Already popular with tourists last summer, Greece wants to attract the French again this summer and is already committed to guaranteeing almost “normal” conditions on its territory in the face of Covid-19.
Exit the mask and vaccination certificates: with favorable indicators, the country announced in mid-April its intention to significantly lighten its health system from May 1 and until August 31, for its high season.
Shops, bars and restaurants will no longer check sanitary passes and, from June 1, the wearing of a mask will no longer be imposed indoors.
Finally, the fine of 100 euros imposed on those over 60 who have not been vaccinated will be abolished from April 15.
To discover
Trips to Greece: tailor-made tours, hotels and stays from our partners
Figaro stay in Greece |
6 days |
The Athenian Days
Read alsoWhere can we travel?
Our map of open countries and restrictions for French tourists
This decision was not taken
“on a whim”,
argues Thanos Plevris, the Minister of Health,
“but after analyzing the epidemiological data and listening to the recommendations of the experts.
We will review the situation on September 1.
”
The reassuring opinion of infectious disease specialists comes at the right time for a country where tourism represents the second pillar of the economy (22% of GDP).
The tourism sector has started the year well in Greece, and reservations for this summer are going well, "
despite the war in Ukraine, which has no real impact on our destination
", says Christos Panaretou, of the Yalos Tours agency.
"
The
Cyclades
are very popular, and even more so than in previous years.
But thanks to many direct flights set up by Transavia, Air France and Skyexpress, the Ionian islands,
Skiathos
, and Thessaloniki are popular as well as
Athens
, its
Riviera
and its nearby islands like Kea, still quite unknown, are a target
» he underlines.
Read alsoConfidential Cyclades: our alternatives to Santorini, Paros and Milos
According to the latest AirDNA survey, vacation rental bookings in Greece increased by... 232% for the June-September period.
As the Orthodox Easter celebrations approach on April 24, the island of Kea is already ready with its whitewashed houses that emphasize the tiled roofs.
Restaurants and beaches are open and temperatures are around 20 degrees.
“
Even if since the pandemic, visitors have been returning to hotels and travel agencies.
They want security and support at all times, hand-sewn
”, observes Christos Panaretou, who recommends not delaying booking his plane tickets
“because the longer the war lasts, the more the prices soar
”.
Arrival in Greece: what are the necessary documents for the French?
It is no longer necessary to complete the PLF location form beforehand.
On the other hand, the health pass remains required to this day.
By plane
Tourists over the age of 12 must then present when boarding or at the airport of arrival, one of the following documents:
a certificate of complete vaccination, knowing that Greece considers as vaccinated those who have received their second dose more than fourteen days before their date of arrival in the territory
OR
a negative PCR test less than 72 hours or an antigen test less than 48 hours before boarding
OR
proof of recovery from Covid by presenting a certificate of infection, established following a positive test dating more than a month after the infection and less than 6 months.
Greece recognizes the European health pass and accepts documents written in French.
On arrival, do not be surprised if you are required to undergo a PCR or antigen test: the authorities practice random screening.
Checked travelers await the result on the spot.
If the test is positive, you must then observe a 10-day quarantine, reduced to 7 days for vaccinated travellers, in a hotel designated and paid for by the authorities, who will not bear the costs of canceling your stay.
SEE THE DOSSIER -
Greece: Le Figaro travel guide
By boat
The arrival of travelers by commercial sea is authorized - with some restrictions from Turkey - under the same conditions as by air.
The maritime borders between Italy and Greece are open.
Travelers can take ferries to and from the ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa.
Pleasure boating for individuals or commercial is authorized whatever the flag, coming from member countries of the Schengen area.
Read the fileCyclades: the
Figaro travel guide
What formalities to reach the Greek islands from the mainland?
To go to the Cyclades or the Ionian Islands from the mainland, or from another island, the same documents as for entering the country will be required.
For non-vaccinated people who leave for the islands after a first part of their stay in mainland Greece, the PCR test carried out in France must always be valid at the time of boarding the plane or boat, i.e. less than 72 hours before boarding for the PCR test and less than 48 hours for the antigen test.
If it is no longer valid, which can happen if you stay a few days in Athens, for example, you will have to carry out a new test on site.
Ditto if you move from island to island.
For the vaccinated, it does not change anything, it is enough to present the certificate of vaccination.
Before taking the boat, it is better to fill out an online contact form (in English).
Teenagers aged 12 to 17 must meet the same conditions as adults but have an additional possibility: they can present the negative result of a self-test less than 24 hours before departure.
The result must be entered by downloading the pdf document.
Minors under the age of 12 are exempt from these measures.
When returning from the islands, to go to the mainland, it is recommended for all travelers from the age of 12 to carry out a screening self-test.
Restaurants, museums... What are the measures in force in Greece?
Pending the scheduled reductions of May 1, 2022, wearing a mask is compulsory in indoor public places, transport and all places where the distance cannot be respected.
Museums, cinemas, performance halls welcome the public on presentation of the health pass.
The terraces of restaurants, bars and cafes are open and accessible to everyone.
The interior, on the other hand, is “Covid-free”, that is to say reserved for vaccinated, immunized or tested.
“Live” music is once again permitted in these establishments.
Customers waiting for a table must keep their mask on, specifies the French consulate in Athens.
The beaches are open.
Read also“Kitsch”, “a horror”: a statue of Maria Callas at the foot of the Acropolis horrifies the Greeks
What are the conditions for returning to France after a stay in Greece?
For those vaccinated, only proof of vaccination will have to be presented.
For others, the result of a negative 72-hour PCR, a 48-hour antigen or a certificate of recovery will be required.