Greece: Authorities to loosen certain COVID-19-related international travel restrictions Feb. 7 /update 82

Event

The Greek government plans to lift the nation's existing COVID-19 pre-entry testing requirement for certain international travelers. Effective Feb. 7, travelers who possess a European Union vaccination certificate will no longer need to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test in order to enter Greece. All other international travel restrictions remain unchanged, as do domestic controls in force to curb the spread of the virus.

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 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 mandatory in enclosed and crowded outdoor public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
Effective Feb. 7, travelers in possession of a European Union vaccination certificate will no longer be required to show a negative result from a COVID-19 test in order to enter Greece. However, all other arrivals, 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 from a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival.

All incoming travelers must also complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival. Travelers to Greece may be subject to randomized rapid testing for COVID-19 upon arrival; those who test positive must self-isolate for five days.

Only residents of EEA-associated countries and those of Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, 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, Uruguay, and the US can enter Greece for nonessential reasons.

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