Questions and answers for the opening of Tourism 2021

How can one travel to Greece?

Greece is ready to welcome visitors applying advanced health protection protocols. In 2021, Greek Tourism is ready to operate 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 no longer required. However, entry into Greece will be allowed under the following conditions:

A. Travelers must have one of the following:

- Vaccination certificate issued by an appropriate body in the traveler's country of origin.

- Instead of a vaccination certificate, travelers are required to show a negative PCR test conducted up to 72 hours before traveling.

- Alternatively, the traveler can show proof that was tested positive with COVID-19 in the past 2 to 9 months. This can be proved either by presenting a positive PCR molecular or an antigen test result performed by an authorized laboratory or a medical certificate confirming that the holder was tested positive with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.

B. All visitors must complete the electronic PLF document at least 24 hours before traveling.

C. Upon entering Greece, visitors may undergo targeted 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.

What are the health protocols for the people working in the tourism sector?

Employees in the Greek tourism sector are vaccinated with the general population, according to government planning. Until their vaccination, all employees are obliged to undergo tests twice per week (self-test or rapid test). Furthermore, they are encouraged to test even more frequently, in order to ensure timely isolation.

Which vaccines are acceptable for the vaccination certificate?

Acceptable vaccines are: Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca/Oxford, Novavax, Johnson + Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, Sinopharm

What applies to international flights?

As of May 14th, flight restrictions from EU countries will be lifted, as well as from a number of other countries (USA, UK, UAE, Serbia, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore, North Macedonia, Canada, Belarus, Bahrein, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation). Quarantine will not be required.
Furthermore, our country welcome flights at all international airports.

What will apply to land travel?

Travelers are allowed to enter through the entry gates of Promachonas and Ormenio in 24H basis and Evzonoi from 07:00 to 23:00.

What about ferry connections?

As of 14/5/21 the quarantine is lifted for passengers who arrive by ferry to the main port entrances (Patra, Igoumenitsa, Corfu). Maritime connections with Albania and Turkey are restricted.

How can the visitors move to or from their hotel?

If travel across counties is prohibited, guests will be able to travel from the airport to the lodging they have booked with their hotel voucher and PLF.

What will apply to guests during their stay?

During their stay in Greece, visitors must follow all measures that apply to Greek citizens.

Will there be business activity protocols

In all tourist activities, tourist transport and tourist visits to other places of interest, the same protocols as those in 2020 will apply, with some small adjustments. These protocols have proved effective, and will be updated according to epidemiological conditions. The Ministry of Tourism and the Hotel Chamber of Greece will provide certification to all lodgings that apply these protocols. Moreover, training material will be provided to the employees of these businesses, in order to ensure the correct application of all health and safety measures against Covid-19.

Will there be quarantine hotels?

The plan for the opening of Greek Tourism provides for the existence of specific isolation (quarantine) hotels near each entrance gate, as well as in other strategic points nationwide. This way, an adequate safety net for case management will be in place, combined with an early detection upon the arrival of tourists from abroad. The cost for the isolations hotels are covered by the Greek state.

What will apply to minors under the age of 12?

Only children under the age of 5 will not be required to undergo a PCR test.

When will the departure and arrival of private yachts be allowed and from which countries?

The departure and arrival of yachts (except those coming from Albania and Turkey) is allowed with some restrictions, while the same terms and conditions will apply both for Greek and foreign citizens

What will apply to cruise ships?

From May 14th, cruise restrictions are completely removed, always enforcing very strict protocols that are applied to these activities.

What if the visitor’s country requires a test for his/her return?

It is possible to perform PCR or 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.

Source: Hellenic Republic
             General Secretariat for Civil Protection

              https://travel.gov.gr/#/