Written by Christopher Nye, Senior Content Editor, Property Guides
Last Modified: 14th October 2021

Good news! As of Monday 4 October 2021, the UK government has relaxed its international travel rules making it easier and cheaper to visit Greece. Here’s what you need to know when planning a trip there…

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Entry requirements

Before flying yo Greece, all travellers over the age of 12 must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). Travellers must also show proof of one of the following:

  • a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hour before arriving in Greece
  • a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory taken in the 48 hours before arriving in Greece
  • proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before travel. Greece does accept the NHS COVID Pass.

Alternatively, you can enter Greece if you can prove you have recovered from Covid-19 between 30 and 180 days of your travel dates. You can do this by showing your positive COVID-19 PCR test result via the NHS COVID Pass.

Returning to the UK

As of 4 October 2021, the previous traffic light system has been replaced by a simplified travel system in which countries are placed in one of two categories: the red list or the rest of the world. Greece is currently in the rest of the world category. This means that: If you are fully vaccinated, you will NOT need to:

  • take a pre-departure test
  • take a day 8 COVID-19 test
  • quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days after you arrive in England

Instead, you just have to:

  • book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test – to be taken after arrival in England and which can be a cheaper, lateral flow test rather than the current requirement of a PCR test
  • complete your passenger locator form – any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in England
  • take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 after you arrive in England

If you are not fully vaccinated, you will have to do the following, plus quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days:

  • take a pre-departure COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 3 days before you travel to England
  • book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 tests – to be taken after arrival in England
  • complete your passenger locator form – any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in England

Health and infection rates

After falling in September, Greece’s coronavirus cases appear to be levelling, with a rolling 7-day average of 2,271 as of 13 October 2021. Compared other European countries, Greece’s coronavirus cases are lower than France (4,341) but higher than Spain (1,277).

Read the Emigration Guide to find out everything you need to know about buying overseas.

What progress has Greece made with vaccinations?

Greece’s vaccine rollout has been slower than many other European countries, with only around 59% of the population being fully vaccinated compared to around 67% the population in the UK (note that this percentage includes the whole population, including those who are too young to be vaccinated).

To try and speed up the progress, the Greek government has offered 18 to 25-year-olds an incentive of a 150 euro prepaid card when they get their first dose.

What are the current restrictions in Greece?

Greece has launched new vaccine passports which will be enforced at establishments frequented by tourists such as attractions, restaurants and bars. The new rules apply to both tourists and locals.

After recently imposing restrictions on “red areas” of the country where cases were highest, the Greek government has announced it will now start to relax them. Both the curfew from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. and the ban on music in bars and restaurants will be lifted.

However, those that are unvaccinated and cannot prove that they recently recovered from Covid will still not be allowed into indoor venues like bars, cafes and restaurants.

Greece has launched new vaccine passports for both tourists and locals

Can I still purchase property in Greece?

Yes, it is still very much possible to buy property in Greece!

Read our free Viewing Trip Guide so you know exactly what to look out for when seeing properties.

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