Greece: Aviation Directives for Flights from 12 Countries
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) on Wednesday issued aviation directives (NOTAMs) which provide updated information on passenger flights to Greece from a total of 12 countries (Turkey, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, Sweden, Czech Republic, Belgium, Spain and The Netherlands), as part of the preventive measures taken to limit the further spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).
According to three updated directives:
– the temporary suspension of flights to Greece from Turkey has been extended until Monday, August 31 (midnight).
– all flights to Greece from Albania and North Macedonia will continue to land only at Athens International Airport (AIA) until Monday, August 31 (23:59). Flights from the two countries to other airports in Greece remain banned.
– all travelers entering Greece from Bulgaria, Romania, the United Arab Emirates and Malta will continue to be obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for Covid-19 upon arrival, until Monday, August 31. The test must be performed up to 72 hours before travelers from those four countries enter Greece.
According to a new directive, all travelers entering Greece as of August 17 from Sweden, Czech Republic, Belgium, Spain, The Netherlands, Albania and North Macedonia will be obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for Covid-19 upon arrival, until Monday, August 31. The test must be performed up to 72 hours before travelers from those seven countries enter Greece.
The negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus must be from a certified diagnostic center and in English when presented to Greek control authorities. The test result must include passport or ID details of travelers.
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.
It is reminded that, as of August 17, children under 10 entering Greece will not be required to produce a negative test result.
It is reminded that all travelers to Greece are still obliged to complete the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 24 hours before entering the country.
Today, 28 of August, this still applies “until 31 August”. I called the Greek Embassy in Brussels and they don’t know if this measure will be extended or not. We have a flight on 3 Sept. When will we know if this test is still needed as from 1 September?
Could you please clarify more about the PCR test”until Monday, august,31″ ? We are from Netherlands, will arrive to Greece in September, does that mean we do not have to do the test?
Hi Sophie, did you receive an answer to your question?
Can someone make it clear what Dutch citizens have to do flying from Germany? First it is said no negative test when flying from Germany. By filling out the PLF form and showing that you are Dutch you need to have a negative test. This seems that it is based again on nationality which is discrimination!!! And not on country of departure. Completely ridiculous this measure. Also the German people in the airplane can be positive. With me being negative, arriving in Greece being positive.
we are flying in a few days we both live and work in germany, but my boyfriend is Spanish (he hasn’t been to Spain for 1 year!!) . This is really big chaos I dont want to have a surprise at airport 🙁 Now I am anxious because we everything is already paid and two days before the trip I can’t get back any money…
What about passengers wo go via Amaterdam from NorwY to Greece? Must they also present a test?
Its a pity they do not allow 96 hours its difficult to test, post and get results back in time with only 72 hours.
Can you please give any information about travellers arriving in igoumenitsa by ferry grom italy (after stayng 1week)does after 17/08/2020 also need a 72 hrs negative covid in english upon arrival. De information is zo unclear. Thank you
Greece wants to attract travellers but allows it’s airlines to refuse refunds for cancelled flights. It just tells us how tourism is valued, but not the traveller.
ERIC PAS 14 August 2020 at 11:10 Reply
We are still in Greece … for a longer time and we do this since 1975.
We agree completely with the content aim of the measures, but not with the absurd bureaucratic required formulations of the test result form !
In English : negatif (F) / negative ( English ) negatief (Dutch) is absolutely clear !
the date of 17 August and a 72 hours test means that test must be done during the 15th of August weekend … no lab is working ; a very realistic decision for a country for which 15th of August is one of the most important celebrations … not for other countries …???????
Can you give any information about travellers arriving in Patras by ferry from Italy.
Do travellers from the Netherlands also need a 72 hrs. negative covid in english upon arrival? The information is so unclear.