Greece: Authorities ease COVID-19-related international entry restrictions effective March 15 /update 84

Event

Greece will ease international entry restrictions imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 effective March 15. From this date, travelers will no longer be required to complete a passenger locator form (PLF) before arrival.

Domestic Measures
Officials prohibit unvaccinated individuals from entering indoor spaces such as restaurants, cinemas, theaters, museums, and gyms. Such persons must show a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours to enter open-air cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as religious spaces. Staggered shifts at public and private offices are also in effect to relieve congestion on public transport and make physical distancing easier in the workplace. Unvaccinated employees, as well as employees who have not received a booster dose after seven months have passed since receiving their second dose, must take a COVID-19 test twice per week to enter their places of work.

Most businesses and facilities nationwide operate subject to health controls, including social distancing requirements and capacity limits. Facemasks are recommended in enclosed and crowded outdoor public spaces, as well as on public transport.

International Travel Restrictions
Residents of the EU, EEA, and Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Chile, China, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, the UAE, Ukraine, the UK, and Uruguay can enter Greece with the EU Digital Covid Certificate showing their vaccination, recovery, or testing status.

Additionally, travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia can enter the country with a vaccination certificate, or a certificate of recovery, or a negative result to a PCR test no more than 72 hours old, or a rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours old.

Travelers from all other countries, regardless of vaccination or recovery status, must possess a negative result either from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. These travelers might be subject to randomized rapid testing for COVID-19 upon arrival; those who test positive must self-isolate for five days.

Up until March 15, all incoming travelers must also complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival.

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.

Resources

Greek Government Coronavirus Portal (Greek)
Passenger Locator Form
Schengen Area Countries