Greece: Government extends domestic coronavirus disease-related restrictions until at least December 14 /update 33

Event

Authorities in Greece have extended the nation's existing domestic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions until at least Dec. 14 in response to increasing infection rates. A nationwide nightly 2100-0500 curfew remains in force in addition to lockdown measures. 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 during non-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. Authorities also indicated that stores that sell seasonal goods will be able to reopen Dec. 7.

Greece's restrictions on international entry remain in effect until at least Dec. 14. All international travelers must complete Greece's Passenger Locator Form prior to travel. All arrivals must, upon entry, present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours. 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.

Additional international entry restrictions in effect include:

• Krystallopigi border crossing with Albania is closed, while the Kakavia (Albania), Evzoni (North Macedonia), and Promachonas (Bulgaria) crossings will remain open. Only trucks will be allowed to transit the Nymphaea border crossing with Bulgaria.

• Flights between Greece and Turkey, and between Greece and the Catalonia region of Spain, are suspended.

• Up to 10,000 permanent residents of Israel are permitted to arrive at Greek airports per week, and up to 500 permanent residents of Russia are permitted to arrive at Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG), and Heraklion (HER) airports only.

Authorities have also introduced a package of financial measures to assist businesses, employers, and employees during the lockdown. Secondary schools have switched to distance learning, while primary schools will remain open for in-person classes. Travel between regions is prohibited with some exceptions, including travel for school or essential work. Individuals traveling for these purposes must carry a certificate provided by their employer or school. All nonessential shops must close. 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