Well in Greece !

Opening Update of Ferry Travel and International Arrivals:

The Greek authorities announced further updates, including the

May 25 opening of

• restaurants,
• bars and cafes and f
• erry access to and from the islands,

 June 15 opening of

• seasonal hotels,
• and restoration of some international flights. 

Unrestricted Travel by Ferry to and from the Islands Begins May 25:

• Masks are required (cloth recommended).

Passengers must

• complete a health status questionnaire and
• submit to a temperature check prior to boarding for trips longer than 30 minutes.

The questionnaire is available in Greek and English on our website and at the ports.

Ban on Entry of non-EU Citizens:

The Greek authorities banned entry of non-EU citizens until 11:00 p.m. on June 15.

By the end of May, the Greek authorities are expected to publish a list of countries from which they will accept tourists and the schedule. 

Quarantine and Airport Arrival Process:

The mandatory 14 day self-quarantine for all international passengers will continue through the end of May and possibly into June.

All international passengers must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. You will be taken by bus to a designated hotel overnight where you must remain until your test results are available. Those with negative test results are released to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Those with positive test results will receive medical assistance. 

The Greek government is expected to announce an update to the current COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements for international arrivals in the coming weeks.

Flight Updates:

• Direct flights between the United States and Greece are scheduled to resume in early July.
• Flights from Athens to Frankfurt resumed May 18.
• Flights between Greece and Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and the Netherlands are suspended through May 31.

"We received reports that recent international flights arrived full (middle seats used) with minimal social distancing. If you are concerned about this, contact your airline prior to travel." US Embassy in Athens, writes in its Covid-19 Information Page 

Country-Specific Information:

Greek authorities confirmed 2,850 cases of COVID-19 within its borders as of May 20.

A mask or facial cover is mandatory in public transportation, taxis, elevators, hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Masks are recommended in supermarkets, hair salons and other enclosed spaces. Violators may be fined 150 Euros. Social distancing measures are in effect until further notice.

The Greek government’s announced plan for re-opening (subject to change at any time):

May 18: Travel restrictions within the country will be lifted, allowing movement from one prefecture to another, except for islands.

Movement to the islands of Crete and Evia is permitted.

Museums and cultural sites open. S

ome organized beaches open with social distancing measures.

Ferries to some locations begin at 50 percent capacity to permit workers to return.

May 25:

Restaurants and coffee shops operate open-air premises only.

Travel by ferry to and from islands is permitted. Verify the schedule with the ferry operator prior to purchasing a ticket. Masks are required (cloth recommended). Passengers must complete a health status questionnaire and submit to a temperature check prior to boarding for trips longer than 30 minutes. The form is available here in English and Greek, and available at the ports.

June 1:

Shopping malls, department stores, and hotels that operate year round open.

Early June:

Interior spaces of restaurants and coffee shops open.

June 15:

Seasonal tourist accommodations open. *See Entry and Exit Requirements below.*

No flights between Greece and Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and the Netherlands until the end of May.

Flights to Germany began May 18. 

No quarantine for those entering Greece from Bulgaria as of June 1. All other land borders remain closed.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

The Greek authorities banned entry of non-EU citizens until 11:00 p.m. on June 15. Exceptions include spouses or minor children of EU/Schengen nationals, long-term residents, members of government delegations, and passengers in transit. Check with your airline for document requirements as your marriage certificate or your children’s birth certificates may be required to board. As of today, we do not have any information after June 15 and cannot answer whether your travel plans after this date can proceed.

By the end of May, the Greek authorities are expected to publish a list of countries from which they will accept tourists and the schedule. We will update this page when the list is available.

We received reports that recent international flights arrived full (middle seats used) with minimal social distancing. If you are concerned about this, contact your airline prior to travel.

No particular documentation to enter/exit Greece is needed at this time.

Quarantine Information:

Greek authorities announced a mandatory 14 day self-quarantine on all international arrivals through the end of May, possibly into June. All international passengers must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. If you do not agree to the test or to quarantine, you will not be admitted into Greece.

Upon arrival, you are escorted off the plane and asked to fill out a tracing form. You are then taken into a booth in the arrivals lounge for a throat swab. After collecting your luggage, you board a bus which takes you to a designated hotel where you must remain until results come through the next day. If you are negative, you are released but must still quarantine for 14 days. If you are positive, you are told to stay in the hotel and given medical assistance. For any other arrival questions, you must consult directly with the airport.

Starting July 1, the mandatory COVID-19 test and 14 day quarantine will no longer be required. Greek authorities may conduct random sample tests.

If you are in Greece and were in any of the affected areas in the last 14 days and develop fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough, stay indoors and immediately seek medical attention by contacting the National Public Health Organization at 1135.

National Public Health Organization of Greece: https://eody.gov.gr/tag/en

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/geographical-distribution-2019-ncov-cases

https://gr.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-athens-opening-update-ferry-travel-and-international-arrivals/" target="_blank">by the US Embassy , Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens – Opening Update