With Greece set to receive a large number of American tourists this summer, there is one thing that Americans still need to keep in mind for their trip – a Covid test for their return to the US. This Covid test requirement is not nearly as hard as the one to enter Greece (a negative PCR test taken 72 hours or less before arriving in Greece) but it is still something to think about! Here are some options for your return to the US.
Where to Get a Covid Test in Greece to Return to the US
Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccination proof booklet in passport. Travel ban health certificate Corona screening of travelers tourists. Closure of airports restricted traveling.
What is Required for a Traveler to the US with the Covid Test
According to the CDC, here is what you need before returning to the US – note that a vaccination certificate will not be accepted in place of a negative Covid test!
“If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the United States (US) and show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight, or be prepared to show documentation of recovery (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).”
See the above link for all the details on this test but, simply, you need a PCR or antigen test (as long as it is an acceptable viral test) that is taken 3 days before leaving for the US. That is a general length of time and not equal to 72 hours. This is helpful when you are in a foreign country and maybe aren’t able to exactly line up the 72 hour window.
Self tests are now acceptable as well but must be taken while on a telehealth call with a service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test (which must have an Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA). This may not be possible, depending on the service’s hours and your access to the system but if you want to bring one with you to Greece, this could be a best option for you if you do not want to venture out.
Note that self tests are sold in Greek pharmacies (for a very cheap price of around €6 each) but these will not be accepted for travel to the US.
Where to Find a Covid Test in Athens for Returning to the US
There are two main diagnostic/medical clinics that provide PCR and antigen testing in Greece. One is Bioiatriki and the other is the Athens Medical clinic. Both provide very quick turnaround times with PCR testing yielding results that will be sent to you in less than 24 hours.
Here are the locations of the Bioiatriki Diagnostic Centers in Athens where you can receive an Antigen or PCR test. The cost for the antigen rapid test is €20 (€10 for the sampling and €10 for the actual test). The results are available within one hour. The PCR tests cost €60 (€20 for the sampling and €40 for the actual test). Note that if you are departing Greece on Aegean Airlines, you can book the test through them at this link and the cost is €50 plus a €10 coupon for a future flight with them. But, the turnaround time is slightly different, specifically for weekends, if booked through Aegean.
| Testing Location | Address | Hours of Operation | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alimos | 578, Vouliagmenis Ave. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +30210-9937770 |
| Ampelokipoi | 132, Kifisias Ave & Papada Str. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +30210-6966000 |
| Kifisia | 227, Kifisias Ave, Anavryta | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +30210-6124592 |
| Markopoulo | Souniou Ave & Myrinountos Str., Markopoulo | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +3022994-40989 |
| Nea Ionia | 34, Melinas Merkouri Str. | Mon - Fri 10:00 - 18:00 / Sat 10:00 - 15:00 | +30210-2836208 |
| Nea Smyrni | 231, Eleftheriou Venizelou Ave & Psarron Str. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +30214-6878800 |
| Peristeri | 6, Ethnarchou Makariou & Ikarias Str. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +30214-4050000 |
| Chaidari | 429A, Athinon Ave., Egaleo | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +30210-5317794 |
| Chalandri | 44, Pentelis Ave & 2 Irakleous Str. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +30210-6800991 |
| BioClinic Athens | 15, Marinou Geroulanou Str. | Mon - Sun 08:00 - 15:00 | +30210-6962400 |
| Bioiatriki Pefki | 14, Amarousiou Avenue | Mon - Fri 11:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 14:00 | +30214-6878880 |
| Bioiatriki Peristeri | 75-77 Panagi Tsaldari Avenue | Mon - Fri 00:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 14:00 | +30210-5775588 |
| Bioiatriki Rafina | 26th km., Leof. Marathonos | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 | +302294-440010 |
| Bioiatriki Melissia | 73, Leof. Dimokratias | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 14:00 | +30214-6870880 |
| Bioiatriki Menidi | 5, Leof. Athinon | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 | +30214-6870770 |
And here are the locations of the Athens Medical Clinic locations in Athens. Note that the bottom one is located at the Athens Airport and is a great solution if you are near there or can get there the day before your flight (see the bottom for a review of the Athens Medical Clinic location at the Thessaloniki Airport).
The cost is the same as it is for Bioiatriki – €60 for PCR and €20 for antigen. For the airport location, you do not need to book an appointment but you do need to pay at this site here and bring the payment confirmation with you.
| Testing Location | Address | Hours of Operation | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens Medical Center | 5-7, Distomou Str. 15125, Marousi | Mon - Sun & Holidays 08:00 - 20:00 | +30210-6862643-644 |
| Paediatric Center of Athens | 5-7, Distomou Str. 15125, Marousi | Mon - Sun & Holidays 08:00 - 20:00 | +30210-6862643-644 |
| Psyciko Clinic | 1, Andersen Str. 11525 Psychiko | Mon - Sun & Holidays 08:00 - 20:00 | +30210-6974032 |
| Paleo Faliro Clinic | 36, Areos Str.17562, P.Faliro | Mon - Sun & Holidays 08:00 - 20:00 | +30210-9892491 |
| Peristeri Clinic | 60, Ethnarchou Makariou Str.12132 | Mon - Sun & Holidays 08:00 - 20:00 | +30210-5799112 |
| Athens International Airport (AIA) | Arrival level, between 2nd & 3rd entrance points | Mon - Sun & Holidays 07:00 - 23:00 No booking required |
Where to Find a Covid Test in Thessaloniki for Returning to the US
If you are visiting northern Greece (and you should!) like the beautiful beaches of Halkdiki, you may find the Thessaloniki options appealing, especially the airport one. The city is much smaller than Athens and one of my favorite Hyatt hotels – the Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki – is located very near the airport!
Here is where you can find the Bioiatriki locations in Thessaloniki. Prices are the same as in Athens (it is capped by law in Greece).
| Testing Location | Address | Hours of Operation | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thessaloniki Vas. Olgas | 154, Vas. Olgas Str., Martiou district | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +302310-880110 |
| Peraia | 2, Thessalonikis Ave. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +3023920-22622 |
| Stavroupoli | 234, Lagkada Str., Stavroupoli | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +302310-669629 |
| BioClinic Thessaloniki | 86, Mitropoleos Str. | Mon - Sun 08:00 - 15:00 | +302310-372600 |
| Bioiatriki Kleanthous | 8-10, Kleanthous Str. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 14:00 | +302310-868460 |
| Bioiatriki Xirokrini | 55, Grigoriou Koloniari Str. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 14:00 | +302310-548122 |
Here is where you can find the Athens Medical Clinic locations in Thessaloniki.
| Testing Location | Address | Hours of Operation | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Interbalkan Medical Center | 10, Asklipiou Str. 57001, Pylea | Mon - Sun & Holidays 08:00 - 20:00 | +302310-400462 |
| Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” | Arrival level | Mon - Sun & Holidays 10:00 - 18:00 No booking required | N/A |
Where to Find a Covid Test in Other Locations in Greece
If you are taking a flight directly from some other city than Athens or Thessaloniki to a location in Europe and then on to the US, here are some of the other Covid testing locations by Bioiatriki Diagnostic in various locations around Europe that could work for you.
Also, you can check with your hotel for a location that may offer tests. Remember, these fees are capped at €60 for PCR and €20 for antigen and the antigen rapid test results will often be back in no more than a couple of hours while you may need to wait anywhere from a few hours to one day for the PCR results.
| Testing Location | Address | Hours of Operation | Telephone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandroupoli | |||
| AIMOANALYSIS EVROU | 30, Konstantinou Palaiologou Str. | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 14:00 & 18:00 - 20:00 / Sat 07:00 - 08:00 | +3025510-89927 |
| Dimokritos Standar Diagnostic Laboratory | 1, Efstathiou, Str. 68100 | Mon - Fri 07:00 - 14:00 & 18:00 - 21:00 / Sat 09:00 - 12:00 | +3025510-34049 |
| Chalkida | |||
| Evia Chalkis-Evia | 13, October 28th, Chalkis, Evia | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 15:00 | +3022214-40980 |
| Chios | |||
| PIRINIKI IATRIKI XIOU | 37, Aeroporou Rodanaki Str. Chios | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 11:00 | +3022710-80750 |
| Crete | |||
| Asklipios Diagnosis Heraklion, Crete | 10, Machis Kritis str., Chanioporta Area, Heraklion | Mon - Fri 09:00 - 20:00 / Sat 08:00 - 13:00 | +302810-528000 |
| Nikolidaki Afroditi - Pathologist | 7, Kritovoulidi Street, Chania | Mon - Fri 09:00 - 11:00 | +3028210-28528 *PCR ONLY |
| Corfu | |||
| Kantas Aristidis & Bardi Stavroula Iatriki IKE | Alepou | Mon - Fri 09:00 - 12:00 | +3026610-22470 |
| Ioannina | |||
| Tatsaki Eleftheria Microbiologist | 33, Trikoupi Charilaou Str. | Mon - Fri 11:00 - 12:00 | +3026510-77662 *PCR ONLY |
| Kalamata | |||
| IATRIKI O.E KOUTSOUDI - PAPADOPOULOU N. - VERNADAKI E. | 12, Pagoni Chrysanthou & Iatropoulou | Mon - Sat 08:00 - 12:00 | +3027210-25520 |
| Kozani | |||
| IPPOKRATIS KOZANIS S.A | B1 Filippou Str. | Mon - Fri 10:00 - 13:00 | +3024610 54400 |
| Mykonos | |||
| MYKONOS MEDICAL PRIVATE POLYCINIC | 84600 Argyraina, Mykonos, Cyclades | Mon - Sat 08:00 - 11:00 | +3022890-77700 |
| Rhodes | |||
| Iatriko Ergastitio Rhodou - Skonis Michail | Agiou Nikolaou Square | Mon - Fri 08:00 - 13:00 | +3022410-39005 |
Review of the Athens Medical Group Test in Thessaloniki
Just a little over a week ago, I needed a PCR test so went to test out the Athens Medical Group test at the Thessaloniki Airport. If you do go here, note that it is currently located in the Arrivals area of the old terminal but the new terminal does have a location setup, just not staffed as of May, 2021.
I first went to the website to pay for it in advance (€60) and to input my information. Make sure you include your passport number so that will be included on your results as well! The whole process online is very simple and you are sent an e-mail which has a code you can show the staff at the location when you show up.
If you go to the Thessaloniki location between 10:00 and 12:00 in the morning (not sure about this for the Athens location but it could be the same), you will have your results the same day. I went at 10:30 with my code and was quickly processed through.
A nurse will take a swab and put it in your mouth, similar to what might feel like a strep throat culture (I had a lot of those as a kid!). Basically, you will stick your tongue out and gag a little and it is done – no big deal and better than the deep nose probe!
I received my (negative) test results in just 6 hours for the PCR test and they came as an e-mail – but check your spam folder as that is where my results had gone!
These results were viewed by SWISS both in Thessaloniki and then in Zurich before boarding a flight to the US and I had no problems with them at all. The results had all my information on them as well as my passport number.
Charlie I’m just writing to thank you for all the incredible information. We just got back from a week in Greece and had an incredible time. Can’t thank you enough, can’t imagine having done it without all your help
Wow, Tony, thanks so much for the wonderful comment and taking the time to leave it! I am glad I was able to be of some help! Was it your first time in Greece? Glad it was a great time!
GREAT INFO-THANKS
Thanks!
Great and extremely informative. We are in Greece getting ready to fly home in a few days. Your post shows only PCR is available at Athens airport but their website shows both PCR and the rapid tests are available.
Thanks, Joe! And thanks for the update, they must have changed that since making the list. I will add that. Enjoy your trip home!
Do you happen to know if any of these testing centers in Athens are open on Saturday or Sunday? We booked out trip and didn’t realize we need this test. We’re flying home Monday and worried about being able to get a test on time. Thanks for the info!
Hi, Maureen! The Athens Medical Clinic sites (including at the airport) are open on the weekends. If you are doing a rapid antigen, you should be able to get the result back pretty quickly. Try giving them a call – try this one 210-6862643 (use +30 before the number if you are calling from a US cell phone). This is the Athens Medical Center on Distomou Street and you can ask them if you can get your result back quickly. I know the Athens Medical Clinic site in Thessaloniki that I had used told me that if I did the PCR test before noon on a Saturday, I would receive the PCR result same day. I would imagine the same with the ones in Athens but call to be sure.
Hi Charlie – I was about to book ferries, but saw on ferry scanner that travel between islands may now require a self test? Are you able to help confirm that info or provide a legitimate website that may have this info? We’re fully vaccinated, so I’m a bit confused. We’ll be doing Athens to Naxos, Naxos to Santorini, then back to Athens – all ferries. Thank you!
Sorry for the delay – yes, they are requiring a test now but not a self test. They used to but now require a rapid antigen or PCR. However, if you are vaccinated, you are good to go! This is Greece’s official page for travel right now so keep an eye on this – https://travel.gov.gr/
Great, thank you! Yes, I will continue to watch for any updates.
Charlie! Thank you so much for the info. Do you have any info for Zakynthos? I can’t seem to find a rapid testing clinic for our honeymoon trip. Help if you can 🙂
Sincerely, Lailie Prater
Hi, Lailie and congrats on the honeymoon! Check out this place – https://www.zantemedcare.gr/en-clinic-zante-town.php I found them online but don’t have any firsthand knowledge of them. Good place to start, though!
Thanks, any idea if they got antigen tests on Santorini? We fly out from Athen intl on a Saturday and May just do the quick test there before, but not sure how long results take?
Hi, JB – check out this link as there are a couple of recommendations on the list and this is the Santorini airport. https://www.jtr-airport.gr/en/jtr/health–safety-measures
This is SO helpful. I am a little short on time when I am in Athens. Which one would you recommend that is closest to the Acropolis?
Hmm, I am not really sure since these sites have all opened up since I was last there. If you are a hotel, show them the list and ask them which they would suggest.