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Updated 22 January 2021

After months of dormancy due to the raging pandemic, the travel industry is gearing up for a return to small normalcy with borders reopening, easing of quarantine requirements, and the creation of travel bubbles. Travelers around the world are now keen to find out if, when and where they can travel abroad. One country that’s been on many travel wishlist is Greece. Can anyone travel to Greece now?

Who can travel to Greece?

In accordance with the Greek government’s decisions, there is a ban of entry applying to all non-EU citizens until 21 January 2021, as announced by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. Certain exemptions applicable as follows:

Exemptions apply for citizens and permanent residents from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

In order to prove their place of residence, third-country nationals may present their residence permit, work permit, identity card, driving license or other documents, provided that it states place of residence.

Also exempted from the restrictions are:

  • EU member states nationals & the Schengen agreement, including their spouses or persons with whom they have a cohabitation agreement, as well as their minor children.
  • Passengers travelling for essential reasons, including health issues, business purposes, imperative family reasons, persons in need for international protection
  • Medical & nursing staff, researchers & health professionals if they demonstrate at the points of entry evidence of their professional status and provided that their entry into the country relates to the exercise of their duties.
    Long—term residents or EU member states or Schengen agreement and 3rd country nationals holding a residence permit or in EU member state or Schengen agreement.
  • Members of government delegations
  • Members of diplomatic delegations or consulate authorities & delegations, members of international & European organizations, members of humanitarian organizations performing their duties, military & security forces officials & of general secretariat of civil protection.
  • Personnel employed in the transport section, including seamen, aircraft crews and the crews and technical personnel of the leased aircraft firefighting equipment, lorry drivers & the absolutely necessary support staff for the transport of goods.
  • Transit passengers
  • Students
  • Persons caring for the elderly & people with disability (disabled)
  • Seasonal workers in the field of agriculture

The above persons are obliged to display documents & undergo laboratory medical examination. Third-country nationals subject to prohibition herein have the right to submit a request to the Greek consular authority of their place of residence or stay for their exceptional entry in the country for business or personal reasons.

 

Do I need to quarantine if I travel to Greece?

The following restrictions apply upon entry into the Hellenic Republic to any individual regardless of nationality:

All passengers arriving from the United Kingdom regardless of nationality will be subjected to Covid-19 diagnostic rapid test & are required to remain in isolation under quarantine for precautionary reasons for seven (7) days upon arrival at their place of residence, as declared in the submitted Passenger Locator Form (PLF), except if their stay in Greece is less, and thus the restriction applies for that period.

In addition to the negative molecular test result (PCR) for Covid-19 conducted up to 72 hours before arrival, a respective negative molecular test result (PCR) is required at the end of the seven (7) day quarantine period to release the restriction.

All arriving international travelers to Greece are required to produce the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours prior to departure. The generated QR code will be scanned upon arrival, and travelers will be directed to the exit or screening area accordingly.

 

Are there flights to Greece now?

Inbound international flights from the list of approved countries are now allowed into all airports in Greece. Eligible travellers should be able to find and book flights to Greece’s major international airports in Athens and Thessaloniki.

However, domestic flights across Greece are currently subject to restrictions. As per the relevant governmental decision, until 25 January 2021 (06:00 in the morning), only essential travel properly documented is allowed for passengers on all domestic flights. Essential travel should include travel for health issues, business purposes, for imperative family reasons and return to their permanent residence.

 

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