Tourist season is roughly Easter through October in Greece ©Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock
Tourist season is roughly Easter through October in Greece ©Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock

Greece scraps restrictions for travelers in May

TripFalcon April 18, 2022

Last Update: 2022-04-18 00:09:01

All remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions are to be dropped across Greece in May, as the government prepares to open the country  for summer.

Ministers approved the scrapping of entry rules including the need to get tested or present a vaccination or recovery certificate, with the changes to come into force on Monday, May 2.

In addition, vaccination or recovery certificates will no longer be required for admission to restaurants, bars, cafes and other venues in Greece starting May 1, Health Minister Thanos Plevris said on Wednesday.

"We're moving into a summer without certificates," Health Ministry General Secretary Marios Themistocleous told local media. Though the government was keen to emphasize that the measure is temporary and the situation will be reviewed again in September.

Greece traditionally beckons travelers with its piercing blue skies, ancient ruins and idyllic beaches. The country had already relaxed some of its entry requirements for vaccinated visitors just ahead of the travel season which traditionally runs from Easter through October, by ending the requirement for arrivals to fill out a passenger locator form last month.

If you’re planning a trip to Greece and its islands in 2022, there'll be no entry rules starting May 2. But if you're visiting for the Easter break, a number of rules still apply. Here's what you need.

Entry requirements for Greece until May 2

Those who hold a valid European Union digital COVID-19 certificate do not need to present proof of a negative pre-arrival COVID-19 test. This includes travelers from the EU and Schengen zone as well as 33 other non-EU destinations that have joined the EU digital COVID Certificate system. 

Travelers from Australia, Canada and the United States can also enter by showing one of the following: proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from the virus or a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered 72 before departure or a negative antigen test administered no more than 24 hours prior to departure.

Visitors from all other countries need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered 72 before departure or a negative antigen test administered no more than 24 hours prior to departure. 

These requirements will be suspended on May 2.

Proof of vaccination required to enter some venues until May 1

Some spaces, like enclosed eating areas, entertainment facilities (cinemas, theaters), museums, exhibition centers, fitness centers and sports venues, require proof of vaccination to enter. 

This rule will be suspended on May 1.

Face masks continue to be required

Greece still requires masks indoors so tuck one in your pocket. On public transportation, you'll need to double mask or wear a high-quality mask (such as an N95/FFP2). You can be fined for not wearing one. Taxis are limited to three people in addition to the driver unless they are carrying members of the same family. 

Source: lonelyplanet
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