Greece Covid-19 Restrictions: Tourism and Travel-related Information

The Greek Tourism Ministry recently released information on key issues relating to tourism and travel in Greece, following the extension of the lockdown restrictions taken to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

So far the measures are said to be in force until January 18, except for the restrictions involving international flights to Greece, which will run until January 21.

According to an announcement on the tourism ministry’s website:

• Hotels

Hotels and other tourist accommodation facilities continue to operate as before, provided that that they have previously received the “Health First” certification seal and operate in accordance with the special health safety protocols announced within the framework of measures against the coronavirus.

• Hotel restaurants, cafes and bars

Although the operation of restaurants, cafes and bars in Greece has been temporarily suspended, such establishments that operate in hotels in Greece are excluded from the measure, as long as only customers (hotel guests) are served and measures against overcrowding are followed.

• Domestic flights

Only essential domestic travel is allowed throughout Greece until January 18. The measure concerns all domestic scheduled, commercial and general/business flights and allows travel between Greek prefectures only for health and business reasons, family reunification, and returning to permanent residence.

• International flights

Until January 21, all passengers entering Greece on flights from any foreign country (including EU member states) must self-isolate either at their home (for permanent residents) or at the place of temporary residence declared on their Passenger Locator Form (PLF), for seven days. Travelers from abroad must also submit a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before arrival in Greece and may also be asked to take a rapid Covid-19 test upon entry. It is noted that rules differ for arrivals to Greece from the UK. Press here for further information on the travel restrictions in force at the moment in Greece.

• Transfer services offered by tourism enterprises

– Tour buses
Tourist coaches and open or closed type urban city tourist buses are permitted to carry only 65 percent of their maximum passenger capacity.

– Private cars/vans with a driver
Private cars with a driver (a service offered by tourism enterprises) are allowed to transfer only one passenger. A person with special needs may be accompanied by one person.
Private vans can transfer two passengers and the driver.
The passenger limit in both cases may be exceeded for the transfer of families with minors.

• Conferences/MICE

The organization of all conferences and events in Greece is temporarily suspended.

• Ski centers

The operation of all ski centers in Greece is temporarily suspended.

• Pleasure boats/Cruise ships

The departure and arrival of any type of amateur boats, private pleasure boats and professional tourist vessels, regardless of flag, is temporarily prohibited in Greece.
The aforementioned boats may operate in Greek waters only for specific reasons, including emergencies related to mechanical damage, government and other absolutely necessary cases related to the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment; arrivals to/from shipyards for repair and other related works; and for purposes exclusively related to the safety of the country’s energy infrastructure (concerns only professional pleasure boats).

The arrival of all cruise ships in Greek waters, regardless of flag, is temporarily prohibited. Cruise ships that were already in Greece at the time the country went in lockdown are not allowed to make stops and can disembark passengers only at the scheduled final Greek cruise port destination. Once a cruise ship docks at a port, its movement within Greek waters is prohibited.

• Masks

The wearing of non-surgical masks is mandatory in all indoor and outdoor areas throughout Greece, including workplaces, with the exception of those who work alone in a private space. Excluded from the rule are persons who can not wear masks for health reasons such as respiratory problems (proven by relevant documents) and children under the age of four.

Press here to see the ministry’s clarifications in Greek.