Greece Travel Restrictions: What You Need To Know Before Planning Your Trip

Are you dreaming of exploring the ancient ruins of Athens, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Santorini, or indulging in delicious Greek cuisine? Before you pack your bags for a Greek adventure, it's important to be aware of Greece's current travel restrictions. As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Greece has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors. From vaccine requirements to testing protocols, navigating these restrictions is crucial for a smooth and stress-free trip to this enchanting Mediterranean destination. So, grab your map and let's dive into the world of Greece travel restrictions!

What are the current travel restrictions for Greece?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact travel around the world, Greece has implemented several travel restrictions to control the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of its residents and visitors. Here's what you need to know about the current travel restrictions for Greece:

Entry requirements:

• All travelers entering Greece must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours prior to their arrival. This form includes personal information and details about your trip, including your accommodation address.
• Unvaccinated travelers aged 12 and above must provide a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) taken no more than 72 hours before travel or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before travel.
• Fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from the testing requirement and do not need to quarantine upon arrival in Greece. They are required to present an EU Digital COVID Certificate or a vaccination certificate in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Russian.
• Travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past nine months are also exempt from testing and quarantine, provided they present a positive PCR test result issued at least 30 days after the initial positive test and no later than 180 days after it.

Testing and quarantine:

• Unvaccinated travelers are required to take a rapid antigen test upon arrival in Greece. In case of a positive result, travelers will be asked to take a PCR test, and if confirmed positive, they will be required to quarantine for 10 days.
• If selected, travelers may be subject to random testing upon arrival.
• In case of close contact with a confirmed case during travel, travelers may be required to undergo a PCR or rapid antigen test and potentially self-isolate until the test results are available.

Domestic travel restrictions:

• There are no travel restrictions or quarantine requirements within Greece for travelers who are fully vaccinated, have recovered from COVID-19, or have a negative test result.
• It is recommended to follow all local health guidelines and restrictions imposed by the Greek authorities, such as wearing masks in indoor public spaces and practicing social distancing.

Check for updates:

Travel restrictions and requirements may change at short notice, so it is essential to stay up to date with the latest information from official sources, such as the Greek government's official tourism website or the local embassy or consulate in your country.

It's important to note that the above information is subject to change, and it is crucial to verify the current travel restrictions before planning your trip to Greece. Following the guidelines and regulations will help ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.

Are vaccinated travelers exempt from any travel restrictions in Greece?

As Greece opens its borders to international travelers once again, many people are wondering about the travel restrictions and requirements for vaccinated individuals. Here's what you need to know about traveling to Greece if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Greece has introduced a vaccine certificate or vaccination passport system, which allows travelers who have been fully vaccinated to enter the country without the need for quarantine or additional testing. The vaccine certificate must show that you have received the required doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

To be considered fully vaccinated in Greece, you must have received all necessary doses of the vaccine at least 14 days prior to your arrival in the country. The vaccines currently approved for use in Greece include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.

If you have been vaccinated with one of these vaccines, you will be exempt from quarantine and additional testing requirements upon arrival in Greece. However, it is important to note that you may still be subject to random testing at the airport or port of entry.

It is also worth mentioning that the vaccine certificate must be in either English, Greek, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Russian. If your certificate is not in one of these languages, you may need to present an official translation.

Additionally, it is important to check the entry requirements and travel restrictions for your specific country of origin, as they may vary. Some countries may require you to undergo testing or quarantine upon your return, regardless of your vaccination status.

While being fully vaccinated may exempt you from certain travel restrictions in Greece, it is still important to follow all other health and safety protocols, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with any local regulations or guidelines in place at your destination.

In conclusion, vaccinated travelers are exempt from quarantine and additional testing requirements upon arrival in Greece. However, it is important to check the specific entry requirements for your country of origin and follow all health and safety protocols during your trip.

Are there any specific entry requirements for Greece, such as negative COVID-19 tests or quarantine periods?

Yes, Greece has specific entry requirements for travelers intending to visit the country. These requirements are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

Firstly, all travelers must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before their arrival in Greece. The form includes personal information and details about the traveler's itinerary. Once submitted, travelers will receive a QR code, which they must present upon arrival.

Additionally, all travelers need to provide either a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. The negative test result should be a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. The test result must be in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Russian, and include the traveler's full name, date of birth, the type of test taken, and the negative result.

Alternatively, travelers can show proof of full vaccination at least 14 days before their arrival. The vaccination certificate should be issued by a recognized authority and include the traveler's full name, type of vaccine received, number of doses, and date of vaccination completion.

Children aged 12 and under are exempt from the testing and vaccination requirements.

Upon arrival in Greece, travelers may be subject to random health screenings, including COVID-19 testing. If selected for testing, travelers may be required to self-isolate at their accommodation for a period of 24 hours until the test results are available. If the test result is negative, travelers can continue with their intended activities. If positive, they will be required to follow local health guidelines for quarantine and medical care.

It's worth noting that travel restrictions and entry requirements may change, so it's important to stay informed and check with the Greek authorities or the embassy or consulate of your home country for the latest updates before planning your trip.

By following these specific entry requirements, travelers can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Greece while also contributing to the efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.

Are there any travel restrictions within Greece, such as regional lockdowns or limitations on intercity travel?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, many countries have implemented travel restrictions and lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus. Greece is no exception, and it has implemented several travel restrictions within its borders.

Currently, Greece is operating under a tiered regional system, with each region categorized as either green, orange, or red depending on the level of COVID-19 cases. These categorizations are re-evaluated every week, and restrictions may vary based on the regional designation.

In green zones, which have the lowest number of cases, there are minimal restrictions on intercity travel. However, it is important to follow all general COVID-19 prevention measures, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, while traveling.

In orange and red zones, which have higher numbers of cases, stricter measures are in place. In these regions, there may be restrictions on intercity travel, including the closure of certain routes or limitations on non-essential travel. This is done to prevent the virus from spreading between regions and to protect areas with fewer cases.

It is important for travelers to stay informed about the current classification of the regions they plan to visit. The Greek government regularly updates the regional designations, and travelers should check the official government websites or consult with local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

In addition to intercity travel restrictions, Greece has also implemented other measures to control the spread of the virus. These include the mandatory use of masks in indoor and outdoor public spaces, limitations on the number of people allowed in certain establishments, and a curfew in certain areas. These measures are subject to change based on the evolving situation, and travelers should be prepared to adapt to any new rules or guidelines.

It is worth noting that Greece is also implementing a vaccination program to protect its population and mitigate the effects of the virus. As more people receive vaccinations, it is expected that travel restrictions and other measures may be eased. However, travelers should continue to monitor the situation and follow any guidelines set by the Greek authorities.

In summary, Greece has implemented travel restrictions within its borders to control the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions vary based on the regional designation, with stricter measures in place for areas with higher numbers of cases. Travelers should stay informed about the current regional classifications and follow all COVID-19 prevention measures while traveling in Greece.

What documents or proof of vaccination/test results are required to enter Greece?

As travel restrictions begin to ease in Greece, it is important for travelers to understand the documentation and proof of vaccination/test results required to enter the country. Greece has implemented specific entry requirements to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors. Here's what you need to know:

Vaccination Requirements:

Fully Vaccinated Individuals: Travelers who have completed their vaccination schedule for COVID-19 with an approved vaccine are exempt from pre-travel testing requirements. You must have received your final dose at least 14 days before your travel date. Accepted vaccines include those authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or the World Health Organization (WHO).

Testing Requirements:

Non-vaccinated Individuals: If you are not fully vaccinated, you are required to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before your arrival in Greece. Alternatively, you can present a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before your arrival.

Digital COVID Certificate:

The Greek government has launched the EU Digital COVID Certificate as an accepted form of proof for vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or recent negative test results. Travelers can obtain their EU Digital COVID Certificate by contacting the relevant health authorities in their country of residence.

Other Important Information:

• Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the vaccination and testing requirements.
• All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, may be subject to random tests upon arrival.
• It is recommended to carry a printed or digital copy of your test results or vaccination certificate in case it is requested by authorities.

Please note that entry requirements may change, so it is crucial to check the official guidelines and requirements provided by the Greek government or contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

In summary, if you are fully vaccinated, you may travel to Greece without the need for pre-travel testing. However, if you are not vaccinated, you must present a negative PCR or rapid antigen test. Make sure to obtain your EU Digital COVID Certificate and be prepared to show proof of vaccination or test results. Compliance with the entry requirements will allow you to enjoy your trip to Greece while ensuring the safety of yourself and others.

Frequently asked questions