Greece: Domestic and international flight restrictions extended until Feb. 15 and 22, respectively, to stem the spread of COVID-19 /update 43

Event

Greece has extended flight restrictions imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Domestic flight restrictions have been extended until Feb. 15, while international flight restrictions have been extended until Feb. 22.

The domestic flight restrictions prohibit nonessential travel. Only essential trips will be permitted including travel for healthcare, family responsibility, essential business, and to return to a permanent residence.

Under the international flight restrictions, all international arrivals must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and self-isolate for seven days. Additionally, all arrivals from the UK must take a rapid antigen test upon entry; random checks of arrivals from other locations will also take place. A second test, taken up to seven days after arrival, may be applicable. Should a traveler receive a positive test result, they must self-isolate for at least 14 days. All international travelers must also complete Greece's Passenger Locator Form.

Entry remains prohibited for all non-EEA nationals with certain exemptions, such as healthcare workers, permanent residents of an EU or Schengen Area country, diplomats, student visa holders, seasonal workers, passengers in transit, and transport workers. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, the UAE, and the UK are also exempt from the travel ban. Flights connecting with Turkey remain suspended. Additionally, all land border crossings - with the exception of the Promachonas crossing with Bulgaria - remain closed to nonessential traffic.

Authorities in Greece previously tightened domestic restrictions in areas with increasing infection rates Feb. 5. In the regions of Attica (which includes Athens), Thessaloniki, and Halkidiki, weekend curfew hours are increased to 1800-0500, all nonessential businesses must close on weekends, and high schools must switch to distance learning. In the municipalities of Thira, Mykonos, Chaldika, Patras, and Agios Nikolaos, all nonessential shops must close and nonessential movement into or out of the municipalities is prohibited. These tougher measures are in place until at least Feb. 15.

National measures that remain in effect include a daily 2100-0500 curfew during which individuals may only leave their homes for essential reasons, such as performing their employment duties or seeking medical assistance. Prior to leaving their homes during curfew hours, residents must receive approval from authorities by sending a text message to 13033 or obtain a certificate from their employer. Officials may grant text-based requests for essential reasons, including medical appointments, or exercise; shoppers must register via text before setting out and then have a maximum of two hours in which to complete their trip. Residents are currently barred from leaving their home prefectures, except for essential purposes, including work. Nonessential domestic flights are currently suspended. Facemasks are mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public settings.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Greek Government Coronavirus Portal (Greek)
Financial Measures Introduced by Authorities
World Health Organization (WHO)
General Secretariat for Civil Protection
Passenger Locator Form
Schengen Area Countries