Greece relaxes coronavirus restrictions, invites travelers to visit
In a welcome development for the travel industry, Greece has officially reopened its borders to tourists, marking the first time since November that the Greek islands have welcomed visitors. The Greek government has eased lockdown restrictions, with museums, shops, and tourist attractions reopening their doors after a six-month hiatus.
The reopening comes as the vaccination campaign in Greece gains momentum. According to recent data, one in four Greeks have received a first vaccination, with 32 smaller Greek islands having completed their vaccination programs. Dozens more islands with up to 10,000 population are expected to be vaccinated by the end of May. The Greek government is accelerating the vaccination campaign on tourist islands to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors.
Residents on the biggest Greek islands will receive the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the end of June. For tourists, a green pass is now required to travel within Greece, which can be obtained through a negative PCR test, documentation of recovery from Covid-19, or a vaccine certificate.
The Greek government has launched a new tourism campaign, encouraging people worldwide to escape to Greece for sunshine, food, and beaches. The campaign, the biggest in a decade, aims to attract visitors back to the country after a challenging year.
In terms of travel regulations, US citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days in Greece. However, for longer stays or working remotely, visas like the Digital Nomad Visa apply, which have specific income, employment, and documentation requirements. Starting from October 2025, Greece will implement the EU’s digital Entry/Exit System (EES), recording biometric data (fingerprints and photo) of non-EU travelers at the border. This system strictly enforces the 90-day limit in the Schengen Area and tracks overstays.
From late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) approval before entering Greece and other Schengen countries. However, as of mid-2025, this measure is not yet in effect.
Tourists visiting Greece must comply with standard Schengen Area entry rules, which generally allow visa-free stays for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for many nationalities, including US citizens. Night-time curfew in Greece is from 00:30 to 05:00am.
With the easing of lockdown restrictions and the vaccination campaign underway, Greece is ready to welcome tourists back. However, visitors are advised to ensure their travel documents are in order and to monitor updated regulations, particularly concerning ETIAS starting next year.
- Greece has reopened its borders, allowing tourists to visit the Greek islands after a six-month hiatus due to the pandemic.
- The Greek government has eased lockdown restrictions, with tourist attractions, museums, and shops reopening their doors.
- The vaccination campaign in Greece is gaining momentum, with one in four Greeks receiving a first vaccination, and 32 smaller Greek islands completing their vaccination programs.
- Residents on the biggest Greek islands will receive the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the end of June.
- For tourists, a green pass is now required to travel within Greece, which can be obtained through a negative PCR test, documentation of recovery from Covid-19, or a vaccine certificate.
- The Greek government has launched a new tourism campaign, encouraging people to visit Greece for sunshine, food, and beaches.
- Starting from October 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) approval before entering Greece and other Schengen countries.
