Roberta Aguirre
Greece reopened its main airports in Athens and Thessaloniki on July 1, 2020, allowing foreign flights from 29 countries. The country, which relies heavily on tourism, had initially planned to open its borders to tourists on June 15, 2020, but the date was pushed back. The Greek government stressed that the safety and health of tourists, employees, and residents were their primary concern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | June 15, 2020 (for 29 countries) |
| Date of reopening for other countries | July 1, 2020 |
| Airports reopened | Athens and Thessaloniki |
| Countries allowed to fly | Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Czech Republic, Baltic countries, Cyprus, Malta, Switzerland, Norway, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Australia, Japan, Israel, Lebanon, China, New Zealand, and South Korea |
| Countries not allowed to fly | France, Spain, Britain, and Italy |
| Safety measures | Mandatory wearing of masks in transport, mandatory self-isolation/quarantine for new arrivals, and social distancing |
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What You'll Learn
- Greece's airports reopened to tourists from 29 countries on June 15, 2020
- Regional airports were scheduled to reopen on July 1, 2020
- Travellers from countries with high COVID-19 cases were not on the list of permitted countries
- The Greek government stressed health and safety as a priority for tourists
- Greece's economy relies heavily on tourism, so it was important to reopen
Greece's airports reopened to tourists from 29 countries on June 15, 2020
Initially, visitors were only permitted to land at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens. However, from July 1, tourists could fly directly to any destination in Greece as regional airports also reopened.
Greece's reopening came as a relief to many, with the country reporting relatively low numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths compared to other EU nations. The Greek government gradually lifted restrictions, allowing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities to operate under strict social distancing measures.
The list of countries from which tourists were allowed entry included 16 EU nations: Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Czech Republic, Baltic countries, Cyprus, and Malta. Outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, and Balkan countries like Albania, Serbia, and North Macedonia were also on the list. Additionally, Australia, Japan, Israel, Lebanon, China, New Zealand, and South Korea were among the countries whose citizens could enter Greece.
Notably, countries severely affected by the pandemic, such as the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Turkey, were not included on the initial list. However, the Greek government planned to regularly update the list, with the possibility of adding more countries before July 1.
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Regional airports were scheduled to reopen on July 1, 2020
Greece has been gradually easing lockdown restrictions since May 4, 2020, and has been reopening its hotels and holiday rentals since June. The country is heavily reliant on tourism and has been keen to restart the industry as soon as possible.
On May 29, 2020, Greece announced that it would reopen its main airports in Athens and Thessaloniki to international flights from 29 countries starting June 15. This included 16 EU countries, such as Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Finland, as well as non-EU countries like Switzerland, Norway, and several Balkan nations. The list also included several countries outside Europe, such as Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
While Greece reopened its borders to tourists, it continued to enforce certain protective measures. These included social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing in transport and by catering personnel, and other relevant public health regulations. Additionally, the country extended its suspension of flights to and from the UK until June 30, 2020, and imposed a mandatory quarantine period for those arriving from "high-risk" departure airports.
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Travellers from countries with high COVID-19 cases were not on the list of permitted countries
Greece reopened its borders to tourists in June 2020, allowing visitors to fly into its airports in Athens and Thessaloniki from 29 countries. However, travellers from countries with high COVID-19 cases, such as France, Spain, Britain, and Italy, were not on the list of permitted countries.
Greece's decision to exclude travellers from countries with high COVID-19 cases was in line with efforts to gradually ease lockdown restrictions and safely reopen its tourism industry. The country implemented phase six of its plan to ease lockdown measures, allowing restaurants and hotels to open their indoor dining areas while adhering to strict social distancing protocols. Beach bar owners were also permitted to resume selling food and alcohol and hosting music events.
Greece's selective reopening strategy aimed to balance the resumption of tourism with public health considerations. Nikos Hardalias, Greece's Deputy Minister for Civil Protection and Crisis Management, affirmed that the phase of lifting restrictive measures was "progressing smoothly." The country mandated testing and self-isolation/quarantine requirements for new arrivals, with the Greek authorities imposing a mandatory quarantine period for those arriving from departure airports deemed "high risk."
While Greece reopened its borders to select countries, travellers from nations with high COVID-19 cases continued to face challenges. The European Union's decision to exclude the United States from the list of permitted countries underscored the dynamic nature of travel restrictions. As countries grapple with new waves of infections and the emergence of variants, the landscape of international travel remains complex and subject to ongoing adjustments.
Greece's approach to reopening its airports during the pandemic exemplifies the delicate balance between economic recovery and public health management. While Greece welcomed tourists from specific countries, travellers from regions with high COVID-19 cases faced ongoing restrictions and uncertainty about when they would be permitted to visit Greece and other European destinations.
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The Greek government stressed health and safety as a priority for tourists
Greece has started to reopen its borders to tourists, with hotels, holiday rentals, restaurants, clubs, bars, casinos, and entertainment facilities resuming business. The country has entered phase six of its plan to ease lockdown, but UK tourists still face strict quarantine rules. Greece's Deputy Minister for Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Hardalias, has stated that the phase of lifting restrictive measures is "progressing smoothly".
The Greek government has stressed health and safety as a priority for tourists. The country has implemented new hygiene precautions and safety measures, such as mandatory face masks for employees, the installation of Plexiglass screens in reception areas and in front of cash registers, and social distancing. The Greek authorities have also introduced testing and self-isolation/quarantine requirements for new arrivals.
In addition to health and safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Greece has also issued travel advisories and safety precautions for tourists in general. These include warnings about petty crime and theft in tourist areas, on public transportation, and at short-term rental accommodations. Tourists are advised to pay close attention to their belongings and follow local authorities' advice. Other safety precautions include seeking advice from the Hellenic Coast Guard or the nearest embassy or consulate of Greece before traveling and ensuring that travel insurance covers their itinerary, planned activities, and any potential emergency expenses.
Greece has also extended its suspension of flights between the UK and Greece until June 30, 2020, and imposed a mandatory quarantine period for those arriving from departure airports deemed "high risk". The Greek government continues to monitor the situation and adjust entry and exit conditions as necessary, with the safety of tourists and citizens as a priority.
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Greece's economy relies heavily on tourism, so it was important to reopen
Greece's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which accounts for 18% of its GDP and employs more than 900,000 people, or one-fifth of the workforce. In 2022, Greece generated around $18.14 billion in the tourism sector, which corresponds to 7.5% of its gross domestic product and approximately 3% of all international tourism receipts in Southern Europe.
The country has a lot to offer tourists, from its Mediterranean climate to its rich cultural and historical heritage. Greece's tourism industry is also supported by its many international airports and the promotion of the country as a destination by major travel and tour operators worldwide.
Therefore, it was important for Greece to reopen its airports and welcome tourists back to support its economy. Greece began easing lockdown restrictions on May 4, 2020, and reopened its borders to tourists from 29 countries on June 15, 2020, including Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, and the Czech Republic. The country also allowed restaurants and hotels to open their indoor dining areas while following strict social distancing measures.
Greece's reopening was done in phases, with phase six including the reopening of most entertainment facilities, such as casinos, internet cafes, nightclubs, and live music venues, with reduced capacity and social distancing measures in place. The country's Deputy Minister for Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Hardalias, stated that the phase of lifting restrictive measures was "progressing smoothly."
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Frequently asked questions
Greece reopened its main airports in Athens and Thessaloniki on June 15, 2020, for flights from 29 countries. The country's regional airports also reopened on July 1, 2020.
The Greek government has implemented several safety measures to protect the health and safety of its citizens and visitors, including mandatory mask-wearing in transport and social distancing.
Visitors from 16 European countries, including Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, and the Czech Republic, were allowed to enter Greece starting June 15. Outside the EU, travellers from Switzerland, Norway, Australia, Japan, and several other countries were also permitted.
