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Photo: Thomas Gravanis

COVID-19 Update

Updated 20 January 2022, 3pm

As Covid-19 continues to be a reality of life and travel for all of us, here’s what you need to know to remain up to date about the specific measures currently in place in the City of Athens - and what is and isn't allowed right now. 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:

  • The use of a mask both indoors and outdoors is mandatory. Use of a double mask or a N95 version is mandatory for super markets and public means of transport; (measure applies from 24 December 2021, 6am until 30 January 2022);
  • Starting December 30 at 6am and until January 30, food and drink businesses (cafés, bars, restaurants, clubs etc.) will close at midnight and will only serve sitting customers up to six persons per table;
  • All unvaccinated people will need to produce a negative rapid or PCR test to enter banks, public offices, retail outlets and shopping malls and hairdressers. Supermarkets, food stores and pharmacies are excluded from these restrictions.
  • Entrance to churches, for the unvaccinated, is allowed upon show of a negative PCR or rapid test (48hrs.)
  • Currently there is no curfew in effect in Athens;

  • Hotels operate as normal under approved Covid-safe measures;
  • Indoor eat & drink and entertainment spaces (restaurants, cafeterias, bars, clubs, cinemas, theatres, museums, sport clubs etc.) are only open to the vaccinated public. Outdoor spaces for all the above will accept visitors with a negative PCR or rapid test;
  • Current measures include a new multi-tiered system allowing different levels of customer access to entertainment, dining and leisure venues, depending on the vaccination status of patrons and staff (see more details in the next section);
  • Churches have strict social distancing quotas in place;
  • Neighbourhood markets (laikis) are operational;
  • Parks are open to the public and fishing in coastal municipalities is permitted again;
  • Museums and conservatories are open with visitor quotas and protocols;
  • Open-air archaeological sites are open with strict protocols;
  • Live shows in outdoor spaces and theatre venues are taking place with seat quotas and protocols;
  • Casinos are open.

New public rules regarding leisure, dining and entertainment venues in Greece:

Restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres are required to have official door signage indicating their coronavirus safety level. An establishment will be:

  • “Covid-free” - meaning it caters only to patrons able to show an official certificate of full immunity;
  • a “mixed space” (look for green and orange signage) - meaning that it also admits unvaccinated individuals with a negative PCR or rapid test taken within the last 72 or 48 hours respectively;
  • or a “fully vaccinated staff” venue - the sign depicts a syringe with a green check mark.

  • For visitors outside the EU: Entry to indoor spaces is allowed for all non EU citizens with the show of certification of vaccination or immunity along with proof of ID. Confirmation via the Covid Free app is NOT required according to the official statement from the Greek goverment.

Rules, measures and COVID-testing protocols regarding flights to Athens:

Please visit the respective FAQ section of the Athens International Airport here.

Going to an Event?

Events and live performances have returned in Athens, both in outdoor and indoor spaces, under strict safety measures. However, cancellations and postponements are being announced by the organizers. 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. In order to prevent the spreading of the Omicron mutation, visitors from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia and Malawi will have to provide a negative PCR test (72 hrs) regardless of their vaccination status and undergo a 10-day quarantine.

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:

How the City of Athens is working to keep you safe

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.

  • Unvaccinated visitors over the age of 12 must take a rapid test 48 hours before they travel; while those over the age of five are required to take a self test;
  • Only those who have been vaccinated and are experiencing Covid-like symptoms will be able to take free tests in public facilities.
  • 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: