If you're traveling in 2021, check which travel insurance covers COVID-19 (test and treatment abroad).
Last update: 4/11/2021
Greece reopened its borders to tourists on June 15, 2020. It’s technically one of the countries open for tourism, but it is currently in lockdown until further notice, so entry restrictions and travel bans have changed.
Travelers from approved countries must have proof of a negative PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours before arrival in Greece and must complete a Passenger Locator Form at least 48 hours before arriving in Greece. Additionally, all travelers must self-isolate for 7 days from their arrival in Greece.
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Due to the current national lockdown, movement is fairly restricted in Greece. There is a curfew in place and most tourist attractions are closed. Mobility is currently very restricted in Greece, so we do not recommend traveling to this country right now. |
Can I travel to Greece right now?
At the moment, you can only travel to Greece if you are from EU/Schengen Area countries (European Union, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Iceland) or from certain specific countries. Below is a map of all the countries that are currently allowed to visit Greece.
Greece - EN
- Greece
- Countries allowed to travel to Greece
Greece has reopened borders to tourists from these countries
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*Travelers coming from the UAE need to arrive on a direct flight and must have proof of permanent residence in the UAE, return tickets, and hotel reservations.
Greece travel ban is in place for these countries
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Travelers from these countries are only allowed to enter Greece if they are a Greek/EU/Schengen Area national, a Greek/EU/Schengen Area resident, a spouse or child of a Greek/EU/Schengen Area national, a student, or are traveling for essential reasons. More information on these specific cases can be found here.
Greece COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Greece entry requirements for travelers are pretty standard for a European country currently in lockdown. If you are traveling from a country that has been approved to enter Greece, you need to present a negative PCR COVID test result that was taken within 72 hours of your arrival in Greece.
You will also need to complete a Passenger Locator Form online at least 48 hours before your flight departs. Upon arrival in Greece, you will need to self-isolate for 7 days.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Greece?
As with many countries at the moment, a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival in Greece is mandatory for entry.
You will not be allowed to board your flight without proof of a negative test result.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Greece?
Is a PLF mandatory to travel to Greece?
Yes, unless you are transiting through a Greek airport, you must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) a minimum of 48 hours before your flight’s departure. The form should be completed online here.
Once you have completed the form, you will receive a confirmation email, which you must present in order to board your flight to Greece. You will also receive a QR code at midnight on the day of your scheduled arrival in Greece, which you must present if it arrives before you board your flight. If you have not received your QR code before your flight, your confirmation email will be enough to enable you to board your flight.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Greece?
As of now, all travelers must self-isolate for 7 days from their arrival in Greece at their residence/accommodation. If your trip is shorter than 7 days, you will have to self-isolate for the duration of your stay.
All travelers who arrive from the United Kingdom will undergo a Rapid test on arrival and must self-isolate for 7 days from their arrival. They will then take a PCR test on the 7th day of their self-isolation period. If that test is negative, they will no longer have to self-isolate.
Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to travel to Greece?
No, travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is not required for entry into Greece. However, it’s highly recommended.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 risk in Greece is very high, and they recommend travelers avoid all travel to Greece.
Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to travel to Greece?
If you’re planning to visit Greece, I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage for testing and treatment abroad. You can check our COVID-19 travel insurance comparison chart here, where we found out that Heymondo is the best option for traveling safely during the COVID pandemic.
Also, you can get a 5% discount on your insurance for being our reader.
Do you need a COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Greece?
Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the government has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Greece.
If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Greece, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Greece changes its entry requirements.
Other travel restrictions for Greece during COVID-19
Greece is in the midst of a fairly strict lockdown, so there are several rules travelers need to follow while they are in Greece:
- Travelers from all countries should prepare for a potential random health screening or test upon arrival.
- All travelers by air and ferry need to wear masks.
- All travelers must complete the Passenger Locator Form online before they leave Greece.
- Face masks must be worn in all indoor and outdoor public spaces in Greece.
- Large gatherings are not allowed.
- Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa to enter Greece. Check if you need one below.
Where to get a PCR test in Greece – COVID-19 Testing in Greece
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Greece, here is some information on testing.
Greece reopening to travel – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Greece reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to Greece right now?
Yes, you can travel to Greece right now if you are traveling from an EU country, Australia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Israel, Russia, or the United Arab Emirates.
If you are not coming from one of these approved countries, you cannot enter Greece unless you are a Greek/EU/Schengen Area national, a Greek/EU/Schengen Area resident, a student, a spouse or child of a Greek/EU/Schengen Area national, or are traveling for an essential reason.
Is it safe to travel to Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 71,000+ active cases and 6,000+ deaths from COVID-19 in Greece as of today. Greece has been classified as “Level 4- Very High Risk” by the CDC, so avoid traveling to Greece if you have a pre-existing condition or have a health condition that makes you susceptible to serious illness. In all other cases, you should reconsider travel to Greece.
Is there a travel ban on travel to Greece?
Yes, unfortunately, there are many countries that cannot travel to Greece at the moment. You can consult our map of countries that can travel to Greece to check if traveling from your country is allowed.
Is quarantine required to visit Greece?
Yes, all travelers must self-isolate for 7 days from their arrival in Greece.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Greece?
Yes, you need to have proof of a negative PCR COVID test that was taken within 72 hours of your arrival in Greece.
Is a curfew in place?
Yes, as part of the current national lockdown, there is a nightly curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM. In Athens, Thessaloniki, and Halkidiki, there is a weekend curfew from 6 PM to 5 AM.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
Yes, there are currently restrictions on intercity and interregional travel. Right now, you may only travel to other regions of Greece for health, business, and family reasons, and to return to your permanent residence.
Are hotels open in Greece?
Yes, hotels and other accommodations, such as hostels and Airbnbs, are still open in Greece.
Are airports open in Greece?
Yes, airports are open in Greece, but there are some restrictions on flights. Flights from Turkey are currently not operating, and there are no direct flights to some countries, including the United States.
What are the current national lockdown restrictions on leaving a residence in Greece?
Under the new national lockdown, you can only leave your residence between 5 AM and 9 PM for movements that are classified as essential. If you do leave your residence, before you go outside, you must either 1) send an SMS to 13033 with the number of your reason for leaving your residence, your name, your surname, and your residential address, 2) complete an online form, which is available in English, or 3) write a handwritten note with your name and surname, home address, reason for leaving your residence, the date, the time, and your signature.
Take into account that there is also a curfew from 6 PM to 5 AM on weekends in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Halkidiki.
What reasons are acceptable for me to leave the place where I am staying during the lockdown?
You can only leave the place you are staying during the lockdown in Greece if:
- It is a health-related reason.
- You need to buy essential supplies that you cannot get delivered.
- It is for essential banking purposes or for an urgent public service appointment.
- You are helping people in need, i.e. picking a child up from school, taking a spouse to/from work
- You are attending a ceremony, i.e. a funeral.
- You are exercising or taking your pet for a walk.
Are restaurants and bars open in Greece?
Restaurants are still open in Greece, but they are operating on a delivery/take-out basis only. Bars are closed.
Are museums open in Greece?
No, museums are currently closed in Greece.
Is the Acropolis open?
No, the Acropolis is currently closed until further notice.
Is Greece open to American tourists?
No, Americans cannot currently visit Greece.
Is Greece open to Canadian tourists?
No, Greece is currently closed to Canadians.
Sources
This guide to Greece reopening for tourism will be updated with any new change in developments. However, if you need more information on Greece and COVID-19, you can check the following official sources.
- US Embassy COVID-19 Updates on Greece
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Greece
- General Greece Travel Advisory
- National Public Health Organization
- Athens International Airport – COVID FAQ
- Lockdown Information from the Greek Government’s Civil Protection Website in Greek
- Map of safety and protection against COVID-19 from the Greek Government in Greek
- Passenger Locator Form
