Greece
Travel restrictions
As of July 1st 2020, flights have resumed to most Greek airports.
From March 15th 2022 onwards, travelers visiting Greece are no longer required to fill out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
Additionally, as of May 1st 2022 and for as long as the epidemiological data allow so, all travelers arriving in Greece, regardless of their country of origin, are no longer required to display a valid certificate of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, or evidence of a negative test result from SARS-CoV-2 infection (PCR or Rapid Antigen test).
However, a simplified PLF remains in operation, the completion of which is OPTIONAL, for the sole purpose of enabling the traveler / family to issue an EU Certificate of negative or positive COVID-19 test result.
Travelers, who decide to fill out the simplified form, will receive the PLF with their unique Quick Response (QR) code via email (the QR code will be provided in a link in the email).
The PLF can also be found at travel.gov.gr.
It is strongly recommended that all visitors download the Visit Greece app (GDPR compliant) for free, prior to their arrival in Greece.
Measures taken by the government
Face masks are no longer required in most indoor spaces in Greece, including restaurants, schools, museums, and most businesses. Masks are not required on planes or intercity public transport, where the seats of the passengers are numbered.
Masks are still required in healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and nursing homes. Masks are also required on taxis and urban public transport (metro, electric railway, buses, trolleybuses, trams), as well as ferries.
Greek authorities continue to enforce other restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including restrictions on certain business and entertainment operations, restrictions on the size of gatherings, and capacity limitations for public transport and businesses.
All passengers traveling to mainland and island destinations by any transport means (train, bus, plane, or ship), must provide the following documents, depending on their age group, as described on the GreeceHealthFirst.gr website:
- Individuals aged 12 and above: Proof of full vaccination at least 14 days prior to travel; or A negative PCR test no older than 72 hours; or A negative antigen (rapid) test no older than 48 hours; or Documentation by a health care professional of recovery from COVID-19 within the previous 2-9 months.
- Minors from 4 to 11 years old: Any of the documents listed above for adults; or A self-test taken no more than 24 hours before boarding. Self-test results must be reported by printing and filling out the Self-Test Declaration form.
Passengers traveling to Greek islands must fill in the Pre-boarding Health Declaration questionnaire (on their cell phone/tablet or on paper) within 24 hrs before their embarkation.
Visitors entering by air, land, or sea may be subject to random tests upon arrival. In the event of a positive result, they will be contacted and placed on a minimum 5 day quarantine, beginning with the next day of the positive test result. Travelers should be prepared to cover all expenses of their quarantine period, which might be prolonged if the symptoms persist. It is highly recommended that all travelers consider obtaining travel insurance that includes COVID-19 medical fees and expenses.
Testing
COVID-19 tests are available at many major hospitals in Greece, as well as the Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (at Arrivals level between entrances 2-3). Testing is paid by the individual being tested. The cost for COVID-19 PCR tests is capped at 60 euros.
Patients needing COVID-19 tests or exhibiting possible symptoms may contact the COVID-19 hotline at 1135 for guidance on testing and referral for medical care.
Travelers are recommended to contact testing centers in advance for appointments and not expect to be able to test and receive results the day of travel.
Test results may be delivered by e-mail or in hard copy provided in person; consult with the testing facility regarding the method results are communicated for your specific circumstance.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
While in Greece, if you notice any symptoms related to COVID-19, please call the National Public Health Organization in 1135.
Source:
Destination Greece - Health First https://greecehealthfirst.gr/
Published on July 8th 2022 (checked on August 10th 2022)
US Embassy in Greece https://gr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on August 3rd 2022 (checked on August 10th 2022)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx