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Photo: Thomas Gravanis

COVID-19 Update

On Friday 14 May, Athens - and all of Greece - removed most of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions: 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 indoor spaces (since late June, it is no longer compulsory to wear a mask outside, except in congested places);
  • Currently there is no curfew in effect;

  • Hotels operate as normal under approved Covid-safe measures;
  • Indoor eat & drink and entertainment spaces (restaurants, cafeterias, bars, cinemas, theatres, museums etc.)  reopened on 16 July to the vaccinated public (at an occupancy rate of 85%); 
  • Entrance will only be allowed to cafes, restaurants, clubs and sports venues upon demonstration of a vaccination or immunity certificate (confirmation via app or official paper). Bars, cafes and clubs will only serve guests seated at tables (standing customers are not permitted);
  • Meanwhile patrons at cinemas, theatres, museums and gyms without an immunity or vaccination certificate will have to display a negative PCR test taken up to 48 hours earlier to gain admission;  
  • Future 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) operate at 50% capacity;
  • Organised beaches reopened on 8 May with health protocols (including mandatory self-tests for employees and spacing requirements between sunbeds);
  • Hairdressers, barbers, beauty and nail salons have re-opened;
  • Parks have reopened and fishing in coastal municipalities is permitted again;
  • Museums and conservatories have reopened with visitor quotas and protocols;
  • Open-air archaeological sites are open again with strict protocols;
  • Live shows in outdoor spaces and theatre venues resumed on 28 May for seated attendance only, with reduced occupancy rates;
  • Casinos reopened on 14 May.

Future public rules regarding leisure, dining and entertainment venues in Greece (from 13 September to 31 March 2022):

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.

Forthcoming changes to Covid-testing protocols for visitors and citizens (from 13 September to 31 March 2022):

  • 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.
     

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:

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.

  • 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.