Diamonitirion: How to Get the Mount Athos Entry Permit (2025 Guide)
The Diamonitirion is the official entry permit required to visit Mount Athos, a self-governed monastic peninsula in northern Greece. Think of it as a visa — but one rooted in spiritual reverence, not just travel.
Whether you're planning a pilgrimage or are simply curious, this guide explains what the Diamonitirion is, who can get one, how to apply, and what to expect on the day of your visit.
What Is the Diamonitirion?
Mount Athos is not an ordinary travel destination — it’s a monastic republic where entry is highly regulated. The Diamonitirion is:
- A mandatory entry permit for all male visitors.
- Issued by the Mount Athos Pilgrims’ Bureau in Thessaloniki.
- Collected in-person at the Pilgrims’ Office in Ouranoupoli, the port town at the gateway to Mount Athos.
- Printed on parchment paper and signed by the Holy Epistasia (the monastic governing body).
It includes your name, nationality, religion, entry date, and which type of permit you've been granted.
Why Is the Diamonitirion Required?
Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a spiritual refuge that preserves Byzantine monastic life. The Diamonitirion:
- Limits daily visitors to protect the spiritual integrity of the peninsula.
- Ensures respectful entry for pilgrims, with visitors seen as guests of the Virgin Mary.
- Helps monasteries prepare for hospitality.
Who Can Visit Mount Athos?
- Only men aged 18 and above are allowed.
- Boys under 18 may enter only with their father and special permission.
- Women are strictly prohibited from entering, a rule known as the Avaton.
Types of Diamonitirion
General Diamonitirion (Standard)
- Access to all 20 monasteries and most sketes.
- Limited to 120 permits per day (including 10 for non-Orthodox).
- Valid for up to 3 nights.
- You must book accommodations separately by contacting each monastery in advance.
Private Diamonitirion (Invitation)
- Issued directly by a specific monastery.
- No daily limit.
- Allows a 1–3-night stay only in that specific monastery.
- Requires a personal invitation from the monastery (usually via email or phone).
- Can be issued even when general permits are fully booked.
How to Apply for a Diamonitirion
When to Start
- 3 to 6 months in advance is best, especially for high season (April–October).
- Avoid last-minute applications — spots fill quickly.
Application Method
Send an email to athosreservation@gmail.com with the following information:
- Full Name (as in passport)
- Date of Birth
- Passport Number and Country
- Religion / Denomination (e.g., Orthodox, Catholic)
- Nationality
- Intended Entry Date(s)
- Scan or photo of your passport
- Email and phone number
Sample Email to Request a Diamonitirion
You can send your request email in either Greek or English. Below is a sample email template in English. Feel free to copy and use it — just make sure to replace the placeholder data with your own details.
Copy and paste the text below into your email editor and edit it before sending it to athosreservation@gmail.com:
Subject: Diamonitirion Request – John Smith – Entry: June 12, 2025 Dear Pilgrims’ Bureau, I would like to request a Diamonitirion for a visit to Mount Athos. Name: John Smith Date of Birth: 01/01/1985 Passport No: X12345678 Country: United States Religion: Orthodox Christian Nationality: American Intended Entry Date: June 12, 2025 Intended Exit Date: June 15, 2025 Phone: +1 555 123456 Email: john@example.com Please find attached a copy of my passport. Sincerely, John Smith
Cost of the Diamonitirion (2025)
| Visitor Type | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Orthodox Christian | €25 |
| Non-Orthodox | €30 |
| Students | €10 (with ID) |
| Families with 4+ children | Free |
Payment is made in cash at the Ouranoupoli Pilgrims’ Office on the morning of your entry.
Bring exact change if possible.
Where to Collect the Diamonitirion
You must collect your Diamonitirion in person at the Mount Athos Pilgrims’ Office in Ouranoupoli on the morning of your entry. Be sure to bring your passport and payment in cash. Below you’ll find the exact location marked on the map:
Boarding the Ferry to Mount Athos
- Show your Diamonitirion and passport to board.
- Ferries leave from Ouranoupoli to Dafni Port (main entry port).
- Book ferry tickets in advance, especially in peak season.
- Keep the Diamonitirion with you at all times during your visit.
Pro Tips for Pilgrims
- Make backup copies (paper + photo) of your Diamonitirion.
- Contact monasteries in advance to reserve rooms.
- Avoid visiting during Orthodox feast days, unless you have bookings — monasteries may be full.
- Bring a flashlight, snacks, and cash — no ATMs on Mount Athos.
- Use modest clothing: long pants, no shorts, no sleeveless shirts.
Contact Information for Mount Athos Pilgrims' Bureau and Office
Mount Athos Pilgrims' Bureau in Thessaloniki
Here pilgrims book diamonitirions
Postal Address: ΙΕΡΑ ΕΠΙΣΤΑΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΟΡΟΥΣ - ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΠΡΟΣΚΥΝΗΤΩΝ, 109 Egnatia str., 546 22, Thessaloniki, GreeceOpening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9:00am to 4:00pm, Sat: 9:00am to 2:00pm, Closed on official holidays.
Tel: +30 2310252578, +30 2310252575
Fax: +30 2310222424
Email: athosreservation@gmail.com
Pilgrims' Office in Ouranoupoli
Here pilgrims receive diamonitirions and pay for them
Postal Address: ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΠΡΟΣΚΥΝΗΤΩΝ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΟΡΟΥΣ, 630 75, Ouranoupoli, GreeceOpening Hours: Mon – Fri: 05:30 – 13:00, Sat: 06:00 - 13:00, Sun: 08:00 - 13:00.
Tel: +30 2377071421
Fax: +30 2377071421
Email: officepilgrims@gmail.com