Greece Tightens Restrictions for the Unvaccinated

Greece, one of Europe’s top destinations for travellers around the world, has announced new restrictions that will affect unvaccinated citizens and foreign nationals looking to holiday in Greece and those seeking employment.

Greece relies heavily on the income generated by its usually booming tourist trade. Greece was one of the first major travel destinations to ease its entry requirements for all travellers, as the country was keen to bring its tourism sector back to life. However, the new restrictions suggest a more cautious approach in the wake of increasing cases.

From 13 September until 31 March 2022, all private and public sector workers without a certificate proving vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months will have to undergo one rapid test per week, Health Minister Vassilis Kililias said.

Two tests per week will be required for people working in academia, tourism, restaurants, cafes, bars, and in entertainment productions, as well as school and university students, he added.

Changes Under New Rules

Under the new restriction changes, unvaccinated individuals will only be able to enter indoor cinemas, theatres, museums, archaeological sites and gyms if they have proof of a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours.

On top of this, venues will also have the ability to refuse access to unvaccinated patrons if they wish to do so. This could leave unvaccinated travellers with little to do in Greece.

Travellers who head to Greece for seasonal work will also be affected by other new restrictions. All unvaccinated public and private sector employees will have to undergo weekly tests at their own expense. Those who are unvaccinated and work in tourism, restaurants, cafes and bars will be subjected to twice-weekly tests at a cost of €10 each, with tests paid for by the employee.

Masks will be mandatory for everyone in indoor public areas and in outdoor crowded areas.

Vaccines Recognised in Greece

Greece accepts a wide range of vaccines including:

Pfizer,
Moderna,
AstraZeneca,
Novavax,
Johnson & Johnson,
Sinovac,
Sputnik,
Cansino Biologics and
Sinopharm

To be considered fully vaccinated, at least 14 days must have passed since your last recommended dose.

Travellers visiting Greece who have an EU Digital COVID Certificate can use that to enter venues. If you're coming from a country outside the EU, in theory, you should be able to present your printed or electronic vaccination certificate.

All certificates must be issued by a public health authority and must include all relevant information such as your name, number of doses, dates, type of vaccine etc. Vaccine certificates must be presented in either Greek, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Russian.

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