Greece: Government tightens coronavirus-related international entry restrictions from Dec. 18 - Jan. 7 /update 35

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), health officials in Greece will tighten international entry restrictions from Dec. 18 - Jan. 7. All passengers arriving in Greece must present a negative COVID-19 test taken 72 hours prior to arrival. Additionally, travelers must take a rapid antigen test upon entry and spend three days in self-isolation, even if the test is negative. In the event a traveler receives a positive COVID-19 test result, the individual will need to self-isolate until authorities advise otherwise. All international travelers must also complete Greece's Passenger Locator Form. Authorities prohibit entry 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, Singapore, Rwanda, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, the UAE, and Uruguay are also exempt from the travel ban.

In response to increasing infection rates, authorities previously extended the nation's existing domestic restrictions until at least Jan. 7. In addition to lockdown measures, a nationwide nightly 2100-0500 curfew remains in effect. During curfew hours, individuals may only leave their homes for essential reasons, including work, health emergencies, or short walks with pets. A general lockdown remains in effect outside of curfew hours. Prior to leaving their homes, 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 grocery shopping, medical appointments, or exercise.

Travel between regions is prohibited with some exceptions, including travel for essential work. Individuals traveling for these purposes must carry a certificate provided by their employer. Facemasks are mandatory in all public spaces.

Any restrictions could be reimposed, extended, further eased, or otherwise amended at short 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

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