COVID 19

Since the official lifting of containment measures against the spread of Covid-19, on May 15th 2021 and with the exemption of a few localized and short-term restrictions applied in some places ranked with higher rates of covid-19 cases, Greece has finally returned to a state of normality, given the fact that the vaccination rollout is proceeding at increasing rates.

Here’s some information and Covid 19 protocols that currently apply in Greece and you should bear in mind:

  • Mandatory wearing of masks at indoor spaces (except restaurants and gyms), compulsory use of mask outside, only in congested places.
  • Indoor food, drink & entertainment places (restaurants, cafeterias, bars, cinemas, theatres, museums etc.)  reopened on 16 July, to the vaccinated public
  • Entrance to the interior of cafes, restaurants, clubs and sports venues will only be allowed upon demonstration of a vaccination or immunity certificate (confirmation will be made via app or official paper).
  • Bars, cafes and clubs will only serve guests seated at tables (standing customers are not allowed)
  • Entertainment shows in outdoor spaces and theatre venues resumed on 28 May for seated attendance only, with reduced occupancy
  • Customers at cinemas, theatres, museums and gyms without an immunity or vaccination certificate will have to display a negative PCR test taken up to 48 hours earlier to access
  • Farmers’ markets operate at 50% capacity of producers
  • Organized beaches reopened on 8 May with health protocols (including mandatory self-tests for employees and larger spacing  between sunbeds)
  • Hairdressers, barbers, beauty and nail salons are fully operational with compulsory use of masks inside and only by appointment
  • Parks have reopened and fishing in coastal municipalities is permitted
  • Museums and conservatories have reopened with visitor protocols
  • Open-air archaeological sites are open again
  • Live music in hotels is only allowed outdoors, not indoors
  • Hotels operate under certified Covid-19 safety protocols and measures
  • Chania has currently there is no curfew or special restrictions in effect

Future public rules regarding leisure, dining and entertainment venues in Greece (from 13 September to 31 March 2022):

Restaurants, bars, theatres and cinemas are required to have an official door sign indicating their corona virus safety level as explained below:

Covid-free: meaning it can cater only guests that are able to show an official certificate of full immunity
Mixed space (green and orange signage) : meaning that it also admits unvaccinated individuals but with a negative PCR or rapid test taken within the last 72 or 48 hours respectively
Fully vaccinated staff :  the sign shows a syringe with a green check mark.

Forthcoming changes to Covid-testing protocols for visitors and citizens (from 13 September to 31 March 2022):

Unvaccinated visitors over the age of 12 must take a rapid test 48 hours before they travel, while those over the age of 5 are required to take a self- test.

International Arrivals and Flying in and out of Athens (ATH) and then Chania (CHQ)

There is no longer a compulsory 7-day quarantine requirement for travelers flying into Athens from the following regions: EU & Schengen Area countries, USA, UK, Israel, Serbia, UAE, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore, the Russian Federation, North Macedonia, Canada, Belarus, Bahrein, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine, and Saudi Arabia. Visitors need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior toarrival.

Please make sure to read more detailed information on COVID-19, restrictions and measures on the Airport’s official pages. You may find out about the official protocols for arrivals and departures in Greece here: https://travel.gov.gr/

Here’s some information on PCR & Rapid test facilities in Chania:

Batakis Emmanouil: [email protected]  +3028210 28472
Iasis Clinic: [email protected] +3028210 70800
Affidea clinic: [email protected] +302821 053940
Tsepetis Clinic: [email protected] +3028210 28828
Vioexetasi: [email protected]  +302821 054440
Microbiological Chania: [email protected]  +302821 056320
Bioereuna: [email protected] +3028210 55900