Residents from EU+ countries are allowed to travel to Greece. EU+ consists of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland.
Residents of Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UAE and United Kingdom are also allowed to travel to Greece.
Permanent residents of other countries are allowed to travel to Greece only for essential travel.
As of November 11, 2020 all people traveling to Greece from foreign countries will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece. As of November 10, 2020 permanent residents of Greece who travel by air to foreign countries are required to fill in the electronic form PLF (Passenger Locator Form) with their contact details in Greece before their departure from Greece and to show at the border checkpoint the proof of completion of the electronic PLF form that is automatically sent by e-mail to each traveller electronically.
Air borders
Negative COVID -19 PCR test at least 72 hours prior to the travel is necessary for all passengers arriving by air from foreign countries. Greek citizens and holders of permanent residence in Greece and other essential travellers are not exempted from this obligation. As of November 10, 2020 permanent residents of Greece who travel by air to foreign countries are required to fill in the electronic form PLF (Passenger Locator Form) with their contact details in Greece before their departure from Greece and to show at the border checkpoint the proof of completion of the electronic PLF form that is automatically sent by e-mail to each traveller electronically.
Sea Borders
As of November 9, 2020 arrivals by sea by private yachts, cruise ships, ferry ships and any other professional tourist ships, regardless of flag or destination abroad, as well as the disembarkation of passengers from these boats in any way is prohibited.
There is no sea from/to connection with Turkey and Albania (with exemption of cargo ships).
Land Borders
Due to the epidemiological situation in the Balkans and Turkey all the external land Greek borders are open only to “essential travellers” apart from Promachonas BCP in Bulgaria, which is also open to travellers mentioned in the list of countries above.
“Essential travellers” at the land borders: Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece, transport workers and travellers for essential professional reasons can enter from BCPs Kakavia, Evzoni, Kipi (as of Monday 2021/03/01 Promahonas and Kipi daily open only 7.00-23.00 and Kakavia and Evzones daily open 7.00-19.00). All those entering from BCPs Promahonas,Kakavia, Evzoni and Kipi should have the PLF and QR code and additionally hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test 72h prior their arrival.
As of Monday 2021/03/01, there is a daily limit of 400 entries per day for those entering from Kakavia and Evzones. Those entering from Kakavia and Evzones should self-isolate for 14 days.
In the case of Greece-Albania borders this also applies to Albanians citizens of Greek origin (Homogeny).
Employees of international land transport services, regardless of nationality, must, after entering Greece, without undue delay, either transit or head to their destination and then self-isolate for seven (7) days. In particular, the said employees entering Greece from Kakavia and Evzones should self-isolate for 14 days. In case of obligation of the said employees to execute a new international route within the above-mentioned time period, the restriction is lifted.
There is an exception for members of international or European organizations, regardless of nationality, who enter in order to work in Greece or transit through Greece, should they prove their function with appropriate documentation.
In the case of Greece-North Macedonia borders, there is an additional exception for EULEX staff and their family members that it is allowed to enter for medical reasons in Greek territory (BCP Evzoni).
All visitors from air, land or sea, will be subject to random tests upon arrival. Upon being tested, travellers move to their final destination. In the event of a positive result, they will be contacted and placed on 14-day quarantine, with expenses covered by the Greek state.
Greece at any stage retains the right to modify any of the above in light of changing circumstances. A team within the Infectious Diseases Committee evaluates the epidemiological data on a regular basis and recommends changes to restrictions.
Q: Who will cover expenses in the event of a Covid-19 patient`s air transportation and hospitalization?
A: The Greek state will cover expenses related to hospitalization of visitors suffering from Covid-19 symptoms.
Q: What happens if an infection is confirmed at a hotel?
A: In the event of a confirmed infection, close contacts of the case will be transferred to a separate quarantine accommodation at the expense of the Greek state. Remaining guests will continue their holidays.
Q: If someone misses their return flight because of illness or symptoms or misses prepaid accommodation is there a refund policy or other framework that could cover expenses?
A: Greece will cover transfer to hospital and medical costs as well as stay in quarantine hotel if needed. We urge airlines travel agents and hotels to offer maximum flexibility during this time of customer and regulatory uncertainty.
Q: Health Protocols of Hotels. How is protocol compliance ensured? With whom should tourists communicate in case protocols are not followed?
A: The Ministry of Tourism has a plan of audits and we encourage all enterprises to seek third party accreditation. We have also set up a training and information website for employees and owners in order to ensure that the knowledge of the protocols is disseminated in a timely and responsible manner. Finally, we have established steep fines for those neglecting their duties. In case of complaints, visitors can call the four-digit number 1572 of the Ministry Tourism.
