On 1st May 2022, most of the Covid restrictions in Greece were lifted. Here’s all you need to know if you are visiting Greece in summer 2022.
Travelling to Greece has gone back to normal!
People travelling to Greece are no longer required to show a valid vaccination / recovery passport or negative PCR / rapid antigen test when entering the country. Travel is (almost) back to what it used to be!!
Masks are no longer mandatory in most indoor venues
From June the 1st, masks are no longer mandatory for most indoor venues in Greece, though it is still suggested to wear them. This includes places like the following:
- supermarkets – minimarkets – grocery stores
- all types of shops, commercial stores and malls
- restaurants – bars – cafes
- museums – galleries
- cinemas – theatres
- gyms
- churches etc.
However, masks remain mandatory in pharmacies, hospitals, medical centres, old people’s homes, and similar facilities.
All indoor venues now operate at full (100%) capacity.
Masks remain mandatory in urban transportation, taxis and ferries
When it comes to transportation, masks are no longer mandatory on trains, long-distance (KTEL) buses, tourist coaches and airplanes. However, make sure you check your airline’s policy for any additional rules which might be in place.
Masks remain mandatory for all urban transport, including the Athens metro, buses, trolleys, suburban railway and tram. So, if you are flying into the Athens airport and want to take the Athens airport metro or the Athens airport bus, you will need to wear a mask.
Masks remain mandatory in taxis and similar services.
Finally, masks also remain mandatory in all indoor ferry areas. If you are looking to book ferry tickets, have a look at Ferryscanner, my preferred search engine!
Just a note: In our experience travelling around the Dodecanese for the past two months, few people wore face masks on any of the ferries.
All means of transportation now operate at full (100%) capacity.
More Athens and Greece travel guides
Here are a few more articles that you might be interested in:
- 30 best things to do in Athens
- What to do in Athens on May Day
- Combined ticket for the ancient sites in Athens
- Santorini in June
- How to order Greek food
- Greek Orthodox Easter traditions
- OXI day in Greece
- How to get around Rhodes
Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens and I’m here to help you make sense of the ever-changing Covid restrictions in Greece! The article has been updated on 16.6.2022, with information from the official Gazette no 3004/14.6.2022. Follow my FB page for more Greece-related info!
When will this information be on government site ,as looking to book holiday for june but worried the changes will not go ahead .
Hi – they won’t print / publish anything for a while, but today’s announcement was as official as can be. As far as I know there is no official government site in English summarizing the measures within Greece, which is why I’m writing these articles! I couldn’t see how they could backtrack considering the tourist season is literally around the corner. Of course, as always, keep your eye on the news!
So they said the restrictions are lifted until August 31? And then they come back or it wasn’t mentioned ?
Hi – the measures will be reevaluated at the end of August. No more information was provided.
Why only until Aug 31?
The measures will be re-evaluated at the end of August.
Hi. Will my 2 daughters (11 yrs & 13 yrs) need to be fully vaccinated to holiday in Greece??
Hi Donna, no, they won’t need to. When are you planning to visit? After the 1st May most restrictions will be lifted – just bring a few masks with you.
Hi there, sorry I have cognitive problems and just wanted to ask please my family and I are travelling on june 27th from the UK. Myself my husband and two children are all unvaccinated. Do we just need to test to travel? Do we need to test again over there for the hotel or going to the airport returning home? Thank you so much for these updates. Your page and information is amazing!! God bless
Hi! For the time being, you will all still need a test to enter Greece, but you won’t need to do anything else while in Greece. In terms of going back to the UK, you will need to follow any UK government announcements at the time. Enjoy your time!!
From what I read, they will be “temporarily” suspending the supposedly temporary-turned-permanent entry restrictions on May 2. That means no need for tests nor proof of being “fully vaccinated” just like pre-2020 travel.
It’s reported in many mainstream outlets, but here’s one: https://www.tornosnews.gr/en/greek-news/society/46930-greece-s-health-minister-covid-19-free-pass-to-be-suspended-on-may-1st.html
I wonder why this page hasn’t been updated with this information yet.
Thanks for your comment! I always wait for the latest official Gazettes to be published before I make any updates to the articles. And yes, travel has almost gone back to normal as of today – with the exception of mask wearing. If you are planning to visit Greece, enjoy your time!
What about cruising. We will be flying from the US to Rome to get on a 10 day cruise. Will we still need to be tested before we fly? Just trying to get all the details before we come. Thank You. DEB
While Greece no longer requires testing to travel here, your cruise company might have additional restrictions, so make sure you check with them. Have a fabulous time!
Hi Vanessa,
I’m travelling to Greece Sunday with my husband and daughter. I have a mask exemption and was wondering how tightly this is policed over there, specifically at airports (we are flying into Preveza Lefkas).
I’m having trouble getting a letter from my Doctor for my exemption so worrying about the trip. We are going to a resort in Paleros.
Any help would be appreciated. We were hoping all mask rules would be dropped by now. Thanks.
In my experience, the smaller the place, the less it is policed. You will see many people without any masks, and many others wearing “chin masks”. While I am not sure how things will be during your actual flight, I am sure that you will be fine when you get here. Enjoy your time, Lefkada has some fantastic beaches!
Hi. What is the situation regarding the wearing of masks/types of masks required in taxis up to 31 May and from 1 June?
Until 31 May, they need to be worn. They have not specified yet what happens for taxis from 1 June onwards, I will update this article when they do (which should be on the weekend 28-29 May).