With temperatures starting to creep up on its islands and vacationers yearning for a little sun, Greece anticipates its summer travel season will start earlier than ever in 2022.
With its piercing blue skies, ancient ruins and idyllic beaches, Greece traditionally sees a migration of tourists in the summer months.
Last year, it was one of the first European countries to welcome back international visitors contributing to a bounce-back of the tourism industry it heavily depends on after a devastating collapse in 2020. This year, Greece anticipates the upward trend will continue with an expected uptick in tourists predicted to start as early as March 1.
Like many destinations in Europe, Greece has received Level 4 classification by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meaning the agency advises against travel due to the high number of COVID-19 cases. It recommends that if you plan to visit, you be fully vaccinated before you depart on your trip.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece and its islands in 2022, here’s what you need to know about how travel has changed due to the coronavirus.
Entry requirements for Greece
Since February 7, those who hold a valid European Union digital COVID-19 certificate do not need to present proof of a negative pre arrival COVID-19 test. This includes travelers from the EU and Schengen zone as well as 33 other non-EU destinations that have joined the EU digital COVID Certificate system.
According to Greece’s government website, those 33 additional non-EU destinations include Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Cabo Verde, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Iceland, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tunisia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the Vatican.
Visitors outside the EU, from countries like the US and Canada, regardless of vaccination status, will still need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered 72 before departure or a negative antigen test administered no more than 24 hours prior to departure .
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Proof of vaccination required to enter some businesses
Greece still requires masks indoors and in some outdoors locations so tuck one in your pocket. On public transportation, you’ll need to double mask or wear a high-quality mask. You can be fined for not wearing one. Taxis are limited to three people in addition to the driver unless they are carrying members of the same family.
Some spaces, like enclosed eating areas, entertainment facilities (cinemas, theaters), museums, exhibition centers, fitness centers and sports venues, require proof of vaccination to enter.
UK and EU citizens can prove vaccination status with their EU digital COVID-19 certificate.
Transportation to the Greek Islands
If you’re boarding a ferry out to one of the Greek Islands, you’ll need to have your passenger locator form you filled out to enter the country. You’ll also need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative PCR COVID-19 test administered no more than 72 hours prior or an antigen no more than 24 hours prior.
Test administered overseas are valid if it is still within the testing window. If you need a new COVID-19 test, Greece has a list of pharmacies and other locations that can administer one on its tourism website.
