In the coming days, the relevant Greek ministries are set to sign a joint ministerial decision imposing increased disembarkation fees on cruise passengers arriving at Greek ports.

According to Kathimerini, this measure aims to ease overcrowding at already saturated cruise destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, while also boosting revenue to fund vital infrastructure projects in these ports and support local tourism services. The new policy will take effect starting July 1st.

The law establishing this fee was passed back in 2024 and announced by the Prime Minister himself. Now, under the leadership of the government’s cabinet and the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, the final implementing decision is being issued.

What the new fee entails:
Under Article 27 of Law 5162/2024, the fee will be charged per passenger and per port, with rates varying depending on the time of year.

High season (June 1 – September 30):
- €20 per passenger for Mykonos and Santorini
- €5 per passenger for all other ports
Shoulder seasons (October 1 – 31 and April 1 – May 31):
- €12 for Mykonos and Santorini
- €3 for other ports
Winter season (November 1 – March 31):
- €4 for Mykonos and Santorini
- €1 for other ports

All collected revenue will be used to build and upgrade port facilities and related infrastructure, as well as to strengthen Greece’s overall tourism services.