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Greece Issues New Aviation Guidelines for Travel

As part of the Greek government’s efforts to restrict the spread of Covid-19, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) issued new guidelines (NOTAM) on Monday, which will remain in effect through to September 15 at midnight, and will apply to the traveling public.

Violations carry fines of 5,000 euros.

More specifically, the new guidelines, which apply to travel to Greece:

– Extend the suspension of all flights between Greece and Turkey,

– The suspension of all flights from Catalonia, Spain,

– All flights to and from Greece from Albania and North Macedonia will be operated only through Athens International Airport (AIA). There will be no routes to any other Greek airports,

– Travelers visiting Greece by air from Bulgaria, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, Malta, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Albania and North Macedonia, will be allowed admission into Greece only by presenting a negative Covid-19 test result. The test must be taken 72 hours before arrival,

– Entry into Greece is banned for non-European citizens (non-EU Citizens) with the following exceptions: Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and the United Arab Emirates (requiring test results),

– Passengers traveling to Greece by air from Israel will be allowed admission only with a negative Covid-19 test result. Testing should be done with PCR method up to 72 hours before arrival.

Permanent residents of Israel wishing to visit Greece, will be required to repeat Covid-19 screening. The HCAA has also set a maximum entry limit of 1,200 travelers per week from Israel and only through the airports of Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Corfu and Kos,

– All travelers on international flights to Greece are required by law to complete the mandatory Passenger Locator Form (PLF) online here, which can also be done one day before arrival,

Before boarding flights, airline companies are required by law to ensure (a) the PLF submission confirmation at least one day before the flight b) the QR code and PLF in print or on mobile phone.

Airlines that fail to comply will be responsible for the repatriation of passengers at the expense of the company.

According to the HCAA aviation notice, Greeks belonging to repatriation programs are excluded from the above guidelines.

It should be noted, that RT-PCR test result certificates should be written in English and bear the name and passport/national ID number of the traveler. The laboratories performing RT-PCR testing should be: national reference laboratories, national public health laboratories, or private laboratories which are accredited from the respective national accreditation authorities.

*ATTENTION: All guidelines reported have been obtained by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) and are subject to change based on the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic, government decisions, and European Union directives.

* Regulations concerning countries allowed entry are subject to change after 14 days, when renewed assessments are made based on epidemiological data from country of origin.

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  1. David Reply

    I’am a resident of Denmark but am a US citizen. How does this affect my plans to travel to Kalymnos next week?

    • Anna Reply

      Hi David,
      How was your trip? All safe and sound?
      I am in a similar legal situation to yours, and I’m going to travel to Thessaloniki on September 30. Just want to make sure that there is no entry ban for the third-country nationals living in Sweden/Denmark. I’d thankful if you shared your experience.

  2. Paul Reply

    Can I put my partners name on the plf or does she have to have a separate email address.

  3. David Gallegos Reply

    I’m a US citizen with permanent residency in Denmark. How do the new restrictions apply to me? I was planning on arriving on the 6th of September from Denmark.

    • GTP editing team Reply

      Hello David.
      It may be a good idea to contact your embassy for that question.

  4. Hilary Reply

    Does this mean that as the UK is not in EU any longer then UK citizens not allowed in Greece?

  5. Rebecca Beale Reply

    Do you have to wear face masks in all public places including the beach?

  6. Carla Reply

    I am coming from Malta but the Covid rest is $140 euros here. Should I just get it done in the airport in Athens?

  7. George Reply

    Yes. You can enter Greece by supplying the email response acknowledging receipt of your Application.
    This acknowledgment is not your QR code.

    • Carla Reply

      I’m coming from Malta but it’s $140 euros to take the test. Should I wait and get it done in Athens?

  8. Pam Lacey Reply

    United Arab Emirates (requiring test results), or all non EU countries? I am travelling from Canada.

  9. Matthew Reply

    You’ll get the qr the night before. Even if u don’t just show them the forms. May slow ur entry but you’ll get in

  10. Jacqueline Padgett Reply

    What if theres wrong info on your qr code it can happen

  11. Ni Reply

    Joseph if you do not receive the QR code you cannot travel. Your airline will refuse you travelling.
    N

  12. Ni Reply

    Joseph if you do not receive the QR code you cannot travel. Your airline will refuse you travelling.

  13. Robert Reply

    What about marine borders? Any changes?

  14. sally Reply

    I did my plf on 11th August travelling 18th sept just incase of a hold up. Bit stressed, hopefully it comes through. I printed my application with the date I submitted it. Fingers crossed!

  15. Davina ward Reply

    Do uk citizens still have to provide a covid test results 72 hrs before flying .

    • Dave Hayter Reply

      You don’t need a Covid test if flying to into Greece from UK airports,just the Passenger Locator Form

  16. Joseph gorton Reply

    What if you fill in the PLF but don’t receive your QR number will you still be able to enter greece for your holiday

    • Jacqui Ruddock Reply

      Currently at Athens Airport. They allow you to board with just the email confirmation (we came from uk) but on arrival in Greece they expect your QR code. We flew at 22.10 uk time and QR code arrived at midnight Greek time – just before we departed.

    • Andreea Oprea Reply

      You will only receive it on the night before your flight, don’t worry. If not, you will be granted entrance upon showing the confirmation email you received after completing the PLF. Enjoy Greece!

    • sally Reply

      I did my plf on 11th August travelling 18th sept just incase of a hold up. Bit stressed, hopefully it comes through. I printed my application with the date I submitted it. Fingers crossed!

    • Andy murphy Reply

      Yes but it should arrive at midnight on the day of arrival. I wasnt asked for my form in Athens

    • Anita shaw Reply

      Yes apparently if you print of the evidence that you have applied for it,,,, should be okay,, ,, was advised this by a friend who went through

  17. Udo brüggo Reply

    Thx

    • Nick Reply

      I arrived at Athens airport this morning.They insisted on seeing the QR.They would not let me in
      without.Make sue you have the free airport WIFI turned on.

      • Sh Reply

        Nick, is there passport control if your flying in from Germany?

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