Athens has opened up for filming since May 18 and is ready to welcome your production again. We’ve relaxed most of our measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Read the guidelines for shooting in the era of the pandemic that were issued by the ministry of Culture here (Unofficial translation by EKOME)
You can now move freely around our beating streets, shop in our stores and neighbourhood markets, sample our vibrant restaurants, bars and cafes, unwind in our public parks, and enjoy our world-famous archeological sites and sun-soaked beaches.
Open-air cinemas have re-opened their doors to share this most treasured summer pastime – and our outstanding museums are back in business too. For now, some indoor venues, such as cinemas and theatres, will remain closed.
Social distancing measures will continue to be practised wherever you go (in tandem with mandatory face masks in certain places) so do keep in mind that this may affect capacity at many venues across the city.
You may also find that some of the local experiences, places and events featured on our site may not be operating yet. Please be patient with us while our resilient capital gets back on its feet. We will, of course, continue to closely monitor the easing of measures to ensure the safety and peace of mind of all visitors and residents.
You can keep reading below for a more detailed list on how Athens continues to combat Covid-19, including the latest information on flights in and out of our city. And be assured that when the time comes, we cannot wait to greet you warmly again, as is the Athenian way.
Your Safety – What you Need to Know when Visiting Athens:
- Social distancing measures and restrictions apply at open-air archaeological sites such as the Acropolis and also museums. Electronic ticket purchases are recommended where possible, along with avoidance of common devices such as tablets and headphones for audio guides. Group tours should be limited to 8.
- There is a table limit of 6 people, except for families with children at cafés, coffee shops and restaurants.
- Organised beaches in the wider Athens area (such as Aktis Vouliagmeni, Asteras and Varkiza Resort) must adhere to a cap of 40 people per 1,000 square meters and a distance of at least 4 metres between umbrellas.
- Cultural sites such as Onassis Stegi, libraries, theatres and creative learning centres remain closed, however, you can enjoy the outdoor spaces and parklands of Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre.
- Gyms, spas and saunas have re-opened.
- The mandatory use of a face mask in public transport, taxis, hospitals, elevators, and recommended when visiting public services such as supermarkets, hairdressers and other retail spaces.
- Social distancing measures are in place in supermarkets and pharmacies allowing one person per 15 square metres. Hand sanitiser pumps have been installed at shop entrances and exits for compulsory use by customers. Cash transactions are to be avoided where possible.
- Churches are open with public services with reduced capacity.
Going to an Event?
Most major public events and many performances in Athens have been postponed or cancelled. Live events are scheduled to resume only in open air venues from 15 July (with a 40 percent capacity). We are doing our best to keep up with this evolving situation, but recommend that you check directly with the event organiser or host venue for confirmation either on their website or Facebook page.
Hotels in and around Athens
Year-round hotels re-opened 1 June; seasonal hotels have been mapped to re-open 1 July, though you may find many opting to wait until later in the season). These eight hotels in the Attica region currently offer essential accommodation:
International Arrivals and Flying in and out of Athens
- Most domestic routes within Greece have been restored. From July 1, Athens International Airport will allow all international flights – except from the UK and Sweden (who will be granted entry on July 15).
- Arrivals from airports not in the EASA affected area list will only be subject to random tests. However, if you originate from an airport on the EASA affected area list, you will be tested upon arrival, entailing an overnight stay at a designated hotel. (If the test is negative, the passenger self-quarantines for 7 days. If the test is positive, the passenger is quarantined under supervision for 14 days). All other visitors will be subject to random tests upon arrival. For more detailed information, read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement here.
- Under new passenger protocols from July 1, all travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 24 hours before entering Greece, providing detailed information on your point of departure, duration of previous stays in other countries, and the address of your stay in Greece. For more details on the new procedures after landing at the arrival gate in Athens, read here.
- Athens International Airport has mapped a COVID-19 Response Plan for sustaining a minimum level of service while preventing the spread of the disease. Find out about the airport’s precautionary measures and the current status of departing and arriving passengers here (Tel. +30 210 353 0000).
- Flight schedules overall have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 situation. For all flight status updates please contact your airline.
- You can find further COVID-19 advice for travellers here.
Referral Hospitals
The following hospitals have been assigned to accept and deal with possible COVID-19 cases:
- Sotiria Hospital, 152 Mesogion.
- Evaggelismos Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilandou.
- Attikon Hospital, 1 Rimini.
- Ano Patisia Municipal Clinic, 4 Sarandaporou.
- NIMTS, 10 Monis Petraki.
- Attica Clinic, G. Gennimata Avenue, Elefsina.
Stay Safe in Athens
In accordance with the safety and precautionary guidelines issued by the WHO, we advise the following measures:
- Remain at least one metre away from other people and avoid all crowded places where possible.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (not your hands) when sneezing or coughing.
- Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
- Persons with a fever higher than 37.5° are strongly recommended to stay at home, limit all social contacts as much as possible, and to seek medical advice.
