Holidays in Greece despite Corona: what travelers need to know

 Finally vacation: But is relaxed travel in Greece possible despite coronavirus? The current situation and the Corona rules at a glance

Greece - summer, sun, beach and sea. Many holidaymakers think of these words as a trip to Greece with its picturesque mainland and idyllic islands. But is a relaxed holiday possible there despite Corona? Especially the ever faster spreading delta variant of the coronavirus is causing concern to many people. An overview of the current corona situation in Greece and all the rules that travelers must follow.

Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans. Although travel has declined due to the virus, the country was still one of the top 10 most popular destinations, according to an evaluation by the ADAC. And that also in the corona year 2020. An island in Greece even replaced Mallorca as a top destination, according to a trend analysis for the year 2021. The pandemic hit the country hard. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, more than 420,000 people from Greece have been infected with the coronavirus so far, and more than 12,000 deaths have been recorded (as of 07.07.2021). Recently, the number of new infections rose significantly again. In addition, there is the worrying Delta variant.

Holidays in Greece: What is the current corona situation in the country?

In Greece, too, the delta variant of the coronavirus is gaining ground. Exact figures on the spread of the Corona variant are currently not available in Greece. This is also due to the fact that they are less frequently tested for in the country. But among other things, already on the popular holiday island of Crete, infections with the Delta variant were known. The tourism country has strongly advanced its vaccination efforts. Meanwhile, more than 37 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

After many regions in Greece were declared corona risk areas at the end of 2020, the situation in the country has become increasingly normal in recent months. Just a few weeks ago, the Greek government relaxed its corona rules comprehensively. However, in view of the increasing number of cases, some measures have now been tightened again.

Greece holiday 2021: What is the corona incidence?

The current incidence is 70.2 and is thus much higher than in Germany (source JHU, as of 07.07.2021). The 7-day incidence in Greece currently also exceeds the critical limit of the Robert Koch Institute of 50. However, the RKI does not only classify it as a simple risk area on the basis of incidence, but also on the basis of other factors. However, if the number of cases continues to increase, a classification as a corona risk area is again possible.

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• Holidays despite Corona in Mallorca – What you need to know when entering the country
• Holidays despite Corona in Italy – What applies to travelers

Entry to Greece: What Corona rules do travelers have to follow?

Currently, the Federal Foreign Office does not apply a travel warning for Greece. Nevertheless, holidaymakers cannot simply enter the country. You will need an entry form. This should be completed no later than one day before entry. In it, those willing to travel must provide, among other things, name and address. The place of residence in Greece and, if necessary, the flight number are also queried. If the form has been filled out correctly, a QR code will be issued. Upon entry, this must then be presented.

There is also a mandatory test for the coronavirus. A PCR test must not be older than 72 hours, a certified antigen test must not be older than 48 hours before arrival. Children from the age of twelve must also present such a corona test. An exception to the test obligation exists for those arriving in Greece if they have either recovered or been fully vaccinated and present a vaccination certificate. According to the Greek government, corona vaccines such as Biontech/Pfizer, Astrazeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson and the Sputnik vaccine are accepted. A quarantine obligation for travelers from Germany does not currently exist.

The entry to Greece and also the departure is also possible by land. According to the Federal Foreign Office, the possible border crossings are:

• Via Bulgaria: Border crossings Exochi, Nymphaea/Nymfaia, Ormenio and Promachonas
• Via North Macedonia: Evzoni and Niki border crossing
• Via Albania: border crossings Kakavia, Kristallopigi and Mavromati*
• About Turkey: Border crossings Castania and Kipoi
• *Entry via this border crossing is subject to restrictions on the number of persons and time

Greece holidays: What Corona rules apply when traveling in the country?

Due to the rising number of corona cases, Greece has tightened the rules for travelling on ferries. From 5 July, a negative corona test must be presented on Greek ferries when the journey starts. Here, too, PCR tests and antigen tests are allowed. Excluded are again completely vaccinated and recovered, provided that they have a corresponding proof. In addition, when using the ferry, a self-declaration must be completed. For trips to the Greek islands or back to the mainland, a health declaration must be completed before embarkation.

Holidays in Greece: What are the current Corona rules?

Although the government in Greece has relaxed many measures in the fight against Corona, there are currently still some rules that holidaymakers must observe. The hygiene rules concern restaurants and pubs, but also museums and public transport.

• Pubs, restaurants and cafés are only allowed to open the outdoor area for catering. A maximum of six people may seat at a table.
• In enclosed spaces such as museums and supermarkets, masks are mandatory
• Also in public transport and in the taxi a mask must be worn. In addition, certain means of transport, such as ferries, are obliged to complete a self-declaration.
• In certain busy outdoor public places, a mask must be worn. This also applies, for example, to weekly markets.
• For hotels and other accommodations, there are special hygiene protocols and occupancy restrictions.
• Distance rules must be respected.
• Violations are threatened with a fine of 300 euros.

Greece holidays: What corona rules apply on the beach?

In Greece, the Corona rules must also be observed on the beach. This includes compliance with the distance rules. At least two meters of space should be maintained between visitors. There are fixed maximum numbers of people for beach sections. These vary depending on whether they are private or public beaches. In addition, other safety rules can also apply to private beaches, such as stricter distance requirements.

Return from holidays in Greece: What do holidaymakers have to consider?

To return to Germany, holidaymakers in Greece must again present a negative corona test before departure. Exceptions again apply to vaccinated and recovered and children under the age of six. This generally applies to all returnees who enter Germany from abroad. There is no obligation to register. Nor are travellers obliged to quarantine at home after their holidays in Greece. (Sophia Lother)