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COVID-19 Update

On Friday 14 May, Athens - and all of Greece - removed most of the remaining measures to curb the incidence of Covid-19: including the mandatory SMS system of citizen movement texts for shopping, essential outings and exercise. The welcome changes coincided with the official restart of tourism on 15 May, and also follow the country's escalating vaccination rollout. You can read about the specific measures - and what is and isn't allowed right now - in more detail below. Meanwhile, we invite you to stay on our website and take a virtual tour of our ancient treasures and urban buzz - and plan ahead for your return to our vibrant city. We’ll be here waiting to welcome you warmly again.

What the remaining rules mean if you’re in Athens:

  • Mandatory wearing of masks at all times in public spaces - enclosed and outdoors (non-compliance of this and other measures carries a 300 euro fine);
  • There is currently a night curfew from to 12.30am to 5am. You may only go out outside these hours for work, health emergencies or pet walking near your place of residence. Night workers will need to carry official documentation;

  • Hotels operate as normal under approved Covid-safe measures;
  • Drivers may only carry two passengers in their vehicle (non-household members must wear masks), except in the case of families with young children;
  • Churches have strict social distancing quotas in place;
  • Neighbourhood markets (laikis) operate at 50% capacity.

What's now open again in Athens (or about to reopen)?

  • Restaurants and bars reopened their outdoor spaces on 3 May;

  • Organised beaches reopened on 8 May with the following health protocols: Umbrellas must be at least 4 metres apart, with two sunbeds per umbrella; sunbeds will be disinfected before the next customer sits down; self-tests are mandatory for employees; and music is prohibited as well as standing in beach bars. 

  • Hairdressers, barbers, beauty and nail salons are open by appointment only;
  • Parks have reopened and fishing in coastal municipalities is permitted again;
  • Museums have reopened with visitor quotas and protocols (conservatories to follow on 17 May);
  • Open-air archaeological sites are open again with strict protocols;
  • On 21 May, summer cinemas and outdoor cinema screenings will recommence with 75% capacity;
  • Live shows in outdoor spaces and theatre venues resume on 28 May for seated attendance only, with a fixed occupancy rate of 50%;
  • Casinos reopened on 14 May;
  • Gyms, wellness centres and services reopen on 31 May (with self-test requirements and distancing protocols);
  • The indoor operation of dining and entertainment venues (amusement parks, playgrounds, trade fairs, etc.) will return once 50% of the adult population is vaccinated (and will then function at 70% capacity).

Going to an Event?

Many events and live performances in Athens have been postponed or cancelled, although with the reopening of outdoor venues, the city’s summer festival season is slowly getting back on its feet. Additionally, indoor concerts are suspended. We are doing our best to keep up with this evolving situation but recommend that you check directly with the event organizer or host venue for confirmation either on their website or Facebook page.

International Arrivals and Flying in and out of Athens

There is no longer a compulsory 7-day quarantine requirement for travellers flying into Athens from the following regions: EU & Schengen Area countries, USA, UK, Israel, Serbia, UAE, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore, the Russian Federation, North Macedonia, Canada, Belarus, Bahrein, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine, and Saudi Arabia. Visitors will still need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test valid from 72 hours before arrival.

We cannot wait to greet you warmly again, as is the Athenian way. If you are planning on visiting Athens via the Athens International Airport, please make sure to read more detailed information on COVID-19, restrictions and measures on their official page. You can also find out about the official protocols regarding arrivals and departures in Greece - and how to obtain them - here. 

Stay Safe in Athens

In accordance with the safety and precautionary guidelines issued by the WHO, we advise the following measures:

  • Remain at least one metre away from other people and avoid all crowded places where possible.
  • Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hands) when sneezing or coughing.
  • Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
  • Persons with a fever higher than 37.5° are strongly recommended to stay at home, limit all social contacts as much as possible, and to seek medical advice.

Referral Hospitals
The following hospitals have been assigned to accept and deal with possible Covid-19 cases:

How the City of Athens is working to keep you safe

Athens was lauded by the World Health Organization for its early and decisive handling of the pandemic. During this second wave, the City of Athens continues to take all necessary actions and measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 by disinfecting all public spaces, as well as providing vulnerable groups with access to healthcare, shelter, food, masks, social support and other essential supplies.