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 the vaccination certificates: since May 1, the country has significantly lightened its health system, until August 31, its high tourist season.
Shops, bars and restaurants no longer require sanitary passes and, from June 1, wearing a mask will no longer be imposed indoors.
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.
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?
Since May 1, 2022, the health pass is no longer required upon arrival on Greek territory.
It is no longer even necessary to fill in the preliminary PLF localization form.
By plane
The health pass is no longer compulsory on arrival in Greece.
However, Greece still recognizes the European health pass and accepts documents written in French.
The mask is always compulsory on board an aircraft for all passengers and crew members.
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
Restaurants, museums... What are the measures in force in Greece?
Despite the reductions of May 1, 2022, wearing a mask remains compulsory in indoor public places, transport and all places where the distance cannot be respected.
This obligation to wear a mask in enclosed spaces will be lifted from June 1.
Museums, cinemas, performance halls no longer require a health pass.
The terraces of restaurants, bars and cafes are open and accessible to everyone.
Inside, wearing a mask remains compulsory.
“Live” music is once again permitted in these establishments.
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.
SEE ALSO
- Covid-19: the Twenty-Seven agree to avoid imposing tests on vaccinated people during their trips within the EU