In this section, Fulbright Greece presents resources on COVID-19 for its U.S./Greek Fulbright Community and EducationUSA advisees.
Important notice about travel: from the U.S. to Greece and from Greece to the U.S
Due to the COVID-19 impact on international travel, regularly check updates regarding requirements for traveling to and entering Greece.
Important updates and information can be found on the U.S. Embassy in Athens and Hellenic Republic Ministry of Tourism websites:
https://gr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
https://travel.gov.gr/#/
Fulbright Scholarship Programs for U.S. and Greek Citizens
Fulbright Greece continues to monitor COVID-19 in the United States and around the world and the status of U.S. and Greek higher education institutions, taking all necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of its grantees and staff. It is important that Fulbright grantees and candidates remain flexible and aware that this is an evolving situation. We will keep you posted on any developments that we deem may have an impact on your exchange experience in the U.S / Greece.
During these uncertain times, it may be helpful to remember that throughout its 75-year history, the Fulbright Program has persisted despite myriad challenges. In that spirit, the sponsors of the Fulbright Program, including the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB), the Fulbright Foundation in Greece, the Hellenic Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs, and our cooperating agencies in the United States are working together to ensure the Fulbright Program continues to operate successfully.
However, none of these organizations, namely the U. S. Department of State, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB), the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Fulbright Foundation Greece or U.S. Embassy will be liable for any claim or claims resulting from a grantee's failure to enter upon or to complete their exchange program, even though the failure may be beyond the grantee’s control.
U.S. to Greece: Preparing for your Fulbright Grant in Greece
Like the rest of the world, Greece was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020. The country went into a national lockdown in March 2020, before slowly reopening over the summer. A second wave in the autumn led to a second lockdown in autumn 2020 and caused the deferral of the 2020-21 Fulbright U.S. Student and Scholar Program. Greece began vaccinating its population against COVID-19 in January 2021. Most restrictions have been lifted but face masks are still required in all public transportation and are highly recommended in stores, offices and generally in crowded areas.
To learn more about the impact of COVID-19 in Greece visit the National Public Health Organization and the U.S. Embassy in Greece – Covid-19 information
The health and safety of U.S. Fulbright grantees and their dependents is a top priority for the Fulbright program. It is also our responsibility as a global community to curb the further spread of Covid-19 and to ensure public safety. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date on local and international guidelines and restrictions prior to traveling to Greece by visiting the U.S. Embassy in Athens website
Greece to the U.S.: Preparing for your Fulbright Grant in the U.S.
Greek grantees planning their 2022-2023 grant periods should keep in mind that U.S. COVID-19 related policies have greatly relaxed in regard to visa issuance and travel but it is important that you keep informed about federal, state and institutional directives and regulations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescinded an Order on June 12, 2022 and proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the U.S. is no longer required.
Studies in the U.S. EducationUSA
Fulbright Greece supports the public by offering many of its services virtually. Services include advising on Studies in the USA. Students can regularly visit the Foundation's website and register for any of the scheduled Virtual Group Advising Sessions.
Phone support is also possible Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am - 2:30 pm and email communication is available on weekdays.
Fulbright Greece provides online services and assistance to scholarship candidates, students, parents and all interested parties.
Header Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash