The Touristic Info Halkidiki informs: Mount Athos - Stay permit Diamonitirion

To visit Mount Athos with its monasteries you need a Diamonitirion. The Diamonitirion is handed to the pilgrims in Ouranoupolis at the resident police upon presentation of their identification and payment of 35€ (value of 2006) only in person. For non-Orthodox t his requires the written application from the office for entry permissions to Mount Athos in Thessaloniki Egnatia 109 54635 (can be applied in Greek and English).
After the application, the staff of the Office decide whether the requested entry data (maximum of 4 days stay) is possible, because every day a maximum of 12 non-Orthodox people are only allowed to visit the monastic republic! You can also call in advance at the office - number from abroad: 0030 - 2310 252578 - at the following times: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 14.00 clock, and synchronize your data with the staff (which is possible in English and Greek) .

When you have passed the first hurdle, you must copy your passport and send the copy (picture and personal data) with the informal request by mail to the above address. In general, a reply will be sent then from the office, which explains how to proceed. In any case, you should inquire around 4 weeks before the scheduled departure again by telephone, if everything is as scheduled. With the confirmation letter that you must pick up yourself, you can then travel to Ouranoupolis and exchange the confirmation letter at the local police with the Diamonitirion after a payment of 35€. From there you go to the office of the ferry and buy a ticket. The boats leave daily at 9.30 clock.

On Mount Athos, you should always carry the Diamonitirion with you, as the monks normally want to see it, before granting admission to the monastery.

If that all seems too complicated or too expensive, you can also contact us and we will organize your stay on the monastic republic. Just write to us a few lines with your needs in the contact form on our main page.