Laws, Regulations & Policy

Greece is moving ahead with the immediate reinforcement of its consular services in India to meet the increase in visa applications for travel.

People in Greece will still have to wear facemasks inside ferries and taxis, according to a decision by the country’s Covid-19 committee of experts.

Greek travel agents are calling on the government to cover under-staffed consulate services in view of the increased demand for visas.

Travelers can learn whether a specific region or territory is subject to a travel ban under sanctions measures with the EU Sanctions Map tool.

Actions are being taken to address the issue of overtourism in Greece, particularly on popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, according to Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias.

The Greek government is considering extending to the end of the year a reduced VAT scheme that currently applies to tourism, transport and F&B services.

Special units from Greece’s Labor Inspection Body (SEPE) will be carrying out heightened checks at hotels to ensure that labor laws and security regulations are being implemented.

The association representing Greek travel agents says it is ready to establish a compensation fund which would assist consumers in case a travel provider declares bankruptcy.

EASA and ECDC have updated the health measures for air travel, dropping the recommendation for mandatory mask-wearing in airports and on flights.

Greece and Spain are exploring ways to enhance cooperation in thematic tourism forms and exchange best practices in the field of tourism.

The revamp works at Syntagma, the Greek capital’s central square, are expected to be completed in the coming weeks, according to Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

Special tax units will be conducting on-the-spot inspections at tourist enterprises in Greece, primarily at popular destinations, in efforts to crack down on tax evasion.

Extending the tourism season and introducing lesser-known destinations are at the core of the Greek Tourism Confederation’s plan for the next years.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday announced a 3.2-billion-euro energy scheme, in efforts to ease the impact of soaring energy costs on households and businesses.

Starting this month, Greece’s Labor Inspection Body will be carrying out checks at hotels to ensure laws and safety regulations are being implemented.

Greek hoteliers have filed a complaint with the Competition Commission requesting immediate action to tackle unfair practices employed by digital platforms.

The European Commission has proposed short-stay visa-free travel to the EU for Qatari and Kuwaiti citizens to strengthen business ties and facilitate travel, tourism and family visits.

As of May 1, travelers coming to Greece will no longer be required to show a Covid-19 vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or test to enter the country.

The public consultation for the review of the Package Travel Directive, launched by the European Commission, is still in process.

A new regulatory framework covering yachting operations in Greece has been approved in parliament, paving the way for the sector’s development, the Greek Shipping Ministry announced.