On 19 May 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Athens issued an update regarding COVID-19 in Greece, which reads in part as follows:

“Country-Specific Information:

  • Greek authorities confirmed 2,836 cases of COVID-19 within its borders as of May 18.
  • Social distancing measures are in effect until further notice.
  • May 18: Travel restrictions within the country will be lifted, allowing movement from one prefecture to another, except for the islands. Museums and cultural sites open. Some organized beaches open with social distancing measures. Ferries to some locations begin at 50 percent capacity to permit workers to return with mandatory temperature checks and an empty seat between passengers.
  • June 1: Shopping malls, department stores, and hotels that operate year round open. Restaurants and coffee shops operate only open-air premises (may be opened as early as May 25).
  • Early June: Opening of entertainment and sports venues (cinemas, theaters, entertainment centers, gyms, etc.), with social distancing and at 60% capacity. Interior spaces of restaurants and coffee shops open.
  • Mid June: Seasonal tourist accommodations open, restoration of regular sea ferry traffic to the islands. This is when the Greek government expects to open the islands for tourism
  • No flights between Greece and Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and the Netherlands until the end of May. Flights to Germany began May 18. See Flights to/from the United States.
  • Most island access continues to be restricted to permanent residents and may remain so until mid-June. Crete is accessible as of May 18.

“Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Non-EU citizens may not enter Greece until 11:00 p.m. on June 15. Exceptions include spouses or minor children of EU/Schengen nationals, long-term residents, members of government delegations, and passengers in transit. Check with your airline for document requirements as your marriage certificate or your children’s birth certificates may be required to board.
  • We do not have any information after June 15 and cannot answer whether your travel plans after this date can proceed. We will update this page as information is available.
  • We are aware of media reports that later this summer visitors will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Athens. As the Greek government has not made an official announcement, we have no additional information.
  • We received reports that recent international flights arrived full (middle seats used) with minimal social distancing. If you are concerned about this, contact your airline prior to travel.
  • No particular documentation to enter/exit Greece is needed at this time.

“Quarantine Information:

  • Greek authorities announced a mandatory 14 day self-quarantine on all international arrivals through the end of May. All international passengers must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. If you do not agree to the test or to quarantine, you will not be admitted into Greece.
  • Upon arrival, you are escorted off the plane and asked to fill out a tracing form. You are then taken into a booth in the arrivals lounge for a throat swab. After collecting your luggage, you board a bus which takes you to a designated hotel where you must remain until results come through the next day. If you are negative, you are released but must still quarantine for 14 days. If you are positive, you are told to stay in the hotel and given medical assistance. For any other arrival questions, you must consult directly with the airport.”

The full text of the update can be viewed here.