Greece Travel Restrictions: What to Know Before Visiting

Update as of 1 May 2022: Greece has removed all entry requirements related to COVID-19.

From ancient temples and sun-drenched beaches to blue-domed churches and whitewashed houses with views of the caldera, the Greek Islands draws millions of travellers in search of the perfect European vacation. Greece reopened its borders in 2021 for tourism and became the most widely visited destination in Europe over the summer.  

Whether you’re travelling to see the volcanic cliffs in Santorini or the island nightlife in Mykonos, it’s more important than ever to stay informed about the COVID-19 situation and travel restrictions in Greece. Here’s everything you need to know to start planning your trip to Greece.

Greece entry requirements

Greece is open to everybody and allows quarantine-free entry to travellers from European Union (EU) and Schengen Area countries, as well as those from certain non-EU countries and territories.

In addition, holders of a valid European Union vaccination certificate can now enter Greece without a COVID-19 test. The same rule applies to travellers from 33 non-EU countries that have been recognised by the EU certification. 

Pre-arrival documents for travel to Greece 

Proof of vaccination, recovery from prior infection, or a negative test result

Visitors can travel to Greece without quarantine restrictions as long as they present one of the following requirements: 

• A vaccination certificate issued by a certified authority, indicating that 14 days have passed since the traveller’s final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Accepted vaccines in Greece can be found here. 

• A negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from an authorised laboratory, conducted within 72 hours before travelling to Greece; or, a negative rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory conducted within 48 hours before arrival. Refer to the list of authorised laboratories here. 

• A certificate of recovery from a public authority or certified laboratory that proves the traveller has tested positive with COVID-19 in the past nine months. This certificate can be issued 30 days after the positive test result, and it is valid for 180 days or six months after the issue date. 

• An EU Digital Covid Certificate containing information on whether the passenger has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, tested negative or recovered from infection. Remember: Holders of a valid European Union vaccination certificate can enter Greece without a COVID-19 test. The same rule applies to travellers from 33 non-EU countries that have been recognised by the EU certification.

All certificates should contain the key information (number of doses, dates administered, etc.) in one of the following languages: Greek, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Russian. Moreover, the traveller’s full name on the certificates should match the name on their passport. 

These travel requirements for Greece apply to adults and children aged 12 and up. However, children under the age of 12 will not be required to undergo a PCR test. 

Singapore – Greece VTL travel requirements

Singapore has established two-way quarantine-free travel with European countries including Greece, as long as they have direct flights to Singapore. Singapore’s VTL with Greece begins on 16 March 2022, which will also allow travellers from Greece to enter Singapore quarantine-free. 

For more information on the Singapore-Greece VTL, click here. 

Arrival 

All travellers arriving in Greece — regardless of vaccination status — may be subject to random molecular test (PCR) or Rapid Antigen Test for COVID-19. Selected individuals are drawn from the “EVA” sampling system. Keep in mind that once an individual is chosen, health screening is mandatory. Failure to comply means that Greek authorities have the right to deny them entry into the country.

All unvaccinated flight passengers who are visiting Greece from the countries listed below, regardless of their citizenship, will be required to take a mandatory rapid test upon arrival at the airport. This is aside from the negative RT-PCR test they must take prior to arrival in Greece.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 from the rapid test will be required to undergo mandatory quarantine for a specific duration: 

• If a person has been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days and tests positive, they must quarantine for 7 days.
• If a person is not fully vaccinated and tests positive, they must quarantine for 10 days. 

Designated quarantine hotels in Greece are ready to accommodate travellers and their companions who test positive. In both scenarios above, travellers must take a PCR test on the last day of quarantine.

Wear a mask inside airports 

All travellers must wear a face mask at all times at the arrival and departure areas of airports and during domestic and international flights. 

During your stay 

Travellers are not required to wear a mask in uncrowded outdoor areas in Greece. However, masks must be worn in crowded outdoor areas, indoor spaces, and communal areas, including public transportation, restaurants, cafes, shops, and the shared facilities of hotels. Learn more about Greece travel restrictions and requirements here. 

If a traveller tests positive COVID-19 while in Greece, they must go back to their place of accommodation, notify the owner or hotel reception of the positive test result, and self-isolate in their room and avoid contact with other people. 

Greek Civil Protection authorities can allow travellers to remain in their accommodation or move them to a state-provided quarantine hotel. Travellers must stay until the end of their quarantine, regardless of their flight schedule. Those who refuse to self-isolate can be fined up to €5,000.

Those who need to take a PCR test or a rapid antigen test can refer to the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s list of COVID-19 testing locations.

For more information about travel restrictions in Greece, visit travel.gov.gr, GreeceHealthFirst.gr, and the official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation. 

Also read: Spain Entry Requirements: What to Know When Travelling During COVID-19

Excited to cross Greece off your bucket list? Click here to jumpstart your pre-travel planning. In addition, check out the entry requirements for other destinations here.