You've probably heard the phrase "the only game in town", which refers to things which may not be perfect, but are the only option. Greece is perfect, and even it may be one of the few options for summer travel, it's still an option worth jumping up and down about with excitement.
The country opened to visitors full tilt on July 1st, and hotels reopened, cafes, bars and other things you might enjoy opened on June 15th. Now with summer in fill swing, here's what you need to know about your chances to get there and see it for yourself...
Greece is the country others within Europe, and also those far beyond are looking to for indications of the future. The country will had one of the earlier phased re-openings of tourism, with most things like cafes, hotels, parks and beaches already open from the end of May.
If the country manages to continue to open its idyllic settings to visitors without any notable second waves or worries, it will be a strong signal to the rest of the world that travel is once again safe, ok and responsible - if done right. Greece has taken many precautionary measures to limit spread from locals and visitors, including social distancing and strict protocols for bars, restaurants and accommodations.
To help with this, the country plans to implement a variety of safeguards including swab tests on arrival to be administered to some, but not all guests, mainly based on recent travel and visible signs at the border. With new reports of those who've recovered potentially being unable to spread the virus, there's real hope it could be a great, safe summer for travel in Greece.
For most travelers, no needs for a 14 day quarantine exist, and we've got the info on the few who might need to.
Greece Opens For 2020 Summer TravelGreece is open to most travelers from the European Union, European Economic Area and the UK, and also to travelers from outside of Europe on the EU approved country list. European countries eligible for entry include...
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
And the international list of countries eligible for entry into Greece includes...
Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay .
To confirm your eligibility, use the official Timatic resource provided by IATA, which is the system airlines use to confirm your eligibility. For example, immediate family members, such as spouses and or or dependent parents or children of EU nationals are also allowed to enter, regardless of passport.
Greece has been open for tourism since July 1st, 2020, but there's a lot you more you should know about what to expect, and what you'll need to do to enter.
Travelers entering Greece by land from Albania or Bulgaria will be required to produce a negative covid-19 test, taken with 72 hours of arrival at the border as of July 13th, 2020.
Passengers arriving by air from other countries are not required to produce a negative covid-19 result prior to departure, but may be subjected to a test on arrival, if symptoms are shown.
All visitors must fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and complete it online at least 48 hours prior to departure to Greece. The form will produce a QR code you can print out or leave on your mobile phone, and this will be scanned on arrival into the country.
Famous landmarks and archaeological sites, shopping centers, beaches and even ferries are now up and running, making life within Greece a lot more like normal. With more than 500 beautiful beaches reopened, locals and visitors are taking a much deserved dip after months of quarantine.
Restaurants and cafes are as well, albeit with social distancing. Expect tables spread at acceptable distance, and preference given to tavernas with outdoor seating. The experience will undoubtedly be different, but for those hoping to visit shortly thereafter this date, it's a big step toward the trip feeling fulfilled.
With fewer cruise ships operating and travel from much of the world restricted, in many ways this will be a rare opportunity to experience Greece in ways which haven't been possible for decades.
Initial flights from June 15th, 2020 - July 1st, 2020 mostly focused around Athens and Thessaloniki, with a few exceptions. Now, wider availability for direct flights from Europe to Santorini, Mykonos and other dreamy island getaways are available, and direct flights from the UK will go ahead from July 15th onward.
Ferries are open in Greece, so if you're planning to transit within the country by boat, you can.
Should you travel to Greece this summer? The Prime Minister specifically stated the country is ready for visitors, and in fact looking forward to them. They wouldn't open their border and wouldn't invest so heavily in safety measures if they didn't want people to come, so it's really up to you and your level of risk.
Here's a guide to Santorini, and where to stay, in case you're looking.
The answer: perhaps after July, at least according to Greek Government spokesman Stelios Petsas. The country is mulling plans to reinstate flights from the United States, but travelers would be required to produce a negative covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure, to be allowed to visit.
It's On For Travel To GreeceFull on travel to Greece is in the cards for visitors from Europe and select countries outside Europe, and with fewer visitors than usual, the experience may be more valuable than ever before. As many as 10,000 tourists per day typically visit Santorini off of ferries, so the chance to experience such a stunning island, and the many, many others, without as many visitors may not be seen again for decades to come.
If you're looking to speculatively book travel from the USA with the hopes Americans will be allowed in come August, Emirates currently has their flight from New York (EWR) to Athens (ATH) on sale from September 1st, 2020.
With ferries already open again, and internal flights moving as well, international visitors can move around the islands as they previously could, albeit with social distancing, hygiene and crucial safety protocol. Greece may be one of the few countries open to visitors right now, but it's always been one of the best.
We'll update this page with any details if plans change.
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