Greece Exploring Medical Visa and Health Units in Hotels

Photo source: Elitour

The potential introduction of a medical visa in Greece, along with other initiatives such as the operation of primary health units in the country’s 4- and 5-star hotels, was recently discussed by Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis and Greek Health Tourism Council (Elitour) President George Patoulis.

During their meeting in Athens on Monday, Patoulis emphasized Elitour’s ongoing efforts to promote Greece as a leading global destination for health and wellness tourism.

Patoulis presented a series of proposals aimed at enhancing health and wellness tourism in Greece, particularly within the framework of the Development Law. Key proposals included the establishment of primary health units in certified 4- and 5-star hotels, the creation of a Registry of Health & Wellness Tourism Providers, and the expansion of licensing for Day Care Units and other specialties beyond those currently permitted.

Medi Visa

Photo source: Elitour

Patoulis also highlighted the importance of introducing a Medical Visa (Medi Visa), which would be a short-term visa granted exclusively for medical treatment purposes. He noted that he had recently raised this issue with Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis, seeking a solution. Minister Georgiadis assured Patoulis that the Medical Visa would likely see a positive outcome in the near future.

Additionally, Patoulis extended an invitation to Minister Georgiadis to attend the 8th Panhellenic Congress of Thermal Medicine, scheduled for September 21-22 at the National Research Foundation.