Due to the spread of the coronavirus, travel planning in summer 2020 will be more difficult than usual. Greece has long been considered the perfect travel destination.
- Greece has recorded a record increase in new infections with the coronavirus *.
- The government in Greece is tightening the corona rules.
- If you want to spend your 2020 vacation in Greece, you have to take a few measures into account.
Update from August 19: Greece is tightening protective measures for two holiday areas due to an increase in the corona numbers : From Friday, a mask requirement will apply on the island of Mykonos and the Halkidiki peninsulas , as the Greek civil defense announced on Wednesday. The mask requirement applies until the end of August both indoors and outdoors.
| country | Greece |
| Official language | Greek |
| Capital | Athens |
| population | 10.72 million (2019) |
| surface | 131,957 km² |
| prefix | +30 |
Concerts, celebrations, religious ceremonies, markets and gatherings of more than nine people are also prohibited in the two tourist areas until August 31 . Restaurant operators have to make sure that only four guests sit per table - or six with family members. Similar measures had been taken in the past on islands such as Paros and Antiparos. Most recently, the Greek authorities were concerned about an increase in new infections . More than 200 new infections per day were recently recorded.
First report from August 11th: If you want to travel on vacation 2020 , you have to think carefully about where to go. After all, many countries have special rules because of the coronavirus . Greece was a popular travel destination for a long time - with its many sights and beautiful islands such as Crete and Rhodes . In the face of rising numbers , however, the government feels compelled to act - and tightened the rules .
Vacation 2020 in Greece: Due to rising corona cases, the government is tightening rules
Go on vacation despite Corona ? For a long time it seemed to be possible again: On June 15, 2020, the travel warning was lifted for most European countries , reports wa.de *. Many holidaymakers went south to Italy or Croatia. Given the low number of infections, Greece was also considered the perfect holiday destination . Historic cities such as Athens or Mykonos as well as paradisiacal islands such as Rhodes, Crete, Corfu or the Cyclades islands beckon. But the number of infected people is now increasing in the holiday classic. The government is tightening the rules.
Good evening from the #Cyclades!
The island of #Sifnos in the moonlight.
📸 @VisitGreecegr #VisitGreece #GreekSummerFeeling #StateOfMind #SommerinGriechenland pic.twitter.com/hNwR0MovYM
If you are on holiday in Greece in 2020, you have to pay attention to some rules from August 17th . After an employee of the Greek government announced 203 new infections with the coronavirus on Sunday, August 9 - the highest increase in one day since February - the country tightened the measures . According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 5,623 people are infected in Greece (as of August 10).
People entering Crete: Vacation 2020 in Greece is possible, but tourists have to observe new rules due to the increasing corona numbers
© Andrea Warnecke / picture alliance / dpa-tmn
Corona in Greece: This must be taken into account when vacationing in 2020 and when entering the country
In view of the record increase, the government reacted with tightened measures: Since August 10, taverns, bars, pubs and discos have had a curfew : the restaurants have to close at midnight. This also applies to the numerous tourist destinations such as Crete, Rhodes or Corfu. This rule initially applies until August 23.
Since July 29, 2020, there has been a general mask requirement for customers and staff in supermarkets, shops, public transport and other public institutions in the country due to Corona . These measures certainly serve to circumvent a regional travel warning as it was issued in areas in Spain and Bulgaria. Local tourists told of the Corona measures on Mallorca * after the party night at Ballermann.
Travelers are also affected by the new rules : If you want to start your holiday in Greece by land , you must be able to show a negative test for the corona virus from August 17th . This tightened measure applies regardless of the country of origin . The corona test must not be older than three days, i.e. 72 hours. This is not yet necessary when entering the country by plane . The airports in Greece resumed operations on July 1st. Aircraft are also taking off again in NRW - and are offering many new travel destinations *.
After your vacation: Don't worry after returning from Greece
If this has a negative test for Corona, entry into Greece is permitted. Vacationers from the European Union - and accordingly also Germany - are welcome. Before you can start your 2020 holiday , however, tourists must register online at least 24 hours before entry, this is done with the Greek civil protection authority .
And anyone who has spent a relaxed and rejuvenating holiday in Greece - whether on the islands like Crete or Rhodes or in cities like Athens - does n't need to worry about returning to Germany : Currently (as of August 11, 2020) the following applies Greece is not a risk area, the German representation in Greece announced. * wa.de is part of the Ippen-Digital network.
List of rubric lists: © Andrea Warnecke / picture alliance / dpa-tmn