Travelers from United Arab Emirates Need Negative Covid-19 Test to Enter Greece

All travelers entering Greece from an airport of the United Arab Emirates are obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus (Covid-19) upon arrival.

The test must be performed up to 72 hours before travelers enter Greece, a new aviation directive (NOTAM) by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) said on Friday.

The NOTAM also extends the same rule for all travelers arriving to Greece by air from Bulgaria and Romania.

The new directive has been announced to limit the further spread of the coronavirus in Greece.

In force until Saturday, August 15 (midnight), the new directive notes that passengers from the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria and Romania are required to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus in English, from a certified diagnostic center, to Greek control authorities. The test result must include their passport or ID details.

It is noted that airlines must check whether passengers have a negative Covid-19 test before the flight. If not, passengers should not be allowed to board. Airlines that do not comply with this obligation will be responsible for the repatriation of passengers at their own expense.

Greek citizens, holders of residence permits and those who travel for essential reasons are excluded from the directive.

Directive for Turkey, Albania and North Macedonia

Another NOTAM extended the temporary suspension of flights from and to Turkey until Saturday, August 15 (23:59).

Regarding flights from Albania and North Macedonia, the directive permits all flights from both countries to land only at Athens International Airport (AIA) until Saturday, August 15 (23:59).

Non-EU nationals

In addition, a third NOTAM extended the ban of entry to Greece by non-EU nationals until Friday, August 14 (midnight).

The following 12 countries are excluded from the directive: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates.

It is reminded that all travelers to Greece are still obliged to complete the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 24 hours before entering the country.

Sample Covid-19 testing is carried out randomly on passengers of international flights arriving to Greece, according to the directions of the Greek Health Ministry, Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) and the General Secretariat of Civil Protection.

It should be mentioned that while speaking in parliament on Friday, Greek Deputy Health Minister Vasilis Kotzamanis said health authorities are conducting 9,000 spot tests daily at the country’s entry points.

For further information on traveling to Greece in the post-Covid-19 era, press here and/or here.