Movement Between Mainland & Hydra Banned Till 10th May

Has Greece Been Open For Tourism Since the 19th of April? No, Not Really! 

As of today, the 23rd of April 2021, the movement between prefectures, including to and from the islands, is completely banned, except for work (with online permits) or vital health reasons, until the 10th of May 2021.

Anyone who arrived on Hydra recently using their 'once only, return to permanent home' reason for coming to Hydra will now have to stay until the movement ban ends on the 10th of May. 

Even though the government seemed reluctant to say it, I suspect the intention of relaxing the border restrictions from the 19th of April was more to allow essential workers and business owners to get back into the county than to invite holidaymakers specifically. Greeks aren't allowed to travel freely in their own country until after the 10th of May unless it's for essential or emergency reasons. So that's a big hint that despite the relaxation of self-isolation rules for EU countries, the US & UK etc., these 'essential or emergency' reasons apply to tourists as well.

Specifically for Hydra, travel into the country since the 19th of April without self-isolating or proving residency has been vital for business owners. Many holiday-letting homeowners, shopkeepers and hoteliers have been desperate to get back to the island to prepare their businesses for the holiday season. Many companies on the island need to get their staff back so they can operate. Having been closed for six months, everyone needs to get up to speed with supplies, not all of which can be ordered online but need meetings with suppliers. These are all 'essential' business reasons that require more freedom of movement. So allowing border crossings by air and land since the 19th of April without 7-days isolation was an essential move toward getting Hydra (and the rest of the country) ready to open for tourism after the 14th of May safely.

And now that the complete ban on movement between the mainland and Hydra is in place, it is impossible for anyone to travel to Hydra even if they own a home here. There will no doubt be some indignant people who intended travelling this week. But even if you show your E1, E9, Title Deeds and all your other documents, you won't be able to say you're returning to your permanent home simply because it's not allowed and would beg the question of why you weren't already in it! Again, the earliest time you will be able to return to Hydra legitimately will be the 10th of May. And tourists from the 14th of May 2021.

In an interview, the prime minister set the general tone: "Do not have any doubt that there will be strict controls at the exit from the cities, especially at the exit from Athens", he said, warning that "the fines will be hefty".

As for the alternative route to Hydra, umm think again. There will be strict controls on the tolls along the national roads Athens - Corinth where Traffic Police will carry out meticulous checks on each passing driver and passengers.