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Covid-19: Greece will Not Close Airports During Second Lockdown, Rules will Apply for Travel

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
An update has been provided by government website https://travel.gov.gr/ regarding the PLF form for outbound travel.
The rule concerns permanent residents of Greece (more information provided below).

Athens International Airport. Photo source: Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA)

Greek borders are not closing as a result of the second lockdown the country will enter on Saturday to halt a second wave of coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.

Greece’s airports will remain open to domestic and international travel but restrictions will be in force, according to Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias.

Those traveling to Greece on flights from abroad as of Wednesday, November 11, will be allowed admission in the country only by presenting a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR). The test must be taken 72 hours prior to arrival in Greece.

The submission of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) by all passengers of international flights to Greece remains mandatory.

As of Tuesday, November 10, Greek citizens and permanent residents of Greece who travel by air to foreign countries (outbound travel) are required to fill out the PLF form before their departure from Greece and show it at the border checkpoint (proof of completion of the electronic PLF form is automatically sent by e-mail to each traveller electronically).

The PLF form for outbound travelers (Greek citizens and permanent residents of Greece) requests their contact details in Greece, their address in the country they are traveling to as well as the details of the family members traveling together. One form per family is needed.

The PLF form for outbound travelers (Greek citizens and permanent residents of Greece) is now available on https://travel.gov.gr/.

Land travel

It was also announced that those entering Greece from land border points must also have a negative PCR test with them. The test must be taken at least 72 hours before arrival.

According to Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias. the measure will be in force as of Wednesday, November 11

Further details are expected to be released.

Domestic flights

During Greece’s three-week lockdown, as of 6am Monday, November 9, air travel within the country (regular passenger services, general aviation and business routes – domestic flights, commercial and general / business aviation) and outside the boundaries of each prefecture is allowed in all airports strictly for:

– return to permanent residence (proof of residence, such as the E1 tax return form, will be required)
– family reunification
– business purposes
– health purposes (essential travel)

Any other form of travel between prefectures is not allowed.

Passengers must have an accompanying travel certificate with them describing the reason of their movement.

Exempt from the domestic flight restrictions are Hellenic national healthcare system flights, state flights, sanitary flights, humanitarian flights, emergency flights, military flights, cargo flights, fire fighting flights, frontex flights, technical landing flights (where passengers do not disembark) and ferry flights (return of with crew without passengers).

How to get to the airport during lockdown

GTP Headlines contacted the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection and requested what documentation is needed (for reason of movement) by those wanting to go to the airport to catch a flight.

According to their answer, those traveling to the airport must have their airline booking with them (printed or in mobile form) and a handwritten statement (signed by the traveler) stating the reason for movement.

Press here for more information on when movement in Greece is allowed during lockdown.

It is noted that lockdown measures and rules are subject to change – with little to no advance notice – based on the latest scientific and research information.

Follow GTP Headlines on Google News to keep up to date with all the latest on tourism and travel in Greece.
About the Author
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  1. Cian James Reply

    I’m travelling back to Kos end of March and dont have my residency permit yet. How else can I prove that I’m living there I have my AMKA and Social Security Papers with me. I also will have a PCT before flying. What else do I need?

  2. Aikaterini Sylla Reply

    Thank you GTP team but you still have not replied to a question asked multiple times, i.e. I am landing to Athens International airport on 17/12. Is my mom allowd to pick me up by car? I am flying back to Belgium a couple of weeks later. Likewise, is she allowed to drive me to the airport? Best regards

    • GTP editing team Reply

      We do not think that is possible. Only essential movement is allowed during the lockdown period. You will have to take a taxi or public transportation.
      The following link has information for travelers arriving in Greece during the lockdown:
      https://news.gtp.gr/2020/11/13/lockdown-in-greece-guidelines-for-tourists/
      We also advise that you contact your embassy for additional information.

  3. Saffie Reply

    Both my kids are arriving from the UK. Am I allowed to pick both of them up? They are 19 and 20. If I can’t pick up both then a taxi won’t either and we live in an area without public transport.

  4. cindy roberts Reply

    How do I get from Athens airport to my place of residence in Greece during lockdown .??
    I arrive on 15th December 2020..is there’public transport ?..can I use a taxi for my travel companion and I ?
    Can I arrange for a friend residing in Greece to collect me ?

  5. john Reply

    Hi there,

    I am due to travel out of Greece back to the UK on Thursday. Would it be OK for my family member who I’m staying with to drive me to the airport or do I need to take a cab? All information I can find on this seems to be unclear.

    Many thanks in advance!

    John

  6. Mandy Reply

    Hi. I am travelling to Crete, where I live from Germany. I have obtained a negative covid test which covers me for my arrival in Athens. However, i stay overnight and then catch a connecting flight next morning to Crete. Does the covid test time have to also cover the connecting flight or is it just for entry to Greece? Help is gratefully received!

  7. Vicki Reply

    My daughters boyfriend who is Greek is due to fly over 15 December to England to spend Christmas with us, will this be allowed?

    • Bella88 Reply

      This is something I need to know too. My flight is the 18th from Athens. Did you find out what he needs to do? Because from what I can tell is that you need a PLF form filled out and you can fly.
      What I do know is he needs a test before he comes back. It would be great to hear what info you have for getting to the UK.

  8. marat Reply

    was doing connection flight with a corona test, but there is no need!
    just sharing my experience from last night, no one checked PLF.
    hope it helps!

  9. Steve Melvin Reply

    Thanks for the info. We are coming from Denmark to visit friends in Greece and will be staying at their house. What documents do we need to drive our rental car from Athens airport to our friend’s house in the Pelopennese?

  10. Valya Reply

    Thanks for the usefull information!
    Please inform me if there is a limit of passengers for foreigners travelling to Greece by car?

  11. marat Reply

    i have a connection via athens (2 hours wait) to tel aviv , do i still need to do the covid test prior?

  12. Yannis Reply

    I need to travel back home to London during this period from Thessaloniki. As there are no direct flights from Thessaloniki I first need to take a domestic flight to Athens. Is this within the rules as it is a connecting flight through to an international flight?

    • Morten Reply

      Hi Yannis

      I am in the same boat as you: I need to get back to Denmark from Thessaloniki, and preferably via Athens. I checked up on domestiv travelling in Greece a few hours ago, and it seems that it is possible to take both train and bus from Thessaloniki to Athens. But I am not sure if I am allowed to do this. Do you know more about this?

      Best regards
      Morten

  13. GTP editing team Reply

    IMPORTANT NOTICE:
    An update has been provided by government website https://travel.gov.gr/ regarding the PLF form for outbound travel.
    The rule only concerns Greek citizens and permanent residents of Greece.

  14. PAVLOS SIDERIS Reply

    Thank you for the very important informations. One question. Can you tell me where can I find Hardalias announcement about traveling to the airport with the booking reference number and a handwritten explanation of the reason of traveling ?
    Thank you in advance

  15. Johanna Heath Reply

    Sorry to be pedantic, but when you say the test must be at least 72 hours before traveling, should that not be no more than 72 hours?

    • Maria Theofanopoulou Reply

      The test should be performed up to 72 hours before the entry to Greece.

  16. bob Reply

    Does anyone know if the Buses are running. I need to get from Preveza to Athens airport to fly out.
    Also the airport does COVID test (if you need) but there are different turn around times quoted from 6hours to 24hours – if it is 24 hrs I need an extra day in Athens – does anyone know?

  17. Marco Reply

    Thank you very much for your useful article.
    A quick question: other sources (UK Foreign Office, German Foreign Affairs) indicate that the PCR test to enter Greece will be required as of Monday 9 November and that the results must be obtained within 48 hours from travel, while you indicate 72 hours. Which is the valid/latest version, yours (I hope) or theirs?

    Many thanks.

    The links I’m referring to:

    UK foreign office: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece?utm_source=19f75164-0970-453f-a2cd-5fbbb847b919&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

    German FO: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/aussenpolitik/laender/griechenland-node/griechenlandsicherheit/211534

    • GTP editing team Reply

      It was initially announced that the PCR test must be performed up to 48 hours before entry to Greece.
      However, Greek Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias on Friday announced that the test must be taken 72 hours prior.
      Our article provides the updated information given by the deputy minister.

  18. Katey She Reply

    Is public transportation between different regions (Athens and Peloponnese) available for tourists ?

  19. Caroline Torenstra Reply

    What about the ferry from Patras to Ancona ?? Are rhe vessels stil.sailing

  20. Maria Koropova Reply

    Hello, and if we are coming back home to Greece with my husband, to the island where we live, via Athens, can we stay overnight in a hotel arriving late at night to Athens, and can’t we take one taxi for both of us? And where can we get a paper stating our intentions when traveling from abroad??

  21. Klaus Reply

    darf ich am 9. November meine Frau vom Flughafen Athen oder vom Bahnhof abholen ?

  22. Christina Reply

    My husband will travel on Monday Nov 9 from Cyprus to Athens just for the day and return back to Cyprus that night. Do you know what he needs?

  23. Mick Veldheer Reply

    Hi I‘m traveling to Greece 7th november. Do I need a negative test for that day or Not yet?

  24. Mae Reply

    Hi, what about Thessaloniki airport ? It seems closed for now. Do you know if it will really be open on the 18th ? Thank you!

  25. Monika Reply

    Thank you a lot for this information! It helps a loooot! but just a
    question – so anyone will be able to enter Greece (if they have negative test and the QR and form)? I am travelling for work but my partner want to accompany me and stay with me. We’ve heard some rumours that you should have “valid reason” why are you coming to Greece. Is it true? Will he be let in? I dont want any drama at the airport!

    • GTP editing team Reply

      The Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection has not given any information about this. You may also want to contact your airline or embassy/consulate on this subject.
      However, more information regarding travel to Greece during lockdown is expected to be released soon by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).

  26. Mandeep Reply

    I will travel from Athens to new Delhi 12 November and I will have crona test before 48 hours it will be accepted? And how could I fill plf on mobile or make print out?

    • GTP editing team Reply

      Those entering Greece on flights from abroad will need to present a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR). The test must be taken at least 72 hours before arrival.
      The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has not announced that a test is required for leaving Greece. You may also want to contact your airline or embassy/consulate for further information.
      However, according to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, as of Tuesday, November 10, those traveling abroad from Greece (outbound travelers) will be obliged to fill out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) form 24 hours before their trip. You can find it (with instructions) here: https://travel.gov.gr/#/

      • Albert Reply

        I am travelling tomorrow but can’t seem to find the outbound PLF? Please help..

        • GTP editing team Reply

          An update has been provided in the article regarding this information.

  27. Joanna Sutcliffe Reply

    I already have a plf from 3 weeks ago for entry to Greece. Do I have to complete another 24 hrs before leaving? And can I
    fly from an island to Athens in order to catch my flight to the uk?

    • GTP editing team Reply

      The Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection announced today that as of Tuesday, November 10, those traveling abroad from Greece (outbound travelers) will also be obliged to fill out the PLF form 24 hours before their trip.

      • andrew Reply

        Hi. We are currently in Lefkada and will be returning to our home in Athens on saturday next week. Assume we only need proof of our address to return? Is that right?

      • Ron Reply

        The PLF form has not been updated for outbound travellers.
        Have you any info as to when it will be?

        • GTP editing team Reply

          An update has been provided in the article regarding this information.

  28. Iain Reply

    What SMS code do you use for taking your spouse to the Airport. Also can you get a Domestic flight to Athens for a connecting flight the next morning.

    • GTP editing team Reply

      There is no SMS code to go to the airport but an update has been provided in the article about this:
      According to the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection, those traveling to the airport must have their airline booking/ticket with them (printed or in mobile form) and a handwritten statement (signed by the traveler) stating the reason for movement.
      With regard to domestic flights, the information available at the moment is mentioned in the article. You way want to contact your airline for further information.

    • Irene gratsias Reply

      My name is irene gratsias and I want to travel to Montreal by jan31 do I have to do the covid 19 test I don’t have any symptoms of covid 19 to show it to Montreal aeroport just want to know thank you

  29. Hans De Leeuw Reply

    You are the best source of information I found in English in Greece! Thank you

  30. Richard A Reply

    Do you need to get any forms for travelling from your house to the airport to fly from Greece on an international flight after the 10th November. I.e a form for the land transportation?

    • GTP editing team Reply

      Hello Richard,
      We have provided an update to the article about this:
      According to the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection, those traveling to airport must have their airline booking with them (printed or in mobile form) and a handwritten statement (signed by the traveler) stating the reason for movement.

  31. Lauhoff- Spiegel Reply

    Erst vom 10.11. an muss bei Ausreise ein PLF ausgefüllt werden. Am 9.11. Noch nicht. S.o.
    Wir fliegen von Rhodos zurück nach Deutschland.
    LG Petra

  32. Kobel Reply
  33. Annette Dahmen-Eisenberg Reply

    Where do i get PLF form. We want to leave on Nov.9th from Heraklio to Berlin. Stopover Athens.
    Can i put PLF on my phone?

    • Hans De Leeuw Reply

      Greec Reporter.com says a negative pcr-test for outbound travel is obliged as from November 9. Nobody can support this claim. GTP says a PLF-form is needed. Also, I cannot find an official source that confirms this, but it seems more logical.

      • GTP editing team Reply

        The article has been updated in accordance to what Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias announced on Friday, November 6.

        Update1:
        All traveling to Greece on flights from abroad as of Wednesday, November 11, will be allowed admission in the country only by presenting a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR). The test must be taken at least 72 hours before arrival.
        Note: The submission of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) by all passengers of international flights to Greece remains mandatory.

        Update2: As of Tuesday, November 10, those traveling abroad from Greece (outbound travelers) will also be obliged to fill out the PLF form 24 hours before their trip, which should be found here: https://travel.gov.gr/#/

    • Goran Marsic Reply

      Hi, try checking here
      https://travel.gov.gr/#/

      I flew to Thessaloniki and they were accepting PLF on the phones.
      Have a safe trip

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