Travel To Greece From The Us: What You Need To Know

Greece is now open for travel from the United States. However, there are a few requirements that must be met before travelling.

Greece's economy relies heavily on tourism, with the tourism sector accounting for more than 20% of the country's GDP and an estimated 25% of the Greek workforce. As a result, Athens has been vigorously campaigning for the introduction of vaccine passports to encourage EU-wide travel. It has also been in talks with non-EU countries to try to establish travel corridors.

Greece is now open to vaccinated travellers and those testing negative for Covid-19 from key tourism markets, including the United States. Arrivals from the EU, UK, United States, Israel, Serbia and the UAE who have been vaccinated or have a negative PCR test up to 72 hours prior to arrival can enter.

Those travelling to Greece must fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival and present a confirmation email or a QR code generated from the completed form. Families can be accepted with one joint confirmation email or a unique QR code.

Vaccinated travellers must have proof of vaccination showing they received their last required dose at least 14 days before travel. The person’s full name must match the name on the passport or any other recognized travel document.

Unvaccinated travellers will have to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Kids, aged five and under, are exempt.

Travellers can enter through nine airports - Athens, Corfu, Heraklion, Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Kos, Chania and Mykonos.

Greece is open to vaccinated travellers from the US

Greece's Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said that the country is taking "baby steps" towards the full reopening of tourism on May 14. The country is now open to vaccinated travellers or those with a negative PCR test result from the EU, UK, US, Israel, Serbia, and the UAE. Arrivals from these countries do not have to quarantine. However, they will be subject to the same restrictions as locals, meaning restaurants and bars will remain off-limits, except for takeaways.

Greece is one of the first major European destinations to reopen to tourists ahead of the summer season. The country's vaccination program is progressing at a modest pace, with currently under 10% of the population having received one dose. The country's hospitals are full with COVID-19 patients, and more than three-quarters of the population remains unvaccinated. Despite this, the country decided to go ahead of most of its European counterparts and restart tourism.

The US State Department recently added Greece to its list of "Level 4: Do Not Travel" countries. However, the country's warm weather, beautiful beaches, and smaller hotels and villas make it an ideal solution to COVID-19 era travel.

Travellers from the US must show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test

As of April 2021, Greece is open to travellers from the United States, along with several other countries. However, there are certain requirements that must be fulfilled before and after entering Greece.

Before entering Greece:

• Travellers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and receive a confirmation email or a QR code, which must be presented upon arrival.
• Travellers must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result. The test must be taken within 72 hours before arrival.
• Children under the age of five are exempt from the testing requirement.

After entering Greece:

• Random COVID-19 tests will be conducted at Greece's entry points through the EVA system.
• Those who test positive will be required to quarantine for 10 days and take tests during quarantine. The Greek government will cover the costs of accommodation.
• Masks are mandatory in indoor public places for those aged six and above.

Greece's economy relies heavily on tourism

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in tourism, with only 7 million visitors and 4 billion euros in revenue. Greece is now pinning its hopes on a revival of the tourism sector to boost its economy after months of lockdown.

The country has a lot to offer tourists, including its Mediterranean climate, ideal for year-round activities such as golf and trekking. Greece also has more international airports than most countries, making it easily accessible.

To support the industry, the government has implemented investment incentives and public-private partnerships for new infrastructure projects. The country is committed to establishing itself as a 12-month destination and is investing in the development of integrated resorts, golf courses, wellness and health tourism, upgraded marinas, conference centers, and more.

Greece's tourism marketing efforts are extensive and multilingual, and the country is well-represented at key tourism trade shows worldwide.

Greece is one of the first European destinations to reopen to tourists

Theoharis stated that this was the "start of a gradual opening process that will lead to a full opening of tourism in Greece on May 14". He also added that there would be "adjustments" made in the weeks leading up to the full reopening.

Greece's reopening to tourists was welcomed by many, especially those in the tourism industry, which had suffered greatly during the pandemic. However, there were still concerns about the country's hospitals being full of COVID-19 patients and the slow vaccination rate. The US State Department even added Greece to its "Level 4: Do Not Travel" list.

Despite these concerns, Greece remained committed to safely restarting its tourism industry. Visitors were allowed to enter through nine airports: Athens, Corfu, Heraklion, Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Kos, Chania, and Mykonos. Those who tested positive for COVID-19 while in Greece were transported to a quarantine hotel, paid for by the Greek government.

Greece is taking a phased approach to reopening

Greece's Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said that the country is taking "baby steps" towards reopening. From the beginning of May, Greece opened its doors to vaccinated travellers or those with a negative PCR test from the EU, UK, US, Israel, Serbia, and the UAE. Arrivals from these countries do not have to quarantine. However, they are still subject to the same restrictions as locals, meaning restaurants and bars will remain off-limits, except for takeaways.

Greece's reopening is one of the first among major European destinations, and it is hoped that this move will allow the country to reclaim a significant chunk of holiday traffic. The tourism minister has said that the country will be "making adjustments" in the weeks leading up to May 14, when the country officially opens for tourism.

Greece's smaller islands, with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, are now Covid-free, with the entire population having received both jabs. The vaccination program is now expanding to bigger islands, with those working in tourism expected to be next in line.

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