COVID testing is now part of life and most travel routines. In fact, even if you are fully vaccinated, you’ll need a negative COVID test to enter the USA from Athens. Luckily, this process is only difficult if you haven’t planned ahead. So do your homework by checking out this article to learn where to get a COVID test in Athens.
Travel Update: Regardless of vaccination status and nationality, the new testing window requirement for entry to the USA is one day before departure. As a result, this means that you must get tested within 24 hours of your departure. For example, if you leave in the evening on Tuesday, you can get tested as early as Monday morning.
Want to reserve a travel test in advance to return home? We’ve partnered with a local testing site to allow you to reserve before you travel. Click the link below to start the reservation process.
Headed to Athens? Great idea! Check out our Athens guide and tours!
The Best Options for COVID Testing in Athens
Pro Tip: Greek law currently restricts access to most public areas (bars, cafes, retail shops, restaurants, museums, entertainment venues, malls, etc.) to those with proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative Rapid Antigen test no older than 48 hours (negative PCR result within 72 hours).
Currently, it is not possible for Americans to convert CDC Vaccination Record Cards to the EU DCC (COVID Green Pass) in Greece. As a result, the Greek Ministry of Tourism advises fully vaccinated Americans to always carry photo ID (passport), CDC cards (paper or digital), and this vaccination record equivalency clarification press release.
The U.S. Embassy in Greece recommends that fully vaccinated Americans print out and carry the official clarification in Greek and English in the event they encounter any hesitancy upon presenting their ID and CDC cards at public locations.
Finally, if you test negative on arrival at Athens International Airport, you can also access a temporary EU DCC via your Passenger Locator Form (PLF). However, this is only valid for up to 48 hours at most as it does not cover vaccination records. Check out the PLF Homepage for more information.
3. Greek National Tourism Organization COVID Testing Center Database
Many Options | Easy Access | Appointments Generally Required
Different medical groups offer multiple clinics, labs, and diagnostic centers where you can get a COVID test. Fortunately, the Greek National Tourism Organization released a list of COVID-19 testing sites to take a PCR or Antigen (rapid) test.
Furthermore, the database is broken down by region (Greater Athens is first). Most locations require appointments and offer both Rapid Antigen and PCR tests. Moreover, you can find both addresses and contact information for each location on the above link.
Prices vary depending on location and the type of test you choose. However, the Greek government capped the cost of Rapid Antigen tests at €20. In other words, a Rapid Antigen test should cost no more than 10-20€.
Travel hack: Tired of scrolling through the list? Unsure which location is closest to you? Fear not! You have other options. For example, the Greek National Tourism Organization’s Visit Greece app contains an interactive map of COVID-19 testing locations across Athens and the rest of Greece. Download the Visit Greece App wherever you get your apps.
Want an easier way to reserve a test in advance? Click the below button and reserve your test online now!
2. IASYS Medical Diagnostic Center
Centrally Located | Rapid Results | Appointment Required
IASYS is in central Athens just one metro stop from Syntagma Square. They offer a helpful online booking platform. You have the option to take a Rapid Antigen, Classic PCR, or the faster and pricier Rapid PCR (same day result if taken before 1:30 P.M.).
Rapid Antigen Test results are generally available within 15 minutes and accessible via email.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 A.M. until 8 P.M. Saturday 9 A.M. until 2 P.M.
Cost: 10-100€
1. Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (AIA)
Convenient | 24/7 | Reservation Required
The most convenient testing option is in Athens International Airport. Personally, I rely on this service any time I travel from Athens to the USA.
On arrival at the airport, simply take an elevator, stairs, or escalator from Departures to Arrivals. You will find the testing area at Arrivals between exit points 2 and 3. There will also be signage directing you to the check-in counters. Moreover, the site is administered by the Athens Medical Group (AMG).
Rapid Antigen and PCR tests are available here 24/7 as well as on all holidays. Furthermore, you can make a reservation and prepay on the Athens Medical Group online booking platform.
You’ll get an email with the necessary security code to access your test results. At that point, you’re all set to go to the check-in counter for your flight!
Cost: 20-60€
Pro Tip: Check with your airline if traveling within Greece/onward within Europe or the Middle East from Athens for testing requirements and possible testing discounts through airline partners.
Finally, inexpensive COVID self-tests (from €5) are readily available at pharmacies across Athens for added peace of mind during your stay. However, these tests are generally not accepted for travel requirements.
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