Greece is reopening for tourism – Here’s everything you need to know

As tourism reopens in Greece, your summer and autumn vacation may be quite different to what we knew in the past. Here is all the information you need as travel restrictions are gradually being lifted in Greece.

Summer and Autumn Travel To Greece When Lockdown Ends (Article last updated 6 September 2020)

This article about summer 2020 will no longer be updated. If you are travelling in Greece from 22 November 2021 onward, please refer to these two articles:

In March 2020, Greece went into lockdown. It’s been an interesting few months, and our new reality is very strange.

During the past few months, I have been reading all sorts of speculations and rumours concerning travel to Greece when the lockdown ends. In fact, I had seen quite a few foreign articles expressing certainty that all travel would resume as normal by May or June.

Will the Acropolis have many visitors when tourism reopens in Athens, Greece?

Newsflash: That’s not the case! Instead, a phased reopening of the Greek economy was followed by another plan to slowly allow tourists from other countries into Greece.

Summer and Autumn 2020 in Greece

I’ve written this blog post for people planning summer and autumn travel to Greece 2020, when the lockdown ends. The article lists all official information as announced by the Greek government, to help you plan your vacation to Greece in 2020.

The information is taken from sources including daily government TV announcements, trusted online sources in Greek and three government websites:

I’ve put together the most important points, to help you plan a Greek vacation in 2020. I am updating this article as often as new official announcements are out.

A church in Andros Greece

What you can do to stay informed:

  • follow our official website and your country’s / embassy’s news
  • come back to the article now and then
  • like our FB page and join our FB group for instant updates and information on any local lockdowns
  • share this article with people that are planning a trip to Greece in summer or autumn 2020!

Travel to Greece 2020 – Passenger Load Factor (PLF) (Updated 29 August)

Anyone arriving into Greece from the 1st July onwards, is being asked to fill in a Passenger Load Factor (PLF) form. This needs to be filled in at least 24 hours before you travel. You should fill it in regardless of the way you are travelling, but air, land or sea.

After you have filled your form in, you should expect to receive a confirmation email. This will be later followed by a QR code. It seems that the QR code is sent at midnight (Greek time) on the night before you are coming to Greece, so don’t worry if you don’t receive it immediately.

If you are flying into Greece, your airline should update you on that. Even if not, make sure you have filled it in, or you are facing a hefty fine of 500 euro.

Greece 2020 Travel – What to expect for COVID-19 testing (Updated 6 September)

Upon arrival, travellers may be tested for the Covid-19, on a random basis. They are then free to move to their final destination. Any visitors who are tested positive must stay in quarantine for 14 days in  a designated hotel.

There will be available tests in Greek destinations, in case a traveller presents symptoms and needs to be tested once on vacation.

Visitors flying in from the following countries will need to produce a negative Covid-19 test in order to be allowed into Greece. This is currently in effect until 15th September:

  • Bulgaria
  • Romania
  • Malta
  • UAE
  • Sweden
  • Belgium
  • Spain – note that flights from Catalonia and Barcelona are banned from 1-15 September
  • Albania
  • N. Macedonia
  • Israel
  • Russia (in effect from 7 to 21 September)

In addition, a negative Covid-19 test is needed by all visitors travelling to Greece through the Promachonas land border with Bulgaria.

The test must have been administered in the last 72 hours prior to travel, and it must be in English. Children born from 2010 onwards do not need to take the test.

More information can be found here.

Greece 2020 Travel – Do I need to wear a mask? (Updated 31 August)

From the whole of August, wearing a mask will be mandatory in ALL indoors areas apart from cafes, restaurants and bars. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Supermarkets and all other grocery stores (bakeries, butchers etc)
  • All other retail stores
  • Offices and businesses where there is contact with customers (e.g. banks, public services)
  • Doctors’ practices, other medical services
  • Hair salons, beauty parlours
  • Elevators
  • All public transportation (metro, buses, ferries etc) and taxis
  • Museums and galleries
  • Churches and other religious buildings, for the congregation
  • Army barracks, refugee camps and other similar places

Masks will also be mandatory for all EMPLOYEES in cafes, restaurants, tavernas and other places where food and drink is served. Apparently, the use of masks by customers is encouraged as well.

The fine for not wearing a mask is 150 euro. Children under 3 years old and people with certain medical conditions, under their doctor’s advice, are exempt from wearing a mask.

Attention – Masks will need to be worn everywhere, i.e. both outdoors and outdoors, in the following regions:

  • The islands of Paros, Antiparos and Mykonos
  • The regions of Chalkidiki, Chania, Heraklion, Lesvos and Zakynthos

The above measures are currently in effect until 15 September 2020.

Travel to Greece 2020 – Flights to Greece (Updated 6 September)

International flights to Greece started resuming on 15th June 2020. The Athens and Thessaloniki airports were the first airports that opened to international flights originating from certain countries. In July, all airports in Greece opened to flights from abroad.

The airport in Athens Greece

The list of countries from which direct flights are allowed is constantly being updated. As of the 6th September, the list includes EU+ and Schengen countries, including the UK. 

In addition, visitors with passports from these countries can visit Greece for tourism purposes: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, United Arab Emirates.

Direct flights from Turkey remain suspended, and flights from Albania and N. Macedonia only arrive to the Athens international airport. Flights from and to the Catalonia region in Spain are banned from 1-15 September.

Travellers from Israel can only fly into the Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Corfu and Kos airports. There will be a limit of 1,200 travellers from Israel per week. All passengers from Israel must have a negative COVID-19 test.

The above measures are currently in effect until 15th September.

Travellers from Russia can only fly into the Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion airports, and must have a negative COVID-19 test. There will be a limit of 500 travellers from Russia per week. This is initially in effect from 7-21 September.

The standards set by the Greek government are based on the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) list, which is continuously updated. As a result, the rules have constantly been changing.
 
For more information, click here (English) or here (Greek).

Flight over Evia island Greece

Strict rules are in place at airports and airplanes. Social distancing will need to be respected, and masks are mandatory in all areas. Some airlines only allow one item in the cabin, and it is likely that meals on offer will change.

As an example, here are the Aegean / Olympic adapted travelling procedures.

Travel to Greece 2020 – What about land and sea borders? (Updated 29 August)

Promachonas land border with Bulgaria is open for all travellers. Everyone travelling through this border will need to fill in the PLF form and bring a negative Covid-19 test.

All the remaining land borders are open for essential travelling, i.e. Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece, transport workers and travellers for essential professional reasons. These travellers can use Kakavia, Krystallopigi, Evzoni, Nymfea and Kipi borders.

Note that these borders are are open from 7.00-23.00. These travellers will need to have a negative Covid-19 test in addition to the PLF.

The number of people travelling through the Kakavia and Krystallopigi borders will be limited to 750 and 300, respectively, people per day. This means that no more than 750 / 300 people per day can fill in the PLF form.

In addition to the above, anyone entering Greece through the Kakavia or Krystallopigi borders, will have to self-isolate at home for a week. This is currently in place until 15 September.

Ferry travel from abroad resumed on the 1st July. Check the relevant section below for more information on ferry travel.

Travel to Greece 2020 – What you need to know about hotels

Specific rules and regulations have been announced for hotels. The main aim is to minimize contact between customers, as well as customers and personnel.

Hotel personnel all around Greece will be educated along the lines of the detailed directions provided by the ministry. Cleaning and disinfecting will be a lot more frequent, and to specific standards.

Check-out and check-in will be further spaced apart, to allow for enough time for rooms to be cleaned properly.

This year, rooms will only be equipped with the necessary objects, which will be disinfected between uses. Special rules will also be in place for swimming pools and hotel restaurants, to help with social distancing and minimizing contact.

As an example, if your hotel offers a buffet breakfast, this will need to be served by a waiter.

Things to avoid in Santorini - Don't expect to swim

All hotels in Greece are different. They will need to adjust their policies individually, to be in accordance with the government’s guidelines. All hotels will register with a doctor, in order to have immediate help in case of a visitor with symptoms.

As a visitor, you will be informed of all precautions that are relevant to your hotel of choice upon arrival.

In our experience as we are travelling around the islands, hotel keepers are avoiding physical contacts such as the usual handshakes. It can create some awkward and funny moments, but this is the new reality. They are all wearing masks too, as required by law. We were also asked if we actually want the usual daily cleaning, changing of sheets etc.

Ferries in Greece 2020 – How will Greek ferries run in 2020 (Updated 3 August)

Ferry travel is very important within Greece. This is the only way to get to certain islands, especially quieter islands like Andros, Tinos, Schinoussa and Iraklia.

Ferries in Greece will resume in May

After a long break, ferry services to the Greek islands resumed on the 25th of May. Certain regulations are in place for ferry travel in Greece this summer and until further notice:

  • Before boarding the ferry, passengers will need to fill in a health questionnaire (official government document) and will have their temperature taken. (In our experience, we boarded five ferries and never had our temperature taken, but always had to hand in the forms)
  • It is mandatory to use masks, for both passengers and crew, in all areas of the ferry, including the deck / outdoors. Passengers are required to bring their own masks. (In our experience, there are frequent announcements reminding passengers to wear masks, though in reality noone was wearing a mask if sitting on the deck)

Ferries to the Greek islands

  • Safety precautions such as frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer and keeping distances between passengers are in place
  • The maximum passenger numbers in ferries will be less than the normal maximum number, with the percentage changing from time to time. Measures will be taken to ensure distances between people, such as gaps between allocated seats.

Ferry travel in Greece 2020

These regulations will be continuously reassessed, and may be altered at any point. You can check out the official leaflet here.

Ferries to and from other countries, such as Italy, have resumed from 1st July.

Travelling around Greece 2020 – What about other means of transport?

Special rules are in place for taxis, rental cars and other means of transportation. As an example, at the time of writing, masks are mandatory in public transportation, including the Athens metro and Athens airport metro. Tourist buses can only operate with a percentage of their maximum capacity.

Similarly, up to 4 people including the driver are allowed in any rental vehicle of up to 7 seats. Here is some more info about driving in Greece.

Driving in Greece - Vanessa

These rules are likely to change from time to time. It’s best to get in touch directly with the transportation company, who will be aware of the latest regulations. 

How will tavernas, cafes and bars in Greece operate after the lockdown (Updated on 29 August)

It’s hard to think of Greece without its tavernas, cafes and bars. Still, these closed down in March, and only just started reopening in late May.

Taverna in Plaka Athens

To maintain social distancing, certain measures are in place. Each customer should have an area of two square metres. As such, restaurant tables are distanced apart further than normal. If there is a buffet, customers will be served by a waiter.

On 7 August, it was announced that customers in businesses serving food and drinks will need to remain seated. This affects tavernas, cafes,  bars and nightclubs all around the country.

As an example, dancing or standing by the bar is not allowed. This is going into immediate effect, and will remain in place until at least the end of August.

Greek taverna food - A local's guide to ordering Greek food

Restaurants, tavernas, cafes and bars will remain closed from midnight to 7 am in the following areas:

  • Whole regions of Crete, East Macedonia and Thrace
  • The regional units of Thessaloniki, Larissa and Corfu (Kerkyra)
  • The municipalities of Santorini, Volos, Katerini, Rhodes and Kos
  • Attica, the Argosaronic islands and Kythera island
  • The regional units of Karditsa, Pella, and Pieria in mainland Greece

This is currently in effect until 31 August.

In addition to the curfew, stricter regulations apply for certain regions, where only up to 4 people (6 for families) are allowed per table:

  • The islands of Paros, Antiparos and Mykonos
  • The regions of Chalkidiki, Chania, Heraklion, Lesvos and Zakynthos

The above measures are currently in effect until 15 September 2020.

Can I go to the beach in Greece this summer?

With so many thousands of kilometres of beaches, Greece is a paradise destination for those who love swimming. I consider myself super lucky to have travelled around the Greek islands in the past few weeks!

Here’s our itinerary for 4 days in Santorini.

Snorkeling near Athens

Organized beaches in Greece reopened in mid-May, though certain new rules were introduced. As an example, umbrellas and loungers need to be further spaced apart than normal. Like everywhere, social distancing will need to be respected.

Canteens and beach bars can serve food and drinks as normal. However, these businesses are discouraged from organizing events that can attract many people. In fact, a couple of famous clubs in Mykonos and Athens got big fines for organizing big beach parties.

Super Paradise beach Mykonos Greece

This is the famous Super Paradise Beach in Mykonos, without the loungers

Of course, you can always choose to go to a non-organized beach, where you are likely to find a little more space.

Shinias beach close to Athens

Maybe try outdoor activities in Greece?

If social distancing is a priority for you, you’ll fin that outdoor activities such as hiking and windsurfing are ideal!

During our post-lockdown travels in June we thoroughly enjoyed kayaking in Mykonos!

Our kayak in a seacave

Can I visit archaeological sites in Greece after the lockdown? (Updated 12 July)

Of course! Archaeological sites already opened on the 18th May. In fact, due to the lack of foreign visitors, the Acropolis and other popular sites have been exceptionally quiet this summer.

(COMMENT – Wouldn’t it be great to have a reduced ticket for this period, instead of the normal 30 euro combined ticket? This would encourage more locals to visit the sites. Just an idea!)

Inside the Acropolis Athens Greece

During our recent trip to Mykonos, we were lucky to have our own private tour in Delos with the amazing Antonis Pothitos. Bonus? We were the only visitors!

The stunning Delos archaeological site

All in all, anyone visiting the sites in Greece this year will have an amazing experience, as the usual cruiseboat passengers won’t be here. Check out as many as you can, like Delphi, Ancient Mycenae or Ancient Olympia.

Even better, you can catch a show at the magnificent Ancient Epidaurus theatre – check below for more info.

Are museums open in Greece in Summer 2020? (Updated 31 July 2020)

Museums all around Greece reopened in June 2020. Distancing and disinfecting measures are in place, and you can see hand sanitizer everywhere. In addition, there are limitations to the number of people that can enter simultaneously.

Most importantly? Visitors will also need to wear masks, at least for the whole month of August. So if you are planning to visiting some of the museums in Athens or other cities in Greece, make sure you bring a mask with you.

Inside the National Archaeological Museum Athens Greece

During our trip to the Cyclades in June-July, we were asked to wear masks in a couple of museums we visited in Syros, but not in others.

Similarly, when I visited the Athens Museum of Illusions, masks were not mandatory. Disinfecting and cleaning, on the other hand, was very frequent, and the employees wore masks.

A table inside the Museum of Illusions in Athens

My family and I had lots of fun in the Museum of Illusions and I totally recommend it, with or without mask. You can read more about our experience in this article.

How about gatherings and cultural activities in Greece summer 2020? (Updated 24 August)

Greeks love outdoors cinemas! There are quite a few in central Athens that are also popular with visitors, such as Cine Thisio.

Outdoors cinemas opened on the 1st of June. They are only accommodating 40% of the maximum number of visitors to begin with, with seats being spaced out. Tickets are going on sale much earlier than normal, to ensure that seating procedures are smooth. In addition, a couple of drive-in cinemas have been launched!

Concerts, performances and similar activities will resume in July. The Athens and Epidaurus festival has now announced its modified programme.

A performance in Herodion theatre

At the same time, a series of cultural events are planned to take place inside certain archaeological sites in Greece, such as Delphi, the temple of Poseidon at Sounion and the Roman Agora in Athens.

These events will take place from mid-July to the end of September 2020, and they will be free to attend for people visiting the sites. Here’s the full list.

Unfortunately, many of the above events are being suspended throughout the country. It’s best to check the event you are interested in.

The famous Greek panigiria, our local festivals with food, drink, dance and open-air markets, will not be resuming until at least the end of August, if at all.

Similarly, religious processions will not be happening this summer. This is particularly important as the 15th August is a day with major religious importance.

Finally, the number of people allowed for gatherings varies a lot throughout the country. In some areas, there is a limit of 100 people, while others (e.g. Poros, Pieria, Karditsa, Pella, Imathia) are restricted to 50 or even fewer people.

Gatherings of over 9 people are not allowed in Paros, Antiparos, Mykonos, Chalkidiki and the whole Chania and Heraklion regions.

Can I go shopping in Greece in 2020? (Updated 28th July)

Of course you can – most businesses are open as normal. Masks are mandatory in all shops around the country.

In addition, there is a limit to the number of people allowed in a shop at the same time. Larger shops, such as supermarkets, will typically give you a numbered tag such as this one.

Shopping in Greece summer 2020

Smaller shops will allow a certain number of people inside, and you may need to queue outside for a few minutes.

(COMMENT – Although Greeks famously don’t respect queues, I’ve been very surprised with our orderly queuing during the past few months).

Travel to Greece 2020 – Main things to keep in mind

To sum up all the above in just a few words – safety comes first! All establishments mentioned above have been given very clear protocols on disinfecting, hand-sanitizing, social distancing, wearing masks and other practices. Please help our tourism professionals by respecting those new regulations.

It is definitely a very different summer. Being Greek, visiting a few of our islands without the crowds has been a blast. It reminded me of vacations with my family back in the 80s…

Mykonos Greece summer 2020

At the same time, tourism needs to resume. It is the main source of income for so many Greeks and other locals, myself included.

Still, this could be a chance for Greece to review its tourism strategy, and perhaps apply certain regulations to avoid overcrowding in the future? Just my thoughts… Feel free to share your opinion down below!

And, before you go, have a look at this article with some useful words and phrases in Greek!

Travel to Greece this summer

Read out latest post: How to get around Rhodes

50 thoughts on “Greece is reopening for tourism – Here’s everything you need to know”

  1. Does it mean that anyone arriving from these countries will be allowed to enter (subject to regular visa restrictions?…or does it mean entry will be allowed to citizens of these countries? I am a UK citizen permanently living in the republic of Cyrpus with a residence permit here – do you think I can travel to Greece from the 15th of June?

    Reply
    • What matters is the country of origin of the flight. In your case, you would be flying in from Cyprus, which is one of the 29 listed countries, so yes, you could travel to Greece from the 15th of June. Just make sure you check your airline’s rules as they are bound to be different to what we are used to. We do wonder what happens for people who drive from, say, the Netherlands to Germany and then catch a flight here… Watch this space!

      Reply
      • Hello, I live in Germany and I’m planning to fly from Munich to Athens on June 17th, and then on the same day from Athens to Santorin. is this possible?

        Reply
        • In theory with what has been announced until today (3 June), yes it should be fine. However, you MAY be randomly selected for testing, and we understand that airport procedures might take longer than normal. Do you already have your onward ticket from Athens to Santorini? If not, try to book it several hours apart, just in case. Enjoy!

          Reply
  2. I’m a UK Citizen .
    Would I be allowed to drive into Greece when the northern land borders re-open on June 15th or would I have to wait until air passengers from UK were allowed to fly in?

    Can Italians come via the ferry after 15th June ?

    Reply
    • Where do you live? If you are planning to drive all the way from the UK, you’d have to make sure that all the countries on the way to Greece would let you in. If you are living, for example, in Bulgaria, there shouldn’t be an issue – to our understanding, what matters is the country of entrance rather than your nationality.
      As for the Italy-Greece ferry, I doubt that they will resume on the 15th June, since Italy isn’t on the list of 29 countries published today. More countries will be added to the list, but there is no certain indication of when. We all have to wait and see…

      Reply
  3. Hi, I booked a direct flight from the USA early July. I dont see it listed on the list of countries. When will this list be updated? Efharisto!

    Reply
  4. I am Belgian and my boyfriend is from the UK. When we fly from Nicaragua to Athens via Panama and Frankfurt, are we allowed?

    Reply
    • There is no sufficient information for us to say. In theory this shouldn’t be an issue if they only check your last airport, but we are not sure how they will monitor people’s previous travels. Have you got your tickets already, and if so for what dates?

      Reply
  5. Hi.
    Thanks for this very interesting article. We are French and we are still in Greece with our motorhome right now (since November last year). So you say that there will be probably no ferry between Greece and Italy as Italy is not on the list.
    What about the international flights ? I tried to call Aegean airlines but didn’t succeed. As French citizens living in France (Strasbourg), do you think we can take a flight from Athens to Frankfurt or Stuttgart in Germany around 20th of June ? Do you think we can take our dog which is 14 kgs ? Or do you think we should take the ferry beginning of July ? Thanks

    Reply
    • Salut! In terms of ferries from Greece to Italy, we haven’t been able to find any solid information. Given that this is the opposite route though, you may want to follow the Italian news. At the same time, ferry tickets seem to be available on sale on several websites like ferryhopper.
      In terms of flights, how about trying to get in touch with Aegean (or other airlines) through their social media accounts? We’ve read reports saying that this works. I will update the article if there’s any new info on ferries to – from Italy.
      That said, please allow me a comment! If you are able to stay longer, why rush? It will be a unique chance to see Greece in June, one of the best times of year for weather, and without the usual crowds 🙂
      Please let us know what you’ve done, it may be useful to other people!

      Reply
      • Thanks for this reply. Yes of course we would like to stay longer but family problems in France need our return… We will let you know if we have other information. I will try FB for Aegean airlines. Thanks again !

        Reply
  6. We have a flight to Athens at 5.6.20. we will make a covid test at wednesday here in Germany. Does the greek government accept this test? If the test is negeative , is the 7 day quarantine from Wednesday? Thank you for an answer

    Reply
  7. Hi, thanks for all the info. What about outdoor activities, for instance hiking the Samaria gorge? Any news when and it it will open this season? I was planning to hike the gorge this year… Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Thanks for your really interesting question! I haven’t seen any specific news on this, it might be best to get in touch with a company organizing the tour (even if you are planning to do it independently) as they will definitely be better updated. I will keep it in mind to look though!

      Reply
  8. Hi,

    Thanks for the great article!
    I would appreciate your advice on the following: I read that there are limitations on the number of adult passengers in a car, maximum 2 adults in a regular car, with an exception of minor children. Is this valid also for private family cars? I am asking because one of our children is 18 years old, so I don’t know if 4 of us can travel with one car. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hello! Thanks! The latest that we have seen is ΦΕΚ1757/07.05.2020, which in fact mentioned “two adults PLUS the driver” for a normal car of up to 5 seats, whether this is a taxi or a private car. “Για επιβατηγά οχήματα δημόσιας χρήσης (Ε.Δ.Χ. ΤΑΞΙ) και επιβατηγά ιδιωτικής χρήσης (Ε.Ι.Χ.) οχήματα με οδηγό του ν. 4093/2012 (Α’ 222) μέχρι πέντε (5) θέσεων, επιτρέπεται η μεταφορά δύο (2) επιβατών, πλέον του οδηγού”. We later read a clarification according to which underage children do not count towards this number, though we haven’t seen an official gazette for it.

      Reply
  9. Καλησπερα, έχω τουρίστες από ουκρανία που κανονικά θα ήταν στην Ελλάδα οδικώς στις 7 Ιουνίου για διαμονή 22 ημερών στην Κρήτη. Ξέρετε αν μπορούν να φτάσουν; Αν καταφέρουν να περάσουν όλα τα συνορα η μέσω Τουρκίας, θα μπουν σε ξενοδοχείο 1 ημέρα για να τους γίνει το τεστ? Που θα γίνει αυτό; Στα σύνορα; στην Αθήνα; ευχαριστώ

    Reply
    • Καλησπέρα στην όμορφη Κρήτη και σας ευχαριστώ για το μήνυμα! Σύμφωνα με τις πρόσφατες ανακοινώσεις, τα βόρεια σύνορα δεν θα ανοίξουν πριν τις 15 Ιουνίου, και θα γίνονται δειγματοληπτικά τεστ (η διαδικασία δεν νομίζω ότι είναι γνωστή ακόμη) ενώ για την Τουρκία δεν έχουμε δει κάποια συγκεκριμένη ανακοίνωση. Μια που μιλάτε ελληνικά, θα πρότεινα να ελέγξετε το επίσημο site https://covid19.gov.gr/ καθώς και το https://www.mfa.gr/index.html. Αν έχετε κάτι πιο συγκεκριμένο, ενημερώστε με ώστε να ενημερώσω κι εγώ το άρθρο. Φιλικά!

      Reply
  10. Hi,

    I am looking at getting a flight to Athens from Luton UK on the 23rd June. I then need to fly to Rhodes from Athens. The Athens airport website states that passengers from the UK would need to be quarantined for 24 hours on arrival at Athens airport, unless the passenger is in transit. I would be using two separate airlines which would mean re-checking in for my second flight, do you think this means when I arrive to Athens I would have to be quarantined before my second flight? Or could I continue onto the next leg of my flight that day? Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Hi,

    I’m UK/USA duel national living in Bulgaria since January (still waiting on my visa to stay in Bulgaria long term). My husband who is Bulgarian has booked us a long weekend (4 days) holiday in Greece starting on the 18th of June. Is there anything official that clarifies if I as a UK citizen can enter via personal car from Bulgaria? Do you know if there is anything we would have to provide to prove that I’ve not come through other countries?

    Many thanks for your help. Your article was very insightful.

    Reply
    • Hello! Thanks for your comment. According to official announcements until today (8/6), what matters is the point of origin / entry rather than the citizenship. Since the northern borders are scheduled to reopen on 15th June, everything should be fine for you. At the same time, it wouldn’t hurt to bring a proof of permanent address just in case, though you will presumably have Bulgarian numberplates so it will be easy to know your origin is Bulgaria.
      If you remember, it would be great to let us know what you did and if you had any issues at all! Please feel free to post in our FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealGreekExperiences – it may help other travellers! Have a lovely holiday!

      Reply
  12. Do you have information about the random test for travelers that are coming from permitted countries after June 15 ? If we are chosen for random test, do we still need to quarantine for 1 night ? What percent of people will be chosen for random test ?

    Reply
    • Hello! The best information we have is summarized here – so no, you won’t need to quarantine, but unfortunately this doesn’t answer your second question. If an answer comes up, I will let you know. Cheers!

      Reply
      • Sounds like if you are chosen for random testing you need to undergo 7days/14days quarantine ! Even if you come from safe country. How can any tourist afford to take that risk ?

        Reply
        • In fact, the 7-day-quarantine (which definitely applies until today, 14th June) has not been mentioned again on the extended presentation (in Greek) on the 12th June. My interpretation is that the 7-day quarantine in case of a negative result wouldn’t be going on, otherwise they would have made a specific mention, BUT I am not 100% certain and am waiting for a clarification.
          At the same time, if someone is chosen for random testing and is found positive, it makes sense that they wouldn’t be allowed to continue their vacation as planned and they have to be quarantined… Don’t you think?

          Reply
          • Agreed that anyone with positive result should not be traveling. Even better if you get tested before flying to Greece. Problem of course is the 7 day quarantine for those with negative results – which as you say is currently the policy in place today – and this is the major issue in deciding whether or not to go to Greece and I’m not sure what that policy is trying to achieve ?

          • The 7-day policy (which I also didn’t understand, but I think it was to discourage people from travelling) seems to have been lifted as of the 15th June. This is updated news on the 15th June. Things really change by the day…
            As for testing before travelling, I’m not even sure if that would be good enough, because you could always contract the virus after being tested, or even on the plane. Still, according to the latest announcement, “Subject to evaluation, such tests can be accepted”.
            Are you still planning to travel this year? I think that if I was coming from abroad, I would be rather sceptical to travel to Greece (or to any other country for that matter, depending on their protocols) this summer. Fortunately I live here so will be going around the quiet islands 😀

  13. It’s great to see that Greece is open for tourists. As long as people follow the guidelines when they do visit, they are sure to have a great time!

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  14. Hello
    Can you help me please to tell me if I have to complete PLF also for children? Or is enough to put our under 18 kids on our PLFs. We travel to Greece by car, in July.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Thanks for your question! According to the official page, “As of July 9th 2020, all travelers must complete their PLF at least 24 hours before entering the country”, my understanding is that this includes children. I have seen in FB groups that children may be tested as well.

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  15. Hi, we are Polish citizens. We are going to come to Greece by car on Monday 13th of July via land border with Bulgaria. Our question is can we come back to Poland via land border with North Macedonia or we have to use the same with Bulgaria.
    I have been looking for that info during last few hours without success.
    Thanks in advance for your answer.🙂
    Best regards
    Kasia

    Reply
    • Welcome to Greece! I hope you didn’t spend too long at the border. I haven’t found any info on that… It would probably be best to talk to N. Macedonia authorities? But as things change all the time, it’s best to check again closer to your date of departure. Please let me know if you find any info!

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  16. Anyway thanks for reply, we have come from Bari without waiting on the borders and probably we will travel back the same way due to situation in Serbia. I have been looking for the possibility to come back without ferry just in case emergency come back.
    Hopefully the situation will improve soon in whole Europe.
    Stay healthy and have a nice day.🙂

    Reply
    • Hi! Great question, thanks – I think water parks fall under thematic parks, which have opened in general, as an example this is one in Hersonissos Crete – however, it might be best to check the specific park(s) in the area you are going to, as some owners might have decided to stay closed for this season. I hope this helps!

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  17. I am hearing people complain about the airconditioning, in hotels they are shut down because it is a new rule from the gouverment?

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    • I haven’t heard anything about it… I know for sure that air-con works as normal wherever I’ve been this summer (hotels, museums, shops, ferries etc).

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  18. I wonder if you have any thoughts about possible further interruptions to the Greece/Italy ferry services?

    We are booked with Anek to take our motorhome for a return trip from Ancona to Igoumenitsa during September for 2 weeks holiday.

    But now getting concerned that if the route closes while we’re in Greece the only way back to UK would be a very long drive back through some countries that we’re not planning to visit.

    Reply
    • Hi Bernie, thank you for your question. Unfortunately it’s impossible to predict what might or might not happen, as you will have seen things change every day or two. I have not heard any rumours or speculations about international (or domestic) ferry travel stopping, but September is a long way away. Unfortunately all we can do is wait and see…

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  19. I am travelling to Greece but have only booked the first 3-nights’ accommodation as I hope to travel the islands.

    What should I do when completing the PLF? The form requests your temporary accommodation for 14 days; however, I have seen conflicting sources saying you only need it for the first 24hrs and others saying the first week.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

    Reply
    • According to travel.gov.gr,
      “The Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is a key element in the planning. All travelers must complete their PLF until the day before entering the country, providing detailed information on their point of departure, the duration of previous stays in other countries, and the address of their stay while in Greece. In case of multiple stays, they are required to provide the address for the first 24 hours at least. One PLF should be submitted per family.”

      Reply

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