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See also: Athens in COVID-19 lockdown | #IStayHome | Coronavirus IStayHome | Patras in lockdown | Θα κάτσω σπίτι (βίντεο) | Greece aims reopen July 1st (video) | Greece aims July for tourism
See Update for Opening Summer 2021
- Greek Summer is a State of Mind – Video
- Ohhh! My Greece! – Video
See FAQ about the opening – 2020
Greece will open to the world and resume accepting international flights on June 15, allowing visitors from an initial list of 29 countries to enter the country.
In a similar to Cyprus move, government spokesman Stelios Petsas indicated that Greece will pay for the accommodation of any tourist who tests positive for the coronavirus during their visit. “We have done it in the past and we will continue to do so. We expect far fewer cases – or hopefully none – as the epidemiological cycles in the European countries from where we expect tourist flows are coordinating downwards.”
Originally the date was set for July, however the COVID-19 cases have all but disappeared to very low numbers. The extra 15 days will increase the time visitors can spend in Greece. Also, both Athens and Thessaloniki airports will accept international flights.
Greece welcomes the world
Greece is ready once again to welcome the world. Here is how:
Phase 1 – Until 15 June
International flights are allowed only into Athens airport.
All visitors are tested upon arrival and are required to stay overnight at a designated hotel. If the test is negative, then the passenger self-quarantines for 7 days. If the test is positive, the passenger is quarantined under supervision for 14 days.
Phase 2 – Bridge phase- 15 June to 30 June
International flights are allowed into Athens and Thessaloniki airports.
If your travel originated from an airport not in the EASA affected area list, then you are only subject to random tests upon arrival.
If you originate from an airport on the EASA affected area list, then you will be tested upon arrival. An overnight stay at a designated hotel is required. If the test is negative then the passenger self-quarantines for 7 days. If the test is positive, the passenger is quarantined under supervision for 14 days.
Phase 3 – 1 July onwards
International flights are allowed into all airports in Greece.
Visitors are subject to random tests upon arrival.
Additional restrictions regarding certain countries will be announced at a later date.
In addition:
Land border arrivals from Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria will be allowed as of 15 June. Visitors will be subject to random tests upon arrival.
Arrivals by sea will be allowed as of 1 July. Visitors will be subject to random tests upon arrival.
Greece at any stage retains the right to modify any of the above in light of changing circumstances.
Tourism and the hospitality industry is the primary source of economic growth in the country. The Minister indicated that the three-month tourist season July, August and September, could show positive results thus improving the tourism flow into October and November.
