Greece: Authorities to tighten some domestic COVID-19 measures from July 8 /update 64

Event

Authorities plan to reintroduce some restrictions on domestic activity from July 8 in response to a recent rise in COVID-19 case numbers. From that date, bars and restaurants will only be permitted to provide service to seated customers. As of July 7, most businesses and services are permitted to operate subject to social distancing requirements. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. In addition, workers must regularly test themselves for COVID-19 unless they have completed a full course of vaccination at least 15 days ago. Restaurants may seat up to 10 persons at a table. Up to 300 people will be permitted in outdoor reception areas and up to 120 people per 1,000 square meters (3280 square feet) on public beaches.

Tighter local restrictions will be imposed in areas experiencing higher COVID-19 activity. Details of regional COVID-19 case numbers and associated restrictions are available here.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities are maintaining numerous other international entry restrictions. Only citizens of EEA-associated countries, as well as those of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Moldova, Montenegro, Lebanon, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Rwanda, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, and the US, can enter Greece, provided they possess a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours or 48 hours before arrival, respectively, or an official document certifying that they have recently recovered from COVID-19.

All arrivals must complete Greece's Passenger Locator Form (PLF) detailing the place and duration of their stay. Travelers may be selected to undergo a rapid test upon arrival; travelers found positive will need to self-isolate for either seven days if they are vaccinated or 10 days if they are not.

Travelers to any of the Greek islands, including those traveling domestically, must fill out a special sea travel COVID-19 declaration and possess either a certificate of vaccination, a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test no older than 72 hours, a negative rapid test taken within 24 hours, or evidence that they have recently recovered from COVID-19. The Promachonas and Ormenio land border crossings with Bulgaria operate 24/7, while the Nimfea crossing with Bulgaria and the Evzonoi border crossing with North Macedonia operate 07:00-23:00 daily.

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)
Passenger Locator Form
Sea Travel Form
Schengen Area Countries