June 15, 2021 - Meagan Palmer
Last Updated on 11/24/2021
Now that travel to Greece from the U.S. is open, it’s time to start planning a much-needed getaway to a land of sapphire waters, white-washed houses, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine! Read our tips on how to get there safely and plan the best vacation, despite the current pandemic!
Greece Re-Opening and Travel Safety
How to Get to Greece Safely: Are there any travel restrictions?
What to Expect When You Get to Greece
Greece Re-Opening and Travel SafetyIf you have been fully vaccinated against COVD-19, then yes! This has been the case since April 19th. Even if you aren’t fully vaccinated, U.S. travelers can still travel to Greece.
Although Greece is open to American tourists, the U.S. State Department warns travelers with a Level 4 travel advisory to “do not travel” to Greece since August 2nd, 2021. This is mainly due to the increased rise of COVID-19 cases in Greece. Keep in mind that this amount is much lower than the current 33 million cases in the U.S. The CDC recommends being fully vaccinated prior to traveling to Greece, as it has concluded a Level 4 “very high COVID-19” health advisory.
How to Get to Greece Safely: Are there any travel restrictions?If you are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival, you can show your vaccination card rather than having to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. On the other hand, if you aren’t fully vaccinated, you will be required to show proof you are COVID-19 negative or have proof of infection from the last 2-9 months upon entry to Greece.
Yes, there’s likely to be random screenings or a health questionnaire as well as temperature checks. Places this could likely happen are in an airport, before and after boarding an airplane, or on a ferry.
No, Greece has not imposed a mandatory quarantine once you enter the country. However, if you test positive at any of the points on your way to Greece, you could be required to quarantine until you test negative for COVID-19. You’ll want to make sure you have travel insurance in case this happens!
This application is your golden ticket to officially entering Greece! It’s a required form you must complete before your departure indicating your travel itinerary. Once completed, a QR code will be created while on your way to Greece, which you might be required to show upon entry.
Yes, all travelers arriving back into the States must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to re-enter. The test must be a specific type (including a PCR test), which you can find out on the CDC website. If you find that you test positive for COVID-19, having a travel insurance policy in hand could reimburse you for the extra accommodations, meals, and local transportation expenses you incur while you wait to test negative.
What to Expect When You Get to GreeceYes, there is still a curfew in place for those in Greece, no matter your citizenship. The new curfew is 1:00am to 6:00am, which is pretty reasonable we think!
Yes, masks are still required in any public space whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Greece authorities are much more strict on this than in areas of the United States where mask mandates are lifting, so it’s better to adhere to wearing your mask or face some negative consequences.
Yes, the previous movement restrictions have been abolished, meaning you no longer need to show any documentation when traveling between Grecian islands. Commence all the dreamy island hopping!
Great news –many public places are open now. This includes restaurants and bars, as long as there is open-air and outdoor seating. Museums are now open too! Other shops and stores remain open but include capacity limits. The catch is that you’ll need to be fully vaccinated to enter many indoor locations.
Planning a Trip to GreeceThe jury confirms that mid-April to mid-June and then September to mid-October are the best times to visit Greece. This way, you’ll enjoy less crowded areas and even cheaper fares! Definitely a win whether or not you’re on a strict budget.
This comes down to your budget, but if you ask us (and others!) planning a seven-day vacation is the best option. With a week’s worth of time, you can adventure around Athens or Thessaloniki and some of the gorgeous islands without feeling rushed. That being said, if you only have a long weekend to enjoy the stunning views of this destination, check out this four-day itinerary to still get the full experience of Greece.
Hidden Gems of GreeceThis volcanic island hosts many breathtaking beaches, making it a great place to go scuba diving or even cliff-jumping if that’s more your thing. The sunrises and sunsets are divine here, but make sure to get there early to save yourself a watch spot.
These neighborhoods are just north of Plaka and are the areas many locals frequent. So if you’re a foodie looking to break away from the touristy areas and experience authentic cuisine, we’d recommend visiting the Monastiraki and Psirri area.
Despite this location being a major stop for many cruise ships, Iraklion is the place we’d recommend for history buffs. From palaces, museums, and other ancient sites, this destination is sure to educate and manifest wonder!
Of course! Greece is full of adventure for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for a true getaway where you can relax (but have the kids entertained), we’d recommend visiting Rhodes in the Dodecanese islands. If you’re on a budget, try Corfu in the Ionian islands or Amorgos in the Cyclades islands for a fulfilling vacation away from home –without sacrificing a good time.
We think it’s a wise idea! Travel insurance is more than just Trip Cancellation coverage that protects your investment if something caused you to cancel your getaway. It also offers medical coverage if you were to get sick or injured at your destination –including if you contract COVID-19. In addition, if your trip is delayed due to quarantine or your airline, you could get reimbursed for unexpected costs like hotels and meals. Here’s how you can buy affordable and reliable travel insurance online.
Tags: coronavirus, travel safety
