own health, your family’s, as well as that of all those involved in offering you a safe hospitality, the following general principles regarding the health protocols apply in Greece as of the 19th of April:
• Every traveler coming to Greece from abroad should have a negative PCR test from a diagnostic laboratory. The test has to be conducted no later than 72 hours before arrival. This test is mandatory for all tourists (including children over the age of 5), regardless of the epidemiological situation prevalent in the country of departure.
• If the traveler has completed his/her vaccination (i.e. 14 days have elapsed since the last vaccination, depending on the doses required) and is in a position to confirm it by presenting the relevant vaccination certificate, then proof of a negative test is not required.
• Vaccination certificates with vaccines Sputnik, Sinovac, etc., which have not been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also exempt visitors from the obligation of a negative PCR test. For the list of acceptable coronavirus vaccines, see here: Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca/Oxford, Novavax, Johnson + Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, Sinopharm
• Every traveler who arrives in Greece, regardless of the certificate he carries, may undergo a random cononavirus health check. If selected, the check is mandatory. Otherwise we reserve the right to refuse entry in the country. The selection is made through a targeted sampling system, based on the EVA system used in the summer of 2020.
• Attention: We clarify that the entry of tourists in Greece is not subject to coronavirus 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”.
• The countries from which entry is allowed, under the aforementioned conditions, without the requirement for isolation are: EU +Schengen, USA, UK, Israel, Serbia, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore and Russia.
• Non EU citizens are strongly advised to choose direct flights to Greece. In other cases, travelers should abide by the stop-over country requirements.
• Passengers are allowed to enter the country through 9 airports (Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, Chania, Mykonos, Santorini).
• Travelers are allowed to enter from the land borders of the country through the land entry gates of Promachonas and Nymphaio.
• In particular, permanent residents of Russia are allowed to enter the country up to a maximum of four thousand (4,000) persons per week and only by air. Moreover, travelers from Russia need to cumulatively have completed their vaccination (i.e. 14 days have elapsed since the last vaccination, depending on the doses required) and have a negative PCR test.
• OBLIGATIONS FOR EVERY VISITOR IN GREECE
• Before arrival:
• Every tourist must fill in the special PLF (Passenger Location Form) no later than 23:59 of the day before arriving in Greece. This is done here.
• Before departure, the traveler must ensure that he/she has some kind of certification of his health condition. The alternatives for that are as follows:
• PCR test from a laboratory, maximum 72 hours before entry.
• Vaccination certificate issued by an appropriate authority.
• All certificates must include the critical information in English and the full name must match with that of the passport or other travel document.
• On arrival:
• For travelers arriving in Greece, the following are provided:
• Sampling RAPID antigen tests at the entrance gates, the selection of individuals drawn from a targeted sampling system, based on the EVA system used in the summer of 2020.
• Mandatory isolation for tourists who have tested positive for SARS-Cov-2, following a sampling test. In this case, the travelers and their escorts are transported to quarantine hotels and undergo further PCR tests to confirm the initial diagnosis. Guests will stay in seclusion hotels for at least 10 days, and they will undergo new tests again. The expenses of the accommodation in quarantine hotels are covered by the Greek state.
• Compliance with the health protocols during tourist transport and throughout your entire hospitality in Greece is the decisive factor that will allow for all of us to stay safe and return to our normality. We ask for your understanding and apologize in advance for any additional inconvenience. Thank you for the cooperation, thank you for choosing our country for your vacation and we look forward to welcoming you to Greece.

• Coronavirus last updates fro travelling in Greece

  Greece announced on Monday April 19th 2021 that it lifts the 7-day quarantine for arrivals from European Union member states, countries of the Schengen Agreement and five more non-EU countries. The lifting of quarantine in Greece is, however, bound to two preconditions to prevent coronavirus spreed.

  EU member states, Schengen Agreement countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Israel.

  Necessary precondition for entering Greece without quarantine is to have

  • corinavirus vaccination certificate issued by the competent authority of their country in English
  • or a negative molecular Covid-19 PCR test carried out 72 hours before arrival.

  The Vaccination certificate is issued 14 days after the completion of the vaccination, the CAA notes.

  Details here:

  Update 20/04/2021

  Greece plan to open for tourist in May 2021 with no quarantine

  Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis said on 08.03.2021 that Greece aims to open the tourism season by May 14, 2021. He stressed that tourists will be welcome if they have been vaccinated, have antibodies or a negative test. He stressed that vaccination of people in the tourism sector will be prioritized, once the vaccination of vulnerable groups is completed.

  “We aim to open tourism by May 14, with specific rules and updated protocols to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in Greece. Until then, we will gradually lift the restrictions if conditions allow,” Theoharis said in a press conference from the Acropolis Museum in the context of the International Tourism Fair ITB Berlin, which this year due to coronavirus is held online.

  Outlining the tourism policies for 2021;

  -Tourists will be welcome if they are vaccinated against COVID19 before the travel or have antibodies or have a negative test.

  -All tourists are likely to undergo a sampling test as was done last year. The important difference this year is the use of rapid tests.

  – All needs that may arise in relation to Covid 19 (eg hospitalization, etc.) will be provided by the Greek State at no cost to tourists.

  – All the rules that apply to our citizens will apply to tourists – without any distinction or exception. For example, the use of the mask is currently mandatory in public places and applies to everyone.

  Theocharis pointed out that the country will strengthen the structures of the health system in all destinations, “as we did last year to ensure proper care for citizens and visitors.”

  In addition and in view of the opening of the season, he said that “the vaccination of the people in the tourism section is prioritized, once the vaccination of the vulnerable groups is completed.”

  He added that Greece will proceed with the updating of the health protocols, utilizing the experience of last year.

  All passengers arriving in Greece will be obliged to fill the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) as per notice issued on

  Announcement regarding arrivals from foreign countries to Greece during winter coronavirus lockdown

  As of November 11, 2020 all people traveling to Greece from foreign countries will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece. This includes air and land arrivals to Greece.

  Further, people traveling to Greece should be aware that as of November 6, 2020 Greece is in lockdown to prevent coronavirus sperad. This does also apply to Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece and travelers for essential professional reasons.

  Travellers should be laboratory tested with RT-PCR of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab.

  Only travellers who carry a certificate of a negative corona test result will be allowed by the border authorities to enter the country. The certificates should be written in English and bear the name and passport/national ID number of the traveller.

  The Laboratories that perform the RT-PCR testing should be:

  1. National Reference laboratories
  2.  Public Health Laboratories or
  3. Private laboratories which are accredited from the respective national accreditation authorities (not necessarily specifically for COVID-19).

  Certificates that do not fulfill the above criteria will not be accepted. Certificate forgery is punished by Greek Law.

  Children under 10 years old are not subject to the obligation to a PCR test.

  All travellers will still have to complete and submit their coronavirus form and may be subject to random testing upon arrival to the Greek border.

  Permanent residents of Greece who travel by land or air to foreign countries are required to fill in the electronic form PLF (Passenger Locator Form) with their contact details in Greece before their departure from the country and to show at the border checkpoint the proof of completion of the electronic PLF form that is automatically sent by e-mail to each traveller electronically.

  Protocol for air arrivals

  • Arrival at the entry gate.
  • Transfer to the area where the screening personnel are located. Travellers are requested to show their QR code either on their mobile phone screen or in print. If travel departure begins prior to the day of arrival, travellers are allowed to board after showing the confirmation email (and not necessarily the QR code which is scheduled to arrive during their trip.)
  • Depending on their QR code/confirmation, travellers are directed either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).
  • Upon completion of the test, travellers are directed towards the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).
  • The test results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.
  • If travellers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.

  All travellers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical distancing) according to local guidance.

  Protocol for sea arrivals

  • Arrival of incoming travellers on foot at the main entry gate.
  • Incoming travellers arriving in vehicles are directed to the special entry gate.
  • Transfer to the area where the screening personnel are located. Travellers are requested to show their QR code either on their mobile phone screen or in print. If travel departure begins prior to the day of arrival, travellers are allowed to board after showing the confirmation email (and not necessarily the QR code which is scheduled to arrive during their trip.)
  • Depending on their QR code/confirmation, travellers are directed either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).
  • Upon completion of the test, travellers are directed towards the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).
  • The test results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.
  • If travellers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.

  All travellers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical distancing) according to local guidance.

  Land arrivals protocol

  • Arrival of persons at the checkpoint.
  • Passport and customs control are carried out.
  • Transfer to the area where screening personnel is located. Travellers are requested to show their QR code either on their mobile phone screen or in print.
  • Screening personnel direct travellers, depending on their QR code, either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit. Upon completion of the screening, tested travellers are also directed towards the exit.
  • The screening results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.
  • If travellers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.
  • All travellers entering Greece through any land border station, are obliged to present upon arrival a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece.
  • Travellers should be laboratory tested with RT-PCR of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab.
  • Only travellers who carry a certificate of a negative RT-PCR test result will be allowed by the border authorities to enter the country. The certificates should be written in English and bear the name and passport/national ID number of the traveller.
  • The Laboratories that perform coronavirus tests:
    1. National Reference laboratories
    2. National Public Health Laboratories or
    3. Private laboratories which are accredited from the respective national accreditation authorities (not necessarily specifically for COVID-19).
  • Certificates that do not fulfill the above criteria will not be accepted. Certificate forgery is punished by Greek Law.
  • Travellers will still have to complete and submit their PLF form and may be subject to random testing upon arrival to the Greek border.

  All travellers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical/social distancing) according to local guidance.

  The mandatory completion of the PLF by all passengers of international flights to Greece goes into effect as of today, June 27 and is valid until Monday, August 31, 2020.

  “All travelers are required to complete their coronavirus PLF at least 48 hours before their check-in and provide information about the departure airport, their address, time of stay in Greece and other details as specified with the form

  Starting July 1, Greece opens 27 airports for flights from abroad: 20 major ones, including Heraklion, Chania, Corfu, Rhodes and Mykonos, as well as seven smaller ones in Ioannina, Sitia, Lemnos, Kythira, Skyros, Paros and Chios.

  Also on Wednesday, July 1, the ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa will start accepting ferries from Italy, while the ports in Piraeus, Rhodes, Corfu, Volos and Katakolo will be open for cruising, even though no trips have been planned so far.

  With regards to the border-crossings, Evzones will open on July 1 in addition to Promachonas. the land border. The opening of Krystallopigi, Nymfaio, Kastanies and Kipoi, that is to North Macedonia and Turkey, is currently under negotiations.

  Update 2/05

  Greece reopens its doors to foreign tourists without quarantine on 15 June 2020 after conornavirus cases are under control since weeks now. However, citizens of around 20 countries will initially be admitted. Restrictions for exempted countries will be lifted gradually by 15 July and based on epidemiological data. Below are the countries to which Greece will initially open its borders to accept tourists after Coronavirus.

  A second group of countries will be added on July 1st and July 15th, with the exception of some countries with negative epidemiological characteristics.

  Firts group of countries allowed to enter Greece for tourism after 15 June 2020 after coronavirus lockown

  Albania, Australia, Austria, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Finland.
  *the list will be updated after 15 June
  Foreign tourists will not be placed in quarantine, but there will be the right to sample tests, Minister of Tourism Haris Theoharis. Presenting the “Restart Tourism after Coronavirus in Greece” package, Theoharis said that initially citizens of about 20 countries will be admitted depending on the epidemiological data in their countries.
  “Foreign tourism will begin on June 15, where the arrival of visitors from around 20 countries will be guaranteed,” he said. He referred to “visitors with good epidemiological characteristics, while the criteria they also evaluated are: road access, average flight distance, diaspora community.

  Covid test for tourists upon arrival in Greece

  Greece will reportedly conduct sample tests for coronavirus on flights arriving in the country to Athens ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ international airport from June 15 and for all airports in the country on July 1.
  The flights will be divided into “red”, “orange”, “green” and “yellow”, according to the epidemiological data of each country of origin of the travelers.
  For example: for a country in the “green” category, Covid sample tests will be conducted for 1-2 passengers out of a total of 150 passengers. In category “yellow” 5-10 tests, in “orange” 20-30. And in “red” all passengers on a flight.
  However, underlined the deputy minister of civil protection, Nikos Hardalias, this “does not mean that we will be open to everyone from July 1st”.

  Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of all of the key measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 being implemented at airports, hotels, shops, restaurants, beaches and more in Greece during the summer tourism period.

  Please note that all of the measures are subject to change. We will be regularly updating this article as necessary, however measures not listed here may be implemented if this is deemed necessary.

  ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

  Archaeological sites now operate on extended summer hours (8 a.m.-8 p.m.) to avoid large crowds from forming. In order to maintain the minimum 1.5m safety distance between people, the number of visitors allowed in at every archaeological site is limited, as is the number of visitors allowed to enter every hour.

  Specific routes have been demarcated, the entrance and exit separated and plexiglass screens installed wherever needed and possible – for example, at the Propylaea on the Acropolis. The use of protective masks and alcohol-based sanitizers on site is strongly advised.

  ARRIVALS  IN GREECE CORONAVIRUS MEASURES

  Tourism period in Greece will officially begin on June 15, with international visitors able to arrive (without being quarantined) at Athens and Thessaloniki airports. From July 1 direct international flights will be permitted at all other remaining airports around the country, allowing tourists to fly directly to tourist destinations. Spot Covid-19 tests for visitors arriving to Greece will be conducted using swab tests and will be mandatory for those selected for tests; visitors will not, however, be quarantined on arrival, as was the case during the lockdown phase.

  AΤHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

  Use of face masks is mandatory after entering the airport terminal in Greece; a mask must be kept on throughout a passenger’s stay in the airport areas, during boarding, and during the flight (domestic or international) to prevent coronavirus spreeding. Passengers should also be aware that they may be asked to temporarily remove their mask during security processes and identity checks. Hand sanitizer dispensers are available in over 300 spots at the airport, including the bathrooms.

  Plexiglass panels have been installed for additional protection in areas where contact with employees is necessary such as ticket desks and information counters. To minimize waiting times, passengers are encouraged to select e-service options (web check-in) prior to their departure for the airport, as well as within the airport areas (self check-in, baggage-tag printing, drop-off baggage, e-parking). Seating in all waiting areas has been re-arranged to allow for safe minimum distances. The current recommendation is that every other seat be left vacant. However, families or couples traveling together do not have to keep this distance.

  BEACHES – ORGANIZED WITH BEACH CLUBS

  At organized beach clubs, a maximum of 40 people will be allowed per 1,000m2; an entrance/exit count will be carried out to make sure this measure is respected. A minimum distance of 4 meters must be maintained between individual umbrellas, each of which will provide shade for two sun loungers at most – this does not apply to families with children. Two sunbeds that are under different umbrellas cannot be placed closer to each other than 1.5m.

  Placing a towel on top of sun loungers is mandatory and considered the responsibility of the user. The staff at organized beaches and beach clubs are required to disinfect sun loungers/chairs after every use. Additionally, they must regularly disinfect sanitary facilities and post a schedule of that cleaning for official review.

  Cantinas and beach bars will operate on a take-away basis; seating will not be allowed. Customers waiting in line to be served will have to remain at least 1.5m apart. The sale of alcohol is currently forbidden on beaches, but a review of that policy is expected.

  BOATS (FERRIES)

  Boats (ferries) will travel at 50% capacity – or 55% for boats with cabins on board. Passengers will be required to answer a series of questions and have their temperatures taken before boarding. Passengers who present symptoms or are deemed at risk of infection (e.g. due to exposure to a Covid-19 patient in the 14 previous days) will be refused permission to board the boat.

  Inside the boat, passengers will have to remain at a 1.5m distance from each other, and the number of aircraft-type seats will be reduced. One person maximum will be allowed in each cabin, except for families of up to 4 people, and people with disabilities traveling with companions.

  Use of a mask on board vessels is mandatory. Crews have been trained to respond to potential coronavirus cases, and boats will be disinfected after completing each sea route. Further policy updates are expected as of June 15.

  CAMPING

  Maintain a distance of at least 1.5m between people who don’t belong to the same family or friend circle and do not live under the same roof applies here, too.

  Tents and camper vans must be at least 5 meters apart on the entrance/exit side, and 3 meters apart on every other side. Upon arrival, customers must agree to and comply with the instructions and safety measures – establishments reserve the right to refuse entrance to anyone refusing to cooperate.

  The use of masks is advised in interior covered spaces. Entrance to the site, as well as passage through it and the use of the campground facilities will be restricted to customers only. All common-use areas and facilities, as well as rental equipment, will be thoroughly disinfected on a regular basis.

  CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT AT HOTELS

  Check-in and check-out times have been changed – check-out to 11 a.m. and check-in to 3 p.m.. The added time between each check-out and check-in is necessary to ensure that each room is thoroughly disinfected between stays, and that the space is adequately ventilated.

  You may see a plexiglass screen at the reception desk – their presence is at the discretion of hotel management. Hand sanitizers, on the other hand, are mandatory.

  Other measures the hotel must perform include disinfecting all card keys after each stay. Wherever possible, you are encouraged to check in at an outdoor reception station. The use of electronic alternatives to check-in and check-out, such as Mobile Concierge apps, is preferable, as are electronic payments upon check-out. It is likely that any accounts, invoices or receipts will be sent to you via email. Cash will only be accepted under exceptional circumstances.

  DRINK & EAT

  At present, all seating at restaurants and café-bars is outdoors only; indoor spaces might reopen on June 15. The minimum distance allowed between tables ranges from 70cm to 170cm, and no more than six people are allowed at one table, although these restrictions do not apply to families with children.

  Information signs will remind people of individual hygiene rules and of safety measures applying to all spaces. Customers will be encouraged to make electronic transactions. Sanitizer gel will be available at cash registers; if the owner deems it necessary, a protective plexiglass screen will be installed, as well as markings on the floor to delimit safe distances for queuing.

  EMERGENCY NUMBERS

  The European Emergency Number is 112. For any Covid-19-related inquiries, dial 1135.

  FINES

  The fine for not using a mask where required is €150.

  FLIGHTS

  All of the country’s airports are expected to open for international flights on July 1. Until then, all international flights to and from Greece will fly in and out of Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport or Thessaloniki Airport (the latter from June 15).

  GARDENS/ PARKS

  The 1.5m safety distance applies for parks and public gardens, too; the use of masks is advised.

  HAIRDRESSERS/BEAUTY SALONS

  Hair and beauty salons operate by appointment only, with a minimum 2m distance between stations/chairs. The use of masks is mandatory for everyone, and employees a must wear disposable gloves as well. Working hours have been extended from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

  HOUSEKEEPING AT HOTELS

  Housekeeping will be less frequent during stays, and turndown services have been abolished. Towels and sheets will be changed upon customer request only. As you enter your room for the first time, look for the sign that will tell you when and how your room was last cleaned.

  Hotel owners have the choice between two cleaning options: they can either clean it in the usual way after a customer leaves and keep it closed for 24 hours until the next one comes, or perform a thorough cleansing and disinfection using a steam cleaner, UV rays or other such equipment on all room and bathroom surfaces.

  Hotels have been advised to get rid of decorative objects such as throw pillows. Getting rid of reusable items likely to be shared, such as menus and magazines, is recommended as well. Disposable covers will be placed on TV and air conditioner remote controls. Upholstery fabric must be cleaned with a vapor steam cleaner – at temperatures exceeding 70°C.

  ΙNFORMATION (HEALTH-RELATED) @ HOTELS

  Upon arrival, you’re advised to ask about the establishment’s policy in case of health incidents and about the medical facilities in the general area, including the public and private hospitals, Covid-19 referral hospitals, and the pharmacies. Hotels are advised to provide printed brochures with basic health instructions translated into English, French and German, as no such electronic app currently exists.

  LIVE PERFORMANCES

  Live performances will begin after July 15 and will take place exclusively at outdoor venues. Artists and crew must wear face masks on stage and maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters between each other. Venues will operate at 40% capacity to allow distances to be kept. The stage will be set at least 3 meters away from the first row of seats; for concerts where the audience is standing, a distance of 1.5 meters must be maintained between members of the audience.

  MASKS

  Use of disposable or reusable fabric masks is mandatory on the Metro (subway) and all other forms of public transportation, including taxis, shuttle buses, and other tourist vehicles. Face masks must also be worn in shops.

  MUSEUMS

  Museums are expected to open on June 15. More information will follow on their mode of operation – naturally, visitors will have to keep a distance of 2 meters between each other. Museums can only use air conditioning where these are open-circuit (i.e. allow fresh air to enter the building). A limited number of people will be allowed entry every hour.

  ΟPEN-AIR CINEMAS

  This summer delight comes back to us on June 1, but will operate with new safety rules – the most important one being the reduction of the number of seats to 40% of the theater’s capacity. It is likely that ticket offices will open two hours prior to movies’ start times, and stop ticket sales 15 minutes before so that people have time to properly take their seats while maintaining social distancing. Here too, the use of masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be recommended on entry.

  PRIVATE BEACHES @ HOTELS & RESORTS

  Seats of any kind must be placed in such a way that the distance between two people sitting under two different umbrellas is no less than 3 meters in any direction. People will be discouraged from placing their towels or beach mats within the “safe distance areas”. Towels large enough to cover all of a seat’s surfaces will be provided and disinfected after every use.

  QUEUES

  Greeks have recently shown remarkable discipline in complying with the “queuing regulations” now in place (okay, with a few exceptions). The main rule to observe is to remain at least 1.5 – 2 meters from others in the queue. In many shops and other areas floor markings have been placed to aid with physical distancing.

  RENT A CAR

  Rental cars will be disinfected between uses by different clients. Additionally, the number of passengers allowed will be restricted: For cars with up to five seats, only the driver plus one passenger will be allowed in the vehicle. For those with 6-7 seats, the driver plus two passengers. For eight or nine-seat vehicles, the driver will be allowed to carry up to 3 passengers. These restrictions do not apply for families with children.

  SHOPPING

  You may need to wait for a few minutes before entering many shops. Smaller ones up to 20 m2 will be able to host a maximum of 4 people at the same time (including employees). Stores from 20 to 100 m2 can have a maximum of 4 people inside plus one person for every additional 10 m2. Stores 100 m2 and above will be able to welcome a maximum of 12 people, plus one more person for every additional 15 m2. Distances of at least 1.5 meters must be maintained by customers and employees and the use of masks is mandatory.

  SWIMMING POOLS

  Sunbeds must be placed so that two people sitting under two different umbrellas, or two people staying in two different rooms maintain a distance of at least 2 meters in every direction. Every time a customer leaves, seats, tables, security boxes, menus and any other item the next customer may use must be disinfected. Pools are advised to provide towels covering beds’ surfaces as well as to clean every sunbed / chair between uses. It is recommended that cushions and fabric coverings be removed from sunbeds.

  TOUR BUSES

  All tourist buses are allowed to operate at up to 50% capacity. All passengers must wear protective masks on board. All tour buses must provide hand sanitizer by the entrance. Companies are advised to install transparent protective dividers in buses between the driver and the passengers. On special open-air tourist buses, at stops passengers will only be allowed to embark after all those getting off have done so. After each route, the cleaning of surfaces and high contact spots (e.g. handles) is advised.

  TRANSFER CARS

  Customer transport will be allowed via private transfers only. Vehicles with up to 5 seats can carry no more than one passenger plus the driver. Companions of people with disabilities are exempt from this rule. 6-7 seat cars can carry the driver plus two passengers, while 8-9 seat cars can carry up to 3 passengers. The passenger limit will not apply if the passengers are parents with their children. The driver and passengers must all wear masks.

  VISITORS @ HOTEL ROOMS

  Rooms in hotels and resorts, as well as tents and campers at campsites, are for customer-use only. No visitors will be permitted.

  WATERSPORTS

  Anything that comes in contact with customers – every surface, life jacket, wetsuit etc – must be cleaned and disinfected between each use. Only members of the same family, or individuals able to maintain a 2m distance between them, will be allowed on any single piece of equipment (such as a canoe or inflatable ride).

  YACHTS

  Faraway destinations where medical help is scant are to be avoided. The maximum number of passengers allowed on board will depend on a boat’s size and the number of passengers allowed by its license. On every boat there will be a book with all passenger details and their hours of embarking and disembarking, which must be available in written or electronic form for inspection by port and health authorities. The only people allowed on board will be the people who have boarded from the start of the journey. No other passengers or visitors will be allowed on board at intermediate stops.

  Additionally, a log must be kept to monitor everyone’s health on board: all crew and passengers will have their temperatures taken once daily and logged. If somebody starts developing corionavirus symptoms on board in Greece – a cough, fever, shortness of breath – this must be logged in the book and a prearranged plan for dealing with a suspected coronavirus case must be activated. There must be sufficient quantities of antiseptic, disinfectant, cleaning supplies and personal protection equipment for all on board.
• Plan for lifting restrictions for travelling on Greek islands  COVID 19
• Beginning of June
  
• Restoration of the domestic flights ( via Athens and Tesaloniki). Most probably if the flights will be confirmed, will not be open for tourist.
• mid- June June 15
• Hotels that are usually open all year and seasonal tourist accommodation.
• Opening of organized beaches
• Restoration of sea traffic to the islands and marinas
• Hotel units on islands and areas where there is insufficient health infrastructure, are expected to open in late June and early July and once the issue of air transport has been resolved.
• End June
• Restoration of international flights
• Restart of Super League
• Beginning of July
• Opening of seasonal tourist accommodation facilities
• UPDATE CORONAVIRUS GREECE  01/05/2020
• According to official data 10 new confirmed cases were recorded in the country the the past 24 hours.
• 41 patients are intubated in hospital ICUs. Their average age is 67.
• A total of 72,130 tests have been conducted since the outbreak late February.
• Greece is at the lower bottom of european countries that conducted COVID-19 tests in relation to 1 million inhabitants.
• UPDATE 14.04.2020
• Government spokesman Stelios Petsas announced that the gradually lifting of lockdown restrictions after coronavirus emmergency in Greece may start in the first days of May and may be completed by mid-June, if the course of the coronavirus pandemic continues in the same modus, the virus curve flattens and there is no resurgence of the pandemic in the country.
• HOTEL IN GREECE DURING CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY
• Greek Tourism Ministry announced the closure of hotels operating all around the year. The measure aims to protect the staff from the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry said in a statement.
• This decision is effective as of midnight March 22 to March 23 and until the end of April 2020.
• Only exceptions are:
• one hotel per capital in each Regional Unit
  three hotels in Athens
  three in Thessaloniki
• Hardly any tourist was seen around in Athens on Thursday. With cafes, bars and restaurants closed, archaeological sites and museums shut down and the fear of the pandemic may have drove visitors away.
• On March 15, Greece suspended the operation of main and non-main seasonal touristic accommodation facilities from 15. March 2020 until 30. April 2020 as preventive measure for reasons of public health. The decision affected resort hotels.
• GREECE LOCKDOWN MOVEMENT PERMISSION
• Greece’s Civil Protection uploaded the Movement Permits during the total lockdown also in English late on Monday evening. The Permits are for Work or Extraordinary Activities like purchases, doctors etc. The Permits for work must be printed, for the other activities can be printed, handwritten or per sms.
• Movement and transportation of individuals in order to meet their needs that cannot be otherwise met are permitted only for the following reasons:
• Travel to and from work during working hours.
  Going to the pharmacy or to the doctor provided this is necessary, further to telephone consultation.
  Shoppingto the super market, mini market for basic necessities, if delivery is not possible.
  Going to the bank if the necessary transaction is not possible online.
  Assist someone in need.
  Attending a ceremony (e.g. funeral, wedding, christening) as per the relevant legislation; maintaining parent-child contact in case of divorced or separated parents as per relevant legislation.
  Exercising outdoors or walking a pet. If accompanied by another individual, then there should be a 1.5 metres distance between the two.
• TRAVELLING WITH FERRIES DURING CORONAVIRUS IN GREECE
• Greek government decided to ban the move of mainland Greeks to the islands as they thought they will have protection from conoravirus there. However, authorities think otherwise and therefore, only permanent residents will be allowed to travel to the islands. The measure to contain the spread of the pandemic goes into effect at 6:00 o’ clock Saturday morning, March 21, 2020.
• FLIGHTS
• Aegean Airlines announced on Monday that it suspends international flights as of March 26, 2020, due to the spread of coronavirus, travel restrictions from Greece, the European Union and third countries as well as the activation of the emergency measures by the Greek state. The airliner continues domestic flights at a low frequency.
• Suspension begins on Thursday, March 26, and is valid until April 30, 2020.
• Only a small number of weekly flights from Athens to Brussels will be operated, in order to maintain the country’s connectivity with the EU administrative center, Aegean Airlines reportedly said in a statement.
• CRUISES IN GREECE
• At the present government also decided to implement a ban on all cruise ships and sailboats docking at its ports.This measure wis valid until 19 April, but most probably will be applied till 30 April. Our company is monitoring the situation and understands the uncertainty caused to our customers and their reluctance to book their gulet holidays for the season, so we have applied measures and policy updates.
• We really hope that these measures and policies will help partners and clients feel more confident. Gulet cruises confirmed for April and May 2020 are cancelled. Our clients can choose to rebook another date or get a cruise voucher that can be used for holidays in 2021 or even 2022. All cruises from June on are at the moment confirmed, but it is possible to change dates of travel for all departures.
• For lates updates pls visit Keep talking Greece on line news.