Greece: Authorities extend COVID-19 curfew in Zakynthos and Chania through Aug. 18 /update 69

Event

Greek authorities have extended the COVID-19 curfew in Zakynthos and the Chania region of Crete until 18:00 Aug. 18. The 01:00-06:00 curfew has been in place since Aug. 6 and allows individuals to leave their homes only for essential purposes. In addition, gatherings of more than nine people are prohibited. These measures are also in place until Aug. 17 in the region Heraklion of Crete.

Other restrictions in place nationwide include mandatory use of facemasks in enclosed public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces. Workers must regularly test themselves for COVID-19 unless they have completed a full course of vaccination at least 15 days previously. Areas experiencing higher COVID-19 activity may be subject to tighter restrictions. For details of regional COVID-19 case numbers and associated restrictions, click here.

Nationwide, unvaccinated individuals are subject to tighter restrictions. All patrons seated in indoor areas of certain types of establishments, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes, must show proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19; some establishments may also permit individuals with a recent COVID-19 test. Individuals must upload the required documentation to the COVID Free GR mobile phone application.

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, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, the UAE, Ukraine, 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. Travelers from Russia need to show a negative test in addition to a vaccine certificate.

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 who test positive must 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 taken within the previous 72 hours, a negative rapid test taken within 48 hours, or evidence that they have recently recovered from COVID-19.

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