Greece has dropped its requirement to wear face masks in most public places to stop the spread of Covid-19, in what has been seen as a major boost for the travel industry.
Previously face masks were required in indoor public spaces such as supermarkets or bookshops, but from Wednesday June 1, the wearing of protective face coverings will only be required on public transport, hospitals and care facilities for the elderly.
Earlier this month, the popular holiday destination dropped the need for showing a proof of Covid vaccination or recovery when entering bars, restaurants and cafes – and the Mediterranean country dropped the use of passenger locator forms from March 15. The need to show a valid Covid cert is no longer a requirement for travelling to Greece either, with these changes coming into effect from May 1.
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All of this means that travelling to the Hellenic country should be easier than it has been for at least the last two years, although issues at your regional airport may still be there due to a lack of staffing that is affecting much of the continent following the recovery from Covid. However, while proof of vaccination is not required to enter the country, passengers may still be selected for random Covid-19 antigen testing upon arrival, and may be legally required to isolate for five days until symptoms subside.
You may be allowed to stay in your already arranged accommodation if you do test positive, or you may be required to enter hotel quarantine (the costs of which are covered by the state) depending on individual circumstances. Once leaving quarantine, those who’ve tested positive for the virus are required “to wear only a high filtering respirator mask (FFP2 or N95) or a double mask (surgical and fabric) for at least another five days after the end of the self-isolation period”, according to the latest advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
If you test positive for Covid-19 while in Greece and do not follow the guidelines, you could face a fine of €5,000 and possible arrest.
