On May 1, 2022, most of the current Covid restrictions in Greece will be lifted. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Greece in summer 2022.
Covid restrictions within Greece end May 2022
As you may know, Greece has had pretty tough Covid restrictions in place from the start of 2022.
You could only enter some places with a vaccine or recovery certificate, and even to eat outside you needed to show those certificates or a negative test!
Thankfully, that's all ending just in time for the summer tourist season (and my own Greek island hopping trip)!
But before you get super excited and carried away: Keep in mind that the rules for travelling to Greece have not changed at this stage. This news only affects what to expect within Greece.
(Find official information for what is needed to travel to Greece at: https://travel.gov.gr/#/ )
So, back on to what you can expect when you arrive….
Changes to the Covid Measures in Greece from May 1st
These changes were announced on 13 April on the Greek news. If you speak Greek, you can check the video at the bottom of this page.
The changes are due to take place from May 1st onwards.
Between 1 May and 31 August, everyone can enter all indoor and outdoor venues without the need to present any documents. This means that showing your vaccination / recovery passport or test will no longer be necessary.
So, looks like we can all go to bars and nightclubs without having to be scanned in. Wonderful!
Why is this important? Well, up until now, you have literally had to show a certificate and an ID every time you want to go into a shop, bar, or taverna. Early visitors to Greece this year have been both bemused and annoyed at this. And it's obviously impractical to continue this with over 10 million visitors expected to Greece this year.
Internal flights and domestic ferry travel haven’t been specifically mentioned, but I expect that these won't need certificates either. For more ferry information, have a look at Ferryscanner.
Mask wearing in Greece Summer 2022
I don't see this one going away for public transport which includes Athens metro, ferries, trains, and internal flights. This is me from last year wearing a mask sailing from Athens to Mykonos by ferry. Some people say I should wear the mask all the time haha.
For the time being, mask wearing is also still in place in indoor venues in Greece, including shops and supermarkets.
From June the 1st, masks will no longer be needed for indoor venues. At this stage, it is unclear whether masks will be required to enter supermarkets / ferries / planes / trains / the Athens metro etc. This will be defined later.
Rules for travelling to Greece 2022
People travelling to Greece currently need a vaccination / recovery passport or tests to enter the country. This might change in the next few weeks, so watch this space!
Greece is going to be a popular destination 2022
Some of the reasons to visit Greece in 2022 include
-The country is filled with beautiful ancient ruins that are perfect for sightseeing
-The Mediterranean climate makes Greece the best summer destination in Europe!
-There are a variety of different beaches to choose from, each with their own unique charm
-Greece is home to some of the best food in the world!
-There's over 100 Greek islands to choose from
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Greece today! Read about the best Greek islands to visit in May!
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diana harris says
could you confirm if currently vaccinated means booster shots and if so how many booster shots?
Dave Briggs says
Vaccinated means: A certificate of vaccination is considered valid when 14 days have elapsed since the first or second dose of vaccination. The certificate’s validity expires if a period of 9 months has elapsed since the first / second dose, for all types of vaccines. If you have a valid booster shot and the certificate, it does not expire.
Matthew Saunders says
Thanks, really useful information.
Do you know if FFP2 masks are required in Greece. I’m in Italy at the moment and they are here!
Dave Briggs says
Theoretically yes on public transport like buses and ferries. Also the supermarkets, but not regular shops (for some reason!).