Following consultations with the relevant ministries (Health and Tourism), a highly productive meeting took place between the President of Elitour, Mr. George Patoulis, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. George Gerapetritis. During the meeting, Mr. Patoulis, who also serves as the President of Athens Medical Association, presented the initiatives of the Greek Health Tourism Council – Elitour, aimed at establishing Greece as a leading global destination for Health Tourism, Wellness, and Longevity. He also outlined measures to facilitate the travel of individuals worldwide who wish to benefit from the health services offered by Greece.
Specifically, Mr. Patoulis provided a comprehensive briefing to the Minister on the issue of introducing a Medical Visa for patients-tourists who wish to visit Greece for medical tourism. As Mr. Patoulis highlighted, recent visits abroad, in the context of international tourism exhibitions and workshops organized by Elitour, have revealed a significant challenge faced by citizens from non-Schengen countries who wish to travel to Greece. Many visa applications from these countries are either rejected or experience lengthy delays, leading health tourists to choose alternative destinations for medical tourism.
The proposed Medical Visa would serve as a short-term visa issued exclusively for medical treatment purposes, addressing this critical issue.
In response, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gerapetritis, assured the President of Elitour that positive developments regarding the Medical Visa are expected soon.
Elitour continues its efforts with unwavering dedication, and the State’s initiatives will further facilitate the developmental endeavors undertaken by the Greek Health Tourism Council.