We welcome you to Greece and hope you enjoy a wonderful and unforgettable holiday experience.
On behalf of the Greek Government and the Greek Ministry of Tourism, we would like to inform you that we have done everything in our power to make sure you stay safe during your stay in Greece. Your health is our absolute priority.
Since the 14th of May 2021, Greece has opened its borders in a safe and attainable manner.
In the following paragraphs, we provide a step-by-step guide on how each visitor can prepare before traveling to Greece. These guidelines are in place to ensure the protection of your health, as well as the health of your loved ones and all those involved in providing a safe hosting experience:
Travellers arriving in Greece, during the period from 10.01.2022 until 24.01.2022, regardless of nationality, their vaccination status or proof of recovery, are required to display a negative molecular test result (PCR) for Covid-19 performed up to 72 hours before the scheduled arrival or a negative Rapid Antigen test result for Covid-19 performed up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival. The test result must be issued by a certified diagnostic center in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian and must include the name of the passenger as registered in the passport.
This test is mandatory for all travellers entering the country (including children over 5 years old), regardless of the epidemiological situation in the country of departure.
Acceptable vaccines are of: Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca / Oxford, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson / Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, Sinopharm among others.
All travelers arriving in Greece, regardless of the certificate in their possession, may be subject to random obligatory molecular test (PCR) or Rapid Antigen Test for COVID-19. If you are selected, please note that testing is mandatory. In case of refusal, the authorities reserve the right to refuse entry into the country. The selection is made through a system of targeted sampling with the application of a health algorithm for the best epidemiological observation and shielding of the country, used since summer of 2020.
Important clarification: The entry of visitors into the country does not imply their inclusion in vaccination. However, presenting a vaccination certificate significantly facilitates the procedures upon arrival. In any case, a vaccination or antibody certificate is not an "entry passport".
Besides nationals of EU member states and Schengen countries, permanent residents of the following third countries are allowed, under the above conditions, to enter Greece:
San Marino, Azerbaijan, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Vatican City, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, United Arab Emirates, USA, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Jordan, Israel, Canada, Qatar, China, “Chinese Taipei (not recognized as a State by Greece)”, Kosovo* (*This name does not prejudice the positions of the regime and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ`s opinion on Kosovo`s declaration of independence), Kuwait, Belarus, Lebanon, Montenegro, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Bahrain, Brunei, New Zealand, South Korea, Ukraine, Uruguay, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Turkey, Chile.
Regarding permanent residents of Argentina, India, Mexico, Uruguay, the Russian Federation, the Sultanate of Oman and Chile, entrance to Greece is permitted under the further condition that they are diagnosed negative to a mandatory molecular test (PCR) or Rapid Antigen test for COVID-19 upon arrival. If found positive a quarantine period is imposed as stated below.
Travellers to Greece, regardless of nationality and way of entering the country, coming from Egypt, Albania, Argentina, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Brazil, Georgia, Republic of Cuba, United Arab Emirates, India, China, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Russian Federation and Turkey, provided their entrance is permitted, can enter the country under the further condition that they are diagnosed negative to a mandatory molecular test (PCR) or Rapid Antigen test for COVID-19 upon arrival. Exempted from the above mandatory test are those who (a) have completed vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen (14) days before arrival and present a vaccination certificate in Greek, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian, which has been issued by a Public authority or (b) present proof of recovery from COVID-19 supported by a positive COVID-19 Rapid Αntigen/ PCR test result, issued 30 days after the 1st positive diagnosis and valid up to 90 days there on. Certificates of recovery issued from 15.07.2021 until 31.10.2021 remain valid until 31.01.2022.
Citizens of third countries are strongly advised to choose direct flights to Greece. In any other case, travelers must comply with the requirements of the transit country. Passengers are allowed to enter the country through all international airports and all ports under the above conditions.
According to the above, travellers are also allowed to enter from land borders, through the entrance gates of Promachonas, Ormenios, Evzoni, Nymfaia, Exochis, Nikis, Doirani, Krystallopigi, Kipi*, Kakavia, Kastania* and Mavromatiou, on a 24h bases.
*For land borders of Kipi and Kastania, on a 24h basis, there is a limit of 1.500 passengers per week. For the Mertziani Entrance Gate entrance is allowed from 8.00 to 20.00.
Cruising and yachting is allowed. Maritime connections with Turkey are temporarily restricted.
Requirements for visitors
Before arrival:
Tourists are required to fill in the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before entering the country. For more information, please click here.
Prior to departure, all travelers older than 5 years old must ensure that they carry an acceptable form of certification of their health condition.
Acceptable documents, until 24.01.22, include:
- Negative molecular test result (PCR) for Covid-19 by a certified diagnostic center. The test must have been performed up to 72 hours before entry.
- Negative Rapid Antigen test result for Covid-19 by a certified diagnostic center. Τhe test must have been performed up to 24 hours before entry.
Additionally, if exiting:
- A vaccination certificate issued by a certified authority.
- Certificate of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection issued by a public authority or a certified laboratory. The certificate is issued 30 days after the day of the first positive COVID-19 test and is valid for 90 days after that.
All certificates must include the critical information (i.e. number of doses and their respective dates) in English, German French, Italian, Spanish, Russian and the person’s full name must match the name on the passport or any other recognized travel document.
Upon arrival:
All travellers are subject to random obligatory Covid-19 tests upon arrival.
If found positive, a five (5) day quarantine under supervision is required either at home or at a designated temporary residence assigned by the appropriate authorities. The quarantine period starts the next day of their positive diagnosis. Following the five (5) day period and if the symptoms have receded and the travellers are feverless for 24 hours without the use of antipyretics, they are released from quarantine. If the fever insists, the travellers remain in isolation until the fever has fully receded. The above travellers have to wear high protection breathing mask or a combination of masks for at least 5 days after their release from isolation.
Compliance with the health protocols during transport and throughout your entire stay in Greece is the key factor that will allow all of us to stay safe and return to normality.
We appreciate your understanding and apologize in advance for any additional inconvenience.
We extend a warm thank you for the cooperation and for choosing our country for your holidays.
We look forward to welcoming you to Greece.
Frequent questions and answers
1. How can one travel to Greece?
Greece welcomes visitors applying advanced health protection protocols. Greek Tourism operates with the maximum safety possible, for tourists, employees and every person involved in the provision of tourist services.
Isolation (quarantine) for visitors from abroad is not required. However, entry into Greece will be allowed under the following conditions:
All visitors must complete the electronic PLF document before traveling.
Travelers must show either a negative PCR test performed up to 72 hours prior to arrival or a negative (rapid) antigen test performed up to 24 hours prior to arrival.
Upon entering Greece, visitors may undergo targeted COVID-19 tests. In the event of a positive result, travelers will be temporarily accommodated in an isolation hotel, free of charge. If a positive incident is detected following a sampling test at the land borders, then entry into the country may not be allowed.
2. What are the health protocols for the people working in the tourism sector?
Employees in the Greek tourism sector are being vaccinated with the general population, according to government planning. Until they are vaccinated, all employees are required to undergo examinations at the frequency set by the current Joint Ministerial Decision, as in force. In addition, they are encouraged to test even more frequently to ensure timely isolation.
3. Which vaccines are acceptable for the vaccination certificate?
Acceptable vaccines are among others:
Pfizer BioNtech mRNA / Comirnaty
Moderna mRNA / Spikevax
Astra Zeneca/Oxford ChAdOx1 nCoV (AZD1222) / Vaxzevria
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Ad26
Sinavac/Coronavac
Gamaleya (Sputnik) Ad26/Ad5, Gam-COVID-Vac, Sputnik vaccine
Cansiνo Biologics AD5-nCOV, trade-named Convidencia
Sinopharm
Covishield ChAdOx1 nCoV
BBV152 COVAXIN Bharat Biotech, India Whole virion inactivated
4. What applies to international flights?
As of 14.05.2021, flight restrictions from EU countries have been lifted and no mandatory quarantine is required. In addition, our country welcomes flights to all international airports.
5. What applies to land travel?
It is allowed to enter Greece from the aforementioned land borders on a 24h bases.
* For land border of Kipi and Kastania there is a limit of 1500 passengers per week.
6. What about ferry connections?
As of 14.05.2021, the quarantine is lifted for passengers who arrive by ferry through all the port entrances. Maritime connections with Turkey are temporarily restricted.
7. What will apply to guests during their stay?
During their stay in Greece, visitors must follow all measures that apply to Greek citizens.
8. Are there business activity health protocols in force?
The Greek Ministry of Tourism has released specific Health Protocols against COVID-19 to be applied by all Greek tourism enterprises for their safe operation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and has introduced the National “Health First” certification seal for tourist accommodation establishments that comply with the relevant requirements.
Health Protocols apply to all Greek tourism enterprises that wish to continue operation during the pandemic and aim to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission to employees and customers.
9. Are there quarantine hotels?
Specific isolation (quarantine) hotels operate near each entrance gate, as well as in other strategic points nationwide. This way, an adequate safety net for case management is in place, combined with an early detection upon the arrival of tourists from abroad. The cost for the isolation hotels is covered by the Greek state.
10. Can I quarantine at my hotel if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?
Visitors who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 upon arrival can isolate at their booked hotel, only in the case the hotel is a 4* and 5* and provides the service of quarantine rooms as specified by the competent Health Authorities. According to legislation, the visitor upon arrival can request from the Civil Protection authorities to contact her/his booked hotel regarding the availability of such service.
11. Is the departure and arrival of private yachts allowed and from which countries?
The departure and arrival of yachts (except those coming from Turkey) is allowed with strict protocols, while the same terms and conditions will apply to both Greeks and foreign citizens.
12. What is the situation with cruise ships?
As of 14.05.2021, cruise restrictions have been completely removed, always imposing very strict protocols that apply to these activities.
13. What if the visitor`s country requires a test for his / her return?
It is possible to perform PCR or rapid antigen tests directly at the place where each guest stays if the guest needs a test for returning home. This makes it easier for every tourist to be consistent with his/her obligations in order to safely return to his/her country.
