Travel to Greece this summer!

The country's situation since the beginning of the pandemic

Greece was able to adopt drastic decisions from the onset of the pandemic, resulting in less damage compared to other countries. By implementing strict lockdowns, travel restrictions, mandatory mask-wearing, and quickly closing borders, the country can now envision a tourist reopening for summer 2021.

Priority will be given to travelers from Europe and countries with optimal health situations. This will be supported by a vaccination program; indeed, about one-tenth of the population has already been vaccinated, and this seems to be just the beginning.

4FR – On the island of Santorini

The goal and functioning of the progressive reopening of borders

The Greek Minister of Tourism recently spoke remotely at the ITB 2021 tourism fair, discussing the measures and objectives of this reopening. The official date has been revealed, and on May 14, European travelers will be able to start visiting Greece.

As explained by the minister, the main goal is to secure this return of tourism through various measures. First, to minimize risks, people involved in the tourism sector will be prioritized for vaccination. Additionally, anyone wishing to enter Greek territory must present a negative PCR test taken within the last 72 hours and may be subject to a random test upon arrival at the airport. However, if a traveler can provide official proof of full vaccination, they should not need to take the PCR test. It is emphasized that vaccination will not be mandatory for travel. To attract travelers and offset the economic shortfall caused by decreased tourism, the minister announced that health coverage would be offered to travelers. If during their stay a tourist tests positive, expenses will be covered: quarantine including factors such as food, transportation, and accommodation (mainly in hotels mobilized for this purpose).

The country's main goals are to regain a tourist population that will serve as a real economic asset and to create an immunity wall by accelerating the vaccination process for the population (it is estimated that those over 60 should all be vaccinated before May).

On March 18 at 1 PM, a conference on tourism will be organized specifically for Greece-France stakeholders to discuss various future objectives. It will take place online and will be partly presented by the director of the Greek Tourism Office in Paris (Dimitra Voziki).