Compiled by Nikos Krinis, GTP Managing Editor
The first European case is reported in France. This case had a travel history to China.
Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis is first questioned about the coronavirus in relation to Chinese travelers. Theoharis said he is in regular contact with the Health Ministry and EODY officials.
Τhe World Health Organization (WHO) declares the novel coronavirus outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern”.
Travel agents and tour operators call on tourism stakeholders and authorities to jointly formulate a clear action plan in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) issues guidelines to Greek travel and tourism services, including hotels and airlines, to eliminate the potential spread of the coronavirus.
Athens International Airport (AIA) moves ahead with a series of measures to halt the potential spread of the Wuhan virus including monitoring suspected incoming travelers and crews.
Air China suspends Athens-Beijing flights due to the coronavirus outbreak.
ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade fair, cancels its 2020 show days before its opening (scheduled for 4 March).
21 Greek tourists test positive for the coronavirus after returning from a trip to Mount Sinai and the Holy Land.
The World Health Organization (WHO) characterizes the coronavirus as a pandemic and says it will touch every sector.
Greek officials advise against travel and closes cinemas, cultural venues, museums and sites. Also closed are all cafés, bars and restaurants.
Greece announces the closure of seasonal hotels and resorts.
Greece closes ports to cruise ships and sailboats and suspends ferry services between Greece and Italy.
Greece announces ban on domestic travel for Orthodox Easter.
Source: https://covid19.healthdata.org/greece
The Greek Tourism Ministry launches new online platform Greece From Home to promote the country’s image to people all over the world.
A regulation allowing Greek airlines, ferries and tourism enterprises (hotels and travel agencies) to reimburse customers with 18-month vouchers for bookings that were canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, instead of cash refunds, is published in the Government Gazette.
The Hellenic Chamber of Hotels donates 1 million euros to support Greece’s healthcare system in its battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Greece proposes an EU-wide 72-hour pre-travel Covid-19 test to be instituted across the bloc to allow travel to begin once lockdown measures are lifted.
The European Commission presents a Tourism and Transport package of guidelines and recommendations to help Member States gradually and safely restore freedom of movement; lift travel restrictions and internal border controls; and allow tourism businesses to reopen.
The Greek government presents a detailed plan to restart tourism in Greece during the post-Covid-19 era on 15 June, the day the country will gradually begin welcoming back flights from abroad.
The government allows travel to the islands by ferry.
Greece announces a Covid-19 air transport aid package of 115 million euros in funding to help the sector recover losses incurred by the health crisis.
Greece releases official list of the 29 countries it will open to on 15 June.
Greece opens year-round hotels under health protocols and rules.
“Greek Summer is a state of mind… This year, enjoy your Greek summer wherever you are…” is the message of Greece’s new tourism campaign that will be sent out to the world in 2020, following the Covid-19 crisis.
Greece launches a carefully interconnected network of emergency health care and medical services linking the islands with the mainland.
Greece opens to international travelers only to airports of Athens and Thessaloniki. On the same day, the country’s seasonal hotels and resorts, museums, thermal springs and gyms reopen.
Greece announces that all travelers arriving to Greece by air, sea or road, are required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before entering the country.
EU releases safe list of nations welcome for tourism. Americans and Russians are left off the list.
Greece officially opens for tourism and welcomes flights at all of its airports.
Greece secures at least €70 billion in funds to address the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic from an EU recovery plan of €750 billion agreed on in Brussels.
The wearing of face masks becomes mandatory in all indoor spaces in Greece, including churches.
Six ports in Greece – Piraeus, Rhodes, Heraklion, Volos, Corfu and Katakolo – open to cruise ships.
Health experts warn of a second coronavirus wave in Greece if citizens do not observe measures.
Greece sets curfew for bars in popular destinations (they are not allowed to operate between 12 midnight and 7am).
People arriving by air from Israel, Sweden, Czech Republic, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands and all travelers entering Greece’s land borders are obliged to present a negative molecular test upon arrival, conducted no more than 72 hours prior.
Data released by Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias shows that tourism is not responsible for the rise in Covid-19 cases recorded in Greece. According to the data at the time, 83 percent of Greece’s confirmed Covid-19 cases were domestic (due to lax observation of health measures) and 17 percent were imported from travelers.
Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis promises free Covid-19 vaccine to Greeks once available.
Greece improves position in the world ranking regarding the number of Covid-19 tests conducted daily per 1 million residents and ranks 29th worldwide, having climbed up 34 places.
Greece reopens to Russian tourists that arrive with a negative Covid-19 test result.
The government imposes new Covid-19 measures in Athens-Attica such as teleworking; suspends concerts; and closes cinemas with indoor screenings.
The European Commission activates the SURE instrument, which will provide up to 100 billion euros in financial support to help protect jobs and workers affected by the pandemic. Greece is to receive some 2.7 billion euros in financial support from the program.
Greece unveils online map with Covid-19 risk by regional unit.
EU ministers agree to coordinate better on Covid-19 travel measures with a 3-common criteria, a color-coded map and a framework for possible restrictions.
Masks must now be worn everywhere in Greece and a night curfew goes into effect for high-risk areas.
Greece enters its second national lockdown.
Greece announces a night curfew from 9 pm to 5 am, aiming to further limit movement in the country to curb the rise of Covid-19 cases.
Greece gains access to over 2 billion euros worth of funds from the EU’s SURE instrument, which is aimed to help companies and employees affected by Covid-19.
Greece announces Covid-19 vaccination plan. Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias announces that free Covid-19 vaccination will be possible at 1,018 points across Greece, once the first effective drugs are made available.
Greece’s second lockdown is extended until 7 December.
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director Hans Kluge visits Greece and urges Greeks to vaccinate against Covid-19 when the time comes.
The Greek government extends Greece’s second Covid-19 lockdown.
Authorities tighten restrictions at Greece’s land border points and deny entry to travelers that test positive for Covid-19 upon arrival.
All incoming travellers arriving to Greece for the holidays as of December 18 must quarantine for 3 days. The measure is to be lifted on 7 January.
All travelers arriving to Greece from the UK must self-isolate for 7 days.
Greece receives the first batch of coronavirus vaccines.
Covid-19 vaccinations begin in Greece in accordance with the country’s vaccination operation “Eleftheria”.
Following Brexit, Greece adds the UK to a list of non-EU countries exempt from Covid-19 entry restrictions.
Greece announces 7-day quarantine measure for passengers arriving from abroad.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) welcomes Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ proposal for an EU-wide Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
During a UNWTO meeting in Madrid, Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis proposes 3 steps (Covid-19 vaccination, rapid testing and exchange of data) to restart tourism.
Greece announces its national digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
Greek health authorities announce a four-phase Covid-19 vaccination plan for people on the Greek islands.
Attica enters ‘Red’ Covid-19 status, following a 45% rise in new infections. Stricter measures are imposed.
Residents in Greece who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 can now download their digital vaccination certificate from the gov.gr website.
GBR survey shows that international and Greek travelers gave Athens hotels a high rating for the Covid-19 safety measures implemented in 2020.
Greece presents tourism and travel pan-European revival plan to EU ministers during a meeting organised by Portugal as holder of the presidency of the Council of the EU.
The Hellenic Chamber of Hotels launches the #filoxeniaMoU Greek hospitality action, a month-long initiative dedicated to the importance of hospitality in the recovery of tourism.
Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis announces that Greece aims to open to tourism on 14 May.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) praises the Greek government for its efforts and steps taken to restart international travel from 14 May.
The European Commission makes a legislative proposal for the launch of a common digital COVID certificate (initially referred to as a Digital Green Certificate) to facilitate safe free movement inside the EU during the pandemic, an idea first tabled in January by Greece’s PM himself.
Greece begins to ease some Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and reopens hair and beauty salons, open-air archaeological sites, public parks and allows fishing again.
Greece lifts Covid-19 quarantine rule for vaccinated Israeli tourists.
Greece announces Covid-19 self-testing strategy to identify asymptomatic cases and better control the spread of the coronavirus.
Greece welcomes an extra €2.5 billion under the European Commission’s SURE tool that helps jobs and incomes affected by Covid-19.
The UNWTO approves Greece’s proposals to restart tourism and adopts them as recommendations for its member-countries.
The Greek island of Rhodes welcomes its first tourists as part of a pilot holiday program organized by a Dutch tour operator.
Greece bans Easter holiday travel and keeps the rule that prohibits travel between regions (until 14 May).
Greece releases updated health protocols for hotels.
The World Travel & Tourism Council awards Greece for its efforts in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic and safely re-opening to tourists.
Greece submits its national recovery plan (aimed at dealing with the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic) to the European Commission.
Greece moves ahead with its newly announced “Blue Freedom” plan that prioritizes Covid-19 vaccination of its islands, aiming to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists.
Greece officially launches its 2021 tourism campaign named “All you want is Greece” which goes beyond promoting “sun and sea”.
Greece opens for the 2021 tourism season under a plan that includes strict health safety protocols and procedures.
Employees in Greece’s tourism sector are among those that must undergo mandatory self-testing for Covid-19 once a week.
The UK government resumes international travel but does not include Greece on its ‘green’ list, meaning that restrictions will apply to people returning from the country.
The European Parliament and Council announce that the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be ready by the end of June.
The Greek government’s Covid-19 self-testing strategy, which aims to detect asymptomatic cases, has expanded to all employees in Greece.
Greece surpasses 5 million Covid-19 vaccinations, the Greek PM announces.
Greece unveils its version of the EU Digital COVID Certificate that is aimed to facilitate travel in the EU.
Athens hosts the 66th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe as an in-person event.
Greece lifts its ban on music at restaurants, bars and cafes.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate is signed into law by EU institutions. It has been agreed to launch on July 1.
The European Commission approves Greece’s resilience plan, paving the way for the release of 30.5 billion euros.
Greek authorities allow spas/thermal springs to reopen.
Greece permits entry for travelers who present negative Covid-19 rapid antigen tests.
Europe on high alert due to ‘Delta’ (variant of SARS-CoV-2) spread. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) begins to urge EU nationals to get vaccinated due to the Delta variant of COVID-19 (called a “variant of concern” by WHO because of its high transmissibility).
In its drive to extend vaccination reach, Greece announced that as of July 15, entertainment and F&B venues would be divided into Covid-19 vaccinated-only and mixed spaces.
Greece imposes stricter measures for those arriving to Greece from Russia due to the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant in the country.
Greece eases Covid-19 travel restrictions for non-EU citizens arriving from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Jordan, Moldova, Brunei and Kosovo.
Greece’s “seated-only” rule goes into effect at restaurants, bars, cafes, and entertainment venues.
Nursing home caregivers in Greece are announced to be the first required by law to get vaccinated.
The UK dubs July 19 “Freedom Day” as Boris Johnson lifted the vast majority of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England. With regard to travel, fully vaccinated Brits are no longer required to quarantine for 10 days after returning to England from amber list destinations – including Greece.
Greece’s “Freedom Pass” program, offering 18- to 25-year-olds who get vaccinated against Covid-19 a pre-paid card worth 150 euros (which covers costs for travel and entertainment), goes into effect.
Greek parliament passes amendment that foresees obligatory vaccination for all private and public sector employees in health and senior care facilities and hospitals as well as for ambulance and nursing staff by September 1.
The Greek government announces that it will deploy mobile vaccination units in order to facilitate hotel workers that wish to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
The UK decides that all travelers from Europe and the US who have been fully vaccinated no longer have to quarantine when entering England from amber list countries.
Americans – vaccinated or not – are advised against traveling to Greece due to a “very high” risk of Covid-19 following revised guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State Department.
Greece adds Turkey to the “safe list” of countries and territories whose residents are eligible to enter provided they have the required documentation.
New Covid-19 measures (including a curfew and music ban) are imposed on the island of Zakynthos and in Chania (Crete) due to a sharp rise in cases.
Users of IATA’s digital Travel Pass can now upload EU and UK Covid-19 vaccination data to the mobile app.
Unvaccinated travelers entering Greece from 13 countries (Egypt, Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Georgia, Cuba, the United Arab Emirates, India, China, Libya, Morocco, Russia and Turkey) – regardless of nationality – are required to take a Covid-19 test on arrival.
Unvaccinated travelers – regardless of nationality – entering Greece from Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Pakistan are now required to take a rapid Covid-19 test on arrival.
The European Commission approves a Greek scheme with an estimated budget of up to 500 million euros to support the uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The EU reaches a crucial milestone with 70 percent of the adult population now fully vaccinated against Covid-19. In total, by August 31, over 256 million adults in the EU had received a full vaccine course.
Greek authorities impose emergency restrictions (curfew/music ban) on more areas (Argolida and Evritania) and extend measures on the regional units of Heraklion, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia and the municipality of Ikaria.
The 85th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) opens as an in-person event under Covid-19 rules. According to the organizer, TIF is the first major European Covid-free event taking place in the region.
In its 11th enhanced surveillance report, the European Commission praises Greece for advancing reforms and meeting commitments agreed to as part of its post-bailout program despite the challenging circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and notes that the economy is demonstrating an “earlier-than-expected recovery”.
The UK scraps its traffic light system for arrivals to England and establishes a single red list of countries. Fully vaccinated travelers will no longer need a pre-departure test to visit England unless they come from a country on the red list.
Greece’s official start of the summer tourist season will be April 1, 2022, says Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias.
Greece lifts restrictions including mini-lockdowns with curfews and music bans, for regions with high Covid-19 rates. The government promises complete freedom for the vaccinated.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) praises Greece for successfully opening up to tourists during the Covid-19 health crisis and for achieving safety through the implementation of strict protocols.
The European Commission announces that more than 591 million EU Digital Covid-19 Certificates have been issued since its launch in July, setting a global standard, with 43 countries across four continents already using the system.
Greek Tourism Minister Vasilis Kikilias announces that Greece will put into action a dynamic plan – extending the tourism season and increasing the number of arrivals from traditional and new source markets – that will bring more tourists to the country in 2022.
The World Travel Market officially opens as in-person event at ExCel, London, under strict Covid-19 protocols.
Greece launches the Covid Free Gr Wallet, a new app allowing citizens to easily save Greek and European Covid-19 certificates on their mobile phones and tablet devices.
The US reopens its borders to international travelers (fully vaccinated or with negative PCR test) arriving by air from the 26 Schengen countries in Europe, the UK, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil.
Greek and foreign travelers aged 4 to 17 can now present a negative self-test result for Covid-19 to board domestic flights in Greece. (Negative self-test results were previously accepted only from domestic travelers aged 4 to 11.)
The Greek PM said he would suggest to the EU to include booster shots in the EU Digital Covid Certificates in order to make travelling throughout the block safer.
The European Commission proposes new conditions for the validity of EU Digital COVID Certificates. According to the recommendation, vaccination certificates of citizens will no longer be recognized beyond the nine months after a full vaccination with 2 doses and without a booster jab.
Greece announces a strict protocol for the entry of travelers from 9 southern African countries where cases of the newly identified Covid-19 variant, called Omicron, have been identified.
Greece says there will be no national lockdowns and no new measures for those vaccinated against Covid-19 despite the emergence of the new Omicron variant and a surge in positive cases.
The Greek PM announces that all citizens over the age of 60 who have not been vaccinated must by January 16 book an appointment for their first dose or else face a 100-euro fine every month.
As the Omicron variant of Covid-19 begins to spread, the World Health Organization (WHO) urges unvaccinated individuals aged 60 or over to avoid travel to “to areas with community transmission”.
Rules for the operation of Christmas theme parks in Greece are announced after the country’s first case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is confirmed.
Greece shortens the validity period of the Covid-19 recovery certificate from the initial six months to three months (90 days).
The European Commission adopted an extension to the airport slot relief rules of the 2022 summer scheduling season, running from March 28 until October 29.
ITB Berlin 2022 (to be held during March 9-13, 2022) is cancelled as in-person event due to developments and accompanying directives as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Greece’s Covid-19 ‘Freedom Pass’ program (that offers 18- to 25-year-olds who get vaccinated against Covid-19 a pre-paid card worth 150 euros) is extended until June 30, 2022.
Greece requires negative Covid-19 tests (PCR or rapid) from all inbound travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, taken before entering the country.
Greece introduces new Covid-19 measures for holiday season (to run until January 2). Measures include the cancelation of all holiday events announced by municipal authorities in open spaces.
The Hellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) appeals to the government to take measures and extend financial support to hotel enterprises as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has put a brake on bookings.
Greece extends (to June 30, 2022) a special subsidy that covers operating costs granted to businesses impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.
The Greek government imposes a cap (47 euros) on the cost of PCR molecular tests for Covid-19 at private diagnostic laboratories and clinics.
UK changes Covid-19 testing rule for vaccinated travelers: Fully vaccinated travelers and under 18 entering the UK no longer need to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test or self-isolate on arrival, but must continue to take their post-arrival tests.
The government announces that on February 1 Greece’s vaccination certificate will expire after seven months if the holder (of any age and after having gotten 2 doses) does not get administered the booster shot.
Greek authorities announce new Covid-19 measures applying to travel by ferry to and from the islands and mainland.
Greek tourism enterprises (hotels, travel agencies, conference and trade fair organizers) among businesses covered by the government’s extra Covid-19 support (from January 14 to January 31).
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) sees a surge of more than 250% in European bookings for Easter compared to 2021 and calls to remove all restrictions for fully jabbed travellers and allow free movement.
Greece lifts midnight curfew rule and music ban imposed on restaurants, cafes, bars and other entertainment venues. Standing customers at such venues are still not allowed.
The Greek government updates the Covid-19 rules that citizens must follow to enter public services, banks, churches, restaurants and bars in Greece.
The European Commission proposed to extend the use of the EU Digital Covid Certificate by a year. Having launched on July 1, 2021, the initial expiration date was set for June 30 this year.
Greek health experts ruled against carnival activities, citing the persistently high number of Covid-19 incidents.
Greece is among European tourism destinations expected to recover losses incurred by the Covid-19 pandemic thanks in large part to its high vaccination rates, found a report released by data analysis and tourism intelligence provider Mabrian Technologies.
Travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia with a valid vaccination certificate no longer need to present a negative Covid-19 test when they arrive in Greece.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) moved cruise travel from Level 4 “very high” risk to Level 3 “high”, revising its previous travel warning issued late last year which advised against travel by cruise regardless of vaccination status.
The Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) sends a letter to Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and calls for the government to revise Covid-19 health protocols and facilitate travel ahead of the tourism season.
Greece now allows standing customers at bars, clubs and cafes and a 50 percent capacity at sports events.
Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris announces that the government is planning to lift Covid-19 measures by the end of March but only for those who are vaccinated.
Greece’s Covid committee of health experts recommend for the mandatory requirement of mask-wearing outdoors in the country to be lifted from March 5.
Tourist buses in Greece are now allowed to operate at 100% capacity, but with Covid-19 safety measures. All buses must have natural ventilation and all passengers must wear a mask.
Travelers visiting Greece will no longer be required to fill in a PLF form as of March 15, according to an updated aviation directive announced by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).
Greek authorities have announced that capacity measures on ferries to the Greek islands, taken due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be lifted.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ACI Europe, the trade association of Europe’s airports, sent an official letter to Greek ministers urging for the government to take further steps and lift all health-related travel restrictions in Greece ahead of the summer season.
The Council of the European Union has agreed to extend the validity of the EU Digital COVID Certificate beyond 30 June 2022.
Greece’s tourism industry is slowly but steadily recouping losses incurred by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data recorded in a special 2021 report released by INSETE, the Greek Tourism Confederation’s (SETE) research body.
From March 15 travelers from abroad to Greece will no longer be required to fill in the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before their trip.
The Greek government has announced a new set of Covid-19 health protocols to be followed by hotels in Greece this year.
An IATA survey on Covid-19 travel restrictions for the world’s top 50 markets (comprising 88 percent of international demand in 2019) reveals the growing access for travel available to the vaccinated.
The European Commission adopted a mechanism to revoke fraudulent or erroneous EU Digital COVID Certificates. Under the measure, once a certificate is revoked in one Member State, it will also show as invalid in other Member States.
Greece will stop fining seniors who have not been vaccinated starting April 15, said Health Minister Thanos Plevris, adding that the measure may be reinstated in September when a new wave of Covid-19 is expected.
European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders called for Member States of the European Union to lift the last remaining travel restrictions within the bloc.
The Greek government announced that the “Syn-ergasia” employment support tool will once again be extended until May 31. The measure has been in force since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to protect jobs and keep affected companies above water.
The European Commission updated a set of rules for traveling children as part of its Digital Covid Certificate program under which vaccination certificates held by minors will not expire after 270 days.
Greek authorities have extended the voucher period for canceled trips due to Covid-19 to June 30, 2022 in Law 4917/2022 (published in the Government Gazette – ΦΕΚ Α 67/31.03.2022).
Greek health authorities announced that Covid-19 measures would remain as is through to the end of the month and that the possibility of a fourth booster shot for the whole population was under consideration.
The Greek government has harmonized Greece’s domestic validity period of Covid-19 vaccination and recovery certificates with the validity period set at EU level. According to a joint ministerial decision (Δ1α/ΓΠ.οικ.18959/02.04.2022 – ΦΕΚ Β 1547), the two-dose vaccination certificates are now valid in Greece for 9 months (270 days) and there is no time limit for those who have received a booster shot. Recovery certificates are now valid for 6 months (180 days) in Greece.
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) issued an update to the Covid-19 aviation directive (NOTAM) that concerns the requirement for passengers traveling with vaccination and recovery certificates to board domestic flights.
Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias tweeted that he tested positive for Covid-19 and will work remotely.
Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris announced that Covid-19 vaccination and recovery certificates would no longer be required as of May 1 as part of government efforts to ease pandemic-related restrictions after Greek Easter and ahead of summer. He was quick to point out, however, that the measure is temporary.
Greece’s full plan to deal with Covid-19 from May into the summer has been announced and includes the suspension of Covid-19 vaccination and recovery certificates for entrance into restaurants and cafes; all venues operating at full capacity (100 percent); and the scrapping of the mandatory mask-wearing measure as of June 1.
Greeks will celebrate Easter with Covid-19 measures, weeks before vaccination certificates and masks are dropped for the summer tourism period.
Greece’s tourism sector managed to cover lost ground and regain momentum in 2021 achieving a 143.2% rise in travel receipts for the year over 2020, driven by a 105.9% increase in the number of international arrivals, the Bank of Greece reports.
The rules that must be followed by travelers arriving in Greece on international flights have been extended until May 1.
The Greek government stops the measure of remote work/telework for staff in both public and private sectors. All public services and private companies now operate with 100% of their staff. The measure of staggered shifts (employees start work at different times) has also been scrapped. Both measures were introduced during the Covid-19 lockdown period and were extended a number of times as the pandemic continued.
Greece is entering a new phase of the Covid-19 pandemic as the number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations drop, Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris told a press briefing.
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. Masks still must be worn at all times at the arrival and departure areas inside airports, as well as during all domestic and international flights.
Although Greece has lifted all Covid-19 restrictions for domestic and international flights, the mask mandate for indoor areas of airports and while on flights is still in force.
EASA and ECDC have updated the health measures for air travel, dropping the recommendation for mandatory mask-wearing in airports and on flights. However, rules for masks will vary by airline beyond May 16. It is noted that Greece has not made an announcement regarding masks in airports or on board flights.
The Greek government announced that face masks will no longer be required for indoor spaces between June 1 – September 15. Under the revised guidelines, as of June 1, masks will no longer be mandatory in means of transport with numbered seats including airplanes, intercity trains and KTEL buses. Masks will also not be necessary in indoor areas including supermarkets, restaurants, shops, malls, hair salons etc.
Although Greeks will no longer be required to wear face masks, Health Minister Thanos Plevris reiterated that the decision was temporary and that come fall, Covid-19 measures may be re-introduced should the pandemic developments require.
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.
The Biden administration announced that it will lift its requirement that international travelers must test negative for Covid-19 within a day before boarding a flight to the United States.
The European Council announced that the regulation establishing the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be prolonged by one year, until 30 June 2023.
Greek Heath Minister Thanos Plevris ruled out the possibility of new measures to deal with the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Greece. “All models we are using do not indicate dynamics that will put pressure on the health system so that we will need to take measures,” said Plevris, adding that data will be re-examined in September and a new action plan announced then, which “may or may not require many or no measures”.
Greece and Europe ushered in summer this week with a surge in Covid-19 cases and a warning by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) that Omicron subvariants may lead to an increase in hospitalizations and deaths.
Greece may re-introduce restrictions and measures to address Covid-19 in the fall “if necessary”, said the Health Ministry, in view of a surge in positive cases and repeat infections.
The European Council approved rules that allow the extension to June 2023 of the EU Digital Covid Certificate, which serves as proof that a person has been vaccinated against Covid-19, received a negative test result or recovered from the coronavirus in the past six months.
Greece appears to have entered a new wave of Covid dominated by the fast-spreading ΒΑ4 and ΒΑ5 strains. Health experts are considering to bring the mask rule back into effect as the number of Covid-19 cases are spiking and the viral load is increasing.
Tourists to Greece who find themselves infected with Covid-19 will not be required to quarantine, according to a government decision concerning health protocols.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a recommendation for people between the ages of 60 and 79 years and medically vulnerable populations to get the second booster dose of Covid-19 vaccines this summer and in the upcoming autumn and winter seasons.
Sixteen major European airlines confirmed that they reimbursed over 500,000 flight vouchers that they had imposed on consumers for cancelled flights during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Greek Health Ministry announced that an action plan to address a recurrence of Covid-19 was ready and would be implemented in the fall should the need arise.
There will be no need for Covid-19 measures in the fall, said Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris, after assessment of epidemiological data. “We have treatment protocols, a vaccinated population, variants and antiviral drugs. This comprehensive combination allows us to be optimistic that we will not return to mandatory measures and restrictions,” he said.
Greek health experts re-examine the possibility of bringing back mandatory face masks in view of an imminent wave of Covid-19 and potential new strains.
Covid-19 vaccination certificates will most likely not be needed again, Greek Deputy Health Minister Mina Gaga said. “I think that from now on the coronavirus is turning into some kind of flu and this is seen internationally,” she said.
The European Commission proposed measures in order for Member States to avoid a surge of Covid-19 cases in the upcoming autumn and winter season. As highlighted by the Commission, the Covid-19 summer wave, driven by Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, showed that “the pandemic is not yet over” as the virus continues to circulate in Europe and beyond.
The recovery in air travel continued its strong performance in July, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said with its director general, Willie Walsh, commenting that some markets even approached pre-COVID levels.
Vaccinations with the latest booster shot against Covid-19 began on September 14 in Greece for priority groups with the country’s expert committee also approving the 5th dose for people aged 30-59.
Greece’s Health Ministry is concerned about a new wave of Covid-19 expected in the coming months but remains optimistic that it won’t put pressure on the public health system. “We’re not finished with the pandemic. It’s still here,” said Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris.
City destinations worldwide are winning over travelers once again after a slowdown due to Covid-19, found the latest WTTC report released during the 22nd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in Riyadh.
The European Council adopted updated recommendations on travel to the European Union and on facilitating free movement in the EU during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a new agreement to support the use of evidence-informed and risk-based approaches to international travel, both in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and other potential public health emergencies.
GTP Headlines Media Kit
Guest posts are welcome. Read the editorial guidelines here.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts of texts published in this page and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Greek Travel Pages – gtp.gr and / or GTP Headlines – news.gtp.gr with appropriate and specific direction (hyperlink) to the original content. All photographs appearing on this site are not to be downloaded or reproduced in any way, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
@2025 – Web Design & Development by Generation Y
Keep me signed in until I sign out
Forgot your password?
Do not have an account ? Register here
A new password will be emailed to you.
Have received a new password? Login here
Have an account? Login here
