Athos authorities supplement entry rules

The Iera Epistasia (Holy Community) of Mount Athos has officially announced new measures regarding access to the mountain, which will come into effect from 1 January 2025. The existing rules (see our Pilgrims Guide) remain unchanged – these rules are additional and designed to improve regulation of larger groups of pilgrims.
Specifically, the maximum number of pilgrims that can be accommodated in the monasteries and monastic settlements of the Holy Mountain will be limited as follows:

• For cenobitic holy sketes – maximum 200 pilgrims per month
• For other sketes – maximum 50 pilgrims per month
• For holy cells – maximum 20 pilgrims per month
  

Furthermore

• Invitations must be sent to the Pilgrims’ Office no later than 12:00 on the day before arrival
• Groups larger than 5 pilgrims are prohibited unless they are students, novices, or military personnel
• Pilgrims’ access will be permitted exclusively based on invitations.
• Moving and requesting accommodation at other cells or monasteries without an official invitation from them is prohibited.
  
  

Additionally, during major feast periods, temporary flexibility will be allowed, but only with approval from the Mt. Athos Pilgrimage Office. All pilgrims must request and receive approval from the Pilgrimage Office by midday at least one day before arrival.