Today, 13 May 2026, marks the final day to submit applications for the Social Tourism Programme run by Greece’s Public Employment Service (DYPA). The initiative is exclusively open to pensioners who were formerly self-employed and were insured under the former OAEE — now integrated into e-EFKA.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible beneficiaries are e-EFKA pensioners (ex-OAEE) required to pay a symbolic €1 contribution toward this specific benefit, as confirmed by DYPA in its official announcement.
Applications must be submitted online via the government services portal: https://www.gov.gr/ipiresies/ergasia-kai-asphalise/apozemioseis-kai-parokhes/programmata-koinonikou-tourismou-gia-suntaxioukhous-eephka-proen-oaee. The application window opened on 4 May 2026.
Programme Details
The programme runs for 13 months, beginning on 1 June 2026. This extended timeframe allows pensioners to choose travel dates aligned with their preferences — whether summer holidays during peak season or quieter winter getaways.
Free accommodation is available for up to:
- 10 nights on the islands of Leros, Lesvos, Chios, Kos, Samos, and Rhodes;
- 12 nights in municipalities across Northern Evia, Evros, and Thessaly (excluding the Sporades).
Additionally, beneficiaries receive a unique voucher number — one per person — enabling up to 6 nights’ stay at any accommodation registered in DYPA’s official Providers Registry. These stays require minimal personal contribution, arranged directly between the beneficiary and the provider.
Enhanced Subsidies During Peak Periods
Subsidies increase by 20% for travel during high-demand periods: August 2026, Christmas (15 December 2026 to 14 January 2027), and Easter (23 April to 9 May 2027). For accommodations in Northern Evia, Evros, and Thessaly (excluding the Sporades), the 20% uplift applies year-round.
Subsidies also extend to ferry tickets: beneficiaries cover 25% of the fare, while ferry travel is fully covered for people with disabilities.
Selection Criteria
Beneficiaries are selected through an objective, transparent points-based system managed by DYPA’s Integrated Information System (OIS). Points are awarded based on criteria including disability status, single parenthood, number of children, household income, and whether it’s the applicant’s first time participating — or if they did not qualify in the two previous rounds due to low scoring.
This year introduces a new provision: multi-child parents (large families) are exempt from the points system and may participate directly, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Individuals already receiving support from any other social tourism programme for the same period are not eligible to join.
For further details, visit DYPA’s dedicated page: https://www.dypa.gov.gr/koinonikos-toyrismos-ghia-sintaksioukhoys-e-efka-prwin-oaee.