Ok, I’ll admit it — I’m very biased. I adore all things travel and Greece, and breaking news that the Hellenic Republic plans to ease both international travel restrictions and the domestic Covid-19 restrictions which impact the travel experience once inside, is very welcomed.
And that’s why you’re here, right? Greece has unveiled a series of dates from which many restrictions on dining, dancing and being indoors will change, and also when any extra remaining formalities to enter the country will likely end too.
Greece already famously dropped its PLF forms, but this new round of restriction drops should make travel incredibly easy this summer. And by summer, I mean soon.
Greece Is Rolling Back Travel Restrictions
In mid March, Greece announced the end of cumbersome passenger locator forms, ending a minor, yet frustrating part of the travel experience.
At one point, when these forms were delivered after midnight on the day you were supposed to fly, the forms gave me travel nightmares.
Anyway, they’re done, but that still leaves a variety of restrictions both before you board a plane, and after arrival into Greece. So, what’s changing in Greece, and when?
May 1st, 2022: Indoor Requirements Drop
On May 1st, 2022, Greece will drop proof of vaccination or a negative test for all indoor spaces. This includes bars, restaurants, museums, shops and ground transportation.
The move comes just after the celebration of Greek Easter, which brings a steady influx of visitors.
Businesses will continue to operate at 100% capacity from this date, and with the mask requirements soon to be dropped shortly thereafter, entering restaurants, clubs, pubs or anything else, will feel much like the days of old.
June 1st, 2022: Greece Drops Indoor Masks
Following the May 1st lead no longer requiring negative tests or proof of vaccination to enter indoor spaces, Greece will also end indoor mask wearing requirements on June 1st.
From this date, hardly anything involving the travel experience in stunning Greece will feel unlike the times before February, 2020. With this summer promising to mark one of the largest travel rebounds in history, it might be extra buzzing though.
Travel Restrictions Drop May 2nd
Despite the Aegean Sea spreading Greece fairly far and wide, rumors travel fast here — particularly exciting ones ahead of a promising summer of travel.
On May 2nd, Greece is set to expire its travel entry restrictions for outside visitors. This means people coming from abroad will no longer be required to be vaccinated or test negative for Covid-19 to enter the country. With the passenger locator form long gone too, it will be as simple as plane ticket and passport.
For travel before May 2nd, be sure to consult official resources and keep up to date with moving vaccine expiration dates, or testing requirements. Schengen Visa Info reports Greek Health Minister, Thanos Plevris, confirming the news.
With the US recently dropping mask restrictions, Greece may be soon to follow as well.
A Great Summer For Travel To Greece
Honeymoons had been put on hold, getaways too, but 2022 might finally be the year Greece gets back to the tourism business in full swing. Airlines are quickly up-gauging flights to cope with demand. Even faraway flights are beginning earlier this year than usual.
With so much to see from the mainland down to the Cycladic Islands, there’s no time like the present. Whether you’re headed to Mykonos or Santorini, or somewhere a bit more off the beaten path, like Milos, travel to Greece is sounding better by the day.
If you’re heading to Santorini, be sure to check out our essential 48 hour guide to all the best hotels, restaurants and activities.
So wait, as of right now, the COVID VACCINE Certificate is only good to enter if within 9 months of shots? So that means if a test was done in April 2021, we would either need a booster or get tested before visiting, correct? Thanks in advance!
*Sorry I mean, if the second dose was done in April 2021, we would need a poster or get tested?
I had my third jab in October 21 am I OK to go on holiday in June 22
If by third jab you mean a booster, once you have a booster there’s no expiration date according to Greek policy. Plus, it’s expected Greece will drop all testing or vaccination proof on May 2nd. You’ll be ok!
While this news is wonderful it doesn’t apply to cruise ships I’ve been told. And PLF are still required if you are going to cruise Aegean Sea. IS this correct?
Can you travel to Greece if you are unvaccinated? If so what are the requirements?
After june 1st are random covid tests still policy at airports in greece and how often is this policy enforced at present?
Haven’t seen one done in my trips this year.