The Greek authorities announced a gradual re-opening schedule beginning May 4.
May 4: Masks are mandatory in supermarkets, taxis, hair salons, hospitals, public transportation, hospitals and enclosed places. Those in violation may be fined 150 Euros. Movement certificates will no longer be required; however, restrictions remain in effect until May 18 that ban movements outside of your local area. Individual outdoor exercise is permitted while organized beaches remain closed. Certain shops will open including: small shops, bookstores, sports stores, garden shops, consumer goods stores, flower shops, electric appliance stores, optical shops, and – by appointment only – hairdressers.
May 11: Retail stores open.
June 1: Malls and year round hotels open.
Social distancing requirements remain in effect. All measures will be evaluated continuously against the COVID-19 infection rate and may change with little or no notice.
For U.S. citizens looking to return home, commercial flights with connections to the United States are available. See possible options on our website.
For inquiries about the $1,200 checks to U.S. citizens, go to the IRS website for specific information on who is eligible and how payment will be disbursed.
For inquiries about your social security number, you must contact the Federal Benefits Unit directly.
The Embassy remains closed for consular appointments. Updates to our operating schedule will be posted on our website when available. We are closed for emergency passports on May 1 in observance of Labor Day.
See our website for the latest COVID-19 information and other topics, including how to request extensions of 90 visa free travel and announcements on any Greek entry requirements for U.S. citizens.
To unsubscribe from U.S. Embassy Athens alerts and messages, click here. Those who previously unsubscribed can expect to be removed from the distribution list by next week.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Athens: +(30) 210-721-2951; AthensAmericanCitizenServices@state.gov
- U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki: +(30) 2310-376-300
- State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Greece Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook
