Greece Extends the Ban on American Tourists (and others) Until at Least August 31

Here is a new one and perhaps an indication that Greece realizes that tourists from abroad have given up on Greece this summer. Normally, the European Commission has encouraged the European countries to join the constant extension on the ban for most travelers from around the world and Greece has pushed back at that. Now, Greece is extending this ban themselves.

Greece Extends the Ban on Travelers From All Over the World

Read: Traveling to Greece in August? Here is What You Should Know

This week, Greece extended the ban on people from countries not on the list of approved countries. This latest ban extension is in place until at least August 31.

This ban joins an update on Greece not allowing flights from Turkey until August 31 as well (though this may have more to do with escalating tensions between the countries instead of being related to coronavirus numbers).

Here are the 11 countries that Greece will allow visitors from (but keep in mind that ALL visitors need to fill out the PLF form at least 24 hours before arriving in Greece):

• Australia
• Canada
• Georgia
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Rwanda
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Tunisia
• Uruguay
• United Arab Emirates

By the way, you will not be able to enter one of those countries and then travel to Greece as you will have to show proof of residency in one of the above countries.

The Exceptions to the Ban to Enter Greece

However, there are several exceptions to this ban, even if you are coming from a country that is currently not on the approved list.

• Nationals of EU member states and the Schengen Agreement, including their spouses or persons with whom they have entered into a cohabitation agreement, as well as their (underage) children.
• Medical and nursing staff, researchers and professionals in the field of health, provided that they show their license to practice or other appropriate documents proving their professional status at Greece’s points of entry; and provided that their entry into the country is connected with the practice of their professional duties.
• Long-term residents of the EU or Schengen Member States and third-country nationals holding a residence permit in the EU or Schengen Member States.
• Members of: government missions, diplomatic or consular authorities and missions, international and European organizations, humanitarian organizations in the performance of their duties.
• Military and security personnel and staff of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
• Personnel employed in the field of transport, including seafarers, aircraft crews, crews and hired flight personnel firefighters.
• Drivers of lorries (and their necessary personnel) passing through the country to transport goods.
• Transit passengers, students, elderly carers and people with disabilities, as well as and seasonal agricultural workers.

Bottom Line

Most Americans had already given up hope of a summer holiday in Greece and this basically seals that dashed hope. But, for families in the US who normally visit Greece each year, this extension is something that is disappointing, for sure.