Greece faced a significant challenge with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a country heavily reliant on its tourism sector, managing a global health crisis presented unique circumstances. This article examines Greece’s public health strategies, societal impacts, and how these measures shaped the experience of residents and travelers.
Greece’s Initial Response and Key Phases
Greece recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 case on February 26, 2020. Swift action followed, with the cancellation of all carnival events by February 27, despite only three confirmed cases. This early, decisive response aimed to contain the virus’s spread, acknowledging the country’s vulnerable public healthcare system.
The government implemented a series of escalating measures. By March 10, with 89 reported cases and no deaths, all schools and universities nationwide were closed. This was quickly followed by the closure of movie theaters, gyms, courtrooms, malls, cafes, restaurants, bars, beauty parlors, museums, and archaeological sites by March 13. A full nationwide lockdown, prohibiting non-essential movement, was enforced on March 23, 2020, when cases reached 695 with 17 deaths. These proactive and strict interventions were credited internationally for slowing the disease’s spread and maintaining a low death toll compared to other European nations.
Specific Public Health Measures
Greece implemented a range of public health measures. Strict lockdowns were a primary tool, with the first national lockdown lasting 42 days, from March 23 to May 4, 2020. During this period, citizens needed special permits via SMS to leave their homes for specific reasons like work or essential shopping. These measures effectively contained the initial wave.
Mask mandates became compulsory on public transport, at airports, on airplanes, and in all public indoor spaces, including supermarkets, banks, and places of worship, from mid-July 2020. Social distancing guidelines were also enforced. Testing strategies included contact tracing for confirmed cases, with all contacts being tested and isolated. For international arrivals, protocols included mandatory Passenger Locator Forms (PLFs) and testing requirements.
The national vaccination campaign, named “Freedom” (Sxedio Eleutheria), commenced on December 27, 2020. The rollout prioritized population groups in phases. Phase one focused on healthcare workers, residents, and staff in care facilities, and government personnel in essential functions, starting nationwide on January 4, 2021. Vaccination eligibility then expanded to older and younger age groups in subsequent weeks, utilizing vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
Impact on Key Sectors and Daily Life
The pandemic significantly impacted Greece’s economy, particularly its tourism sector, which accounts for approximately 20% of the country’s GDP. In 2020, international tourist arrivals plummeted by an estimated 70% to 80% compared to 2019 levels. International tourism receipts in 2020 were only about 23.76% of the 2019 figures, with significant declines observed in accommodation, food and beverage services, and transport.
Businesses across various sectors faced limitations or cessation of operations. Greece’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by an estimated 8.2% in 2020, one of the largest declines in the Eurozone. While employment support measures prevented large-scale dismissals, unemployment remained high, reaching 16.2% in the third quarter of 2020. Daily life for citizens shifted dramatically, with widespread adoption of remote work and distance learning for schools and universities during lockdowns.
Current Status and Travel Considerations
As of late 2024 and early 2025, Greece has significantly eased its COVID-19 restrictions. Travelers arriving in Greece are no longer required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). There is also no longer a mandatory requirement to display a valid vaccination or recovery certificate, or a negative test result for SARS-CoV-2 (PCR or rapid antigen test) upon entry, regardless of the country of origin.
While most travel restrictions have been lifted, visitors are encouraged to stay informed of any potential changes. Current public health recommendations in Greece include mandatory mask-wearing only in healthcare facilities and nursing homes. Daily life reflects a return to pre-pandemic routines, though public health awareness remains. Travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before departure, beginning in 2025, for stays up to 90 days.