Greece: Authorities to lift certain COVID-19-related restrictions in high-risk areas from Oct. 8 /update 76

Event

Authorities in Greece announced plans to lift certain restrictions imposed on high-risk ''red'' areas. From Oct. 8, officials will end the nightly curfew in red areas and allow bars and restaurants to play music.

Most businesses and facilities nationwide are operating subject to health controls including social distancing requirements and capacity limits. Proof of vaccination against, recovery from, or recently testing negative for COVID-19 is required to access many facilities in Greece; some facilities will only accept proof of a negative test result or vaccination. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed and crowded outdoor public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
Only citizens of EEA-associated countries, and 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, Taiwan, Turkey, the UAE, Ukraine, the UK, and the US, can enter Greece. Except as indicated otherwise, travelers must 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 result as well as a vaccine certificate. Unvaccinated travelers arriving by air from Albania, Argentina, Bulgaria, Brazil, China, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, India, Libya, Morocco, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE must take a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport; individuals who possess a certificate of having recovered from the disease within the last six months are exempt. Travelers who test positive will need to take a PCR test to confirm the initial result; those who test positive in this second test must self-isolate for 10 days.

All arrivals must complete Greece's Passenger Locator Form (PLF) detailing the location and duration of their stay. Authorities may require travelers to undergo a rapid test upon arrival; those who test positive must self-isolate for seven days if vaccinated or 10 days if unvaccinated.

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 the previous 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