Rules for Greece’s Second Covid-19 Lockdown Explained
UPDATE: As of Friday, November 13, a night curfew will be in force in Greece. Press here for update.
Greeks will have to abide by a number of rules as of November 7 when Greece enters its second national lockdown following a sharp rise in coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.
As of Saturday, the whole country of Greece will be in Level 3-grey status and “subject to special restrictions”.
Being in grey status means that for the next three weeks:
– Wearing a mask is mandatory everywhere in public (indoors and outdoors).
– A 24-hour restriction on movement must be followed (exceptions per time zone apply).
– People are allowed to leave their homes only for specific reasons and must notify authorities by sending an SMS.
– Teleworking is mandatory for 50 percent of employees both in the public and private sectors.
– A number of businesses, including retail stores, bars, cafes and restaurants will remain closed.
Following are instructions for movement and information on which businesses and establishments will be operating and which will be closed for the next three weeks.
Movement restrictions
A 24-hour restriction on movement has been imposed with exceptions. Outside movement is allowed only for specific reasons and by sending an SMS to the five-digit mobile phone service 13033.
What to write in the SMS: Option number/reason of movement (space) name/surname (space) home address and send to 13033.
A handwritten document for reason of movement during Greece’s lockdown is also acceptable (instructions are provided below).
NOTE: In case movement is work-related, citizens must have identification on them in the form of an ID or a passport and a type A employer certificate (hard copy) or special self-employment certificate (hard copy) to present in case of inspection by authorities. The document (in Greek) can be obtained online from the website www.forma.gov.gr.
Citizens are allowed movement (with identification on them) outdoors only for the following reasons:
– To go and return from work during working hours (with a type A employer certificate, without sending an SMS)
– To go to a pharmacy or attending an appointment with a doctor (SMS – Option 1)
– To go to the supermarket if it is not possible for groceries to be delivered (SMS – Option 2)
– To go to a public service office with a scheduled appointment and to the bank strictly if online transactions are not possible (SMS – Option 3)
– To provide assistance to people in need or to accompany young students (minors) to/from school (SMS – Option 4)
– To go to a funeral under the conditions provided by law or if divorced/separated parents need to go outdoors for reasons concerning their child/children (SMS – Option 5)
– To exercise outdoors (jogging) or walk a pet, solitary or strictly in pairs and observing the necessary distance of 1.5 meters from one another (SMS – Option 6)
During night hours, movement (with identification) in Greece is allowed strictly for the following reasons:
– Work (with type A employer certificate, without sending an SMS)
– Health (SMS – Option 1)
– To exercise outdoors (close to permanent residence) and to walk a pet (SMS – Option 6)
It is noted that movement for hunting or fishing is not allowed. Both activities are currently banned in the country.
Info for those with an international SIM card
According to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the 13033 service is available from mobile phones with a SIM card of Greek mobile phone providers (Cosmote, Vodafone GR, Wind). In order to use the 13033 service, citizens with an international SIM card can obtain a prepaid connection from the points of sale of the providers. It is reminded that the use of the 13033 service is free of charge.
Handwritten document for reason of movement
A handwritten document explaining reason of movement is also acceptable by Greek authorities. The document must have the following information:
First name/family name
Address
Reason for movement that falls into the permitted categories mentioned above and the address of the destination one is going to.
Date, time and signature
When outside, citizens must have identification on them in the form of an ID or a passport.
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 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.
NOTE: Individuals caught violating movement restrictions will face strict penalties which reach up to 300 euros.
Transportation/travel rules
Travel by public transport, ferries, taxis and private cars:
Public transport: 65 percent capacity
Ferries: 65 percent capacity
Taxis: Only one passenger is allowed (a second person is allowed to accompany a passenger in need or small children)
Private cars: Only 2 people, including the driver, are allowed per private car (underaged children are excluded from the rule)
Travel by plane
Greece’s airports will remain open to domestic and international travel, as well as the country’s land borders, but restrictions will be in force. Press here for more information.
It is noted that travel between prefectures (domestic travel) is allowed only for:
– returning to permanent residence (proof of residence, such as the E1 tax return form, will be required)
– family reunification
– business reasons
– health reasons
What businesses will be closed, which services will be suspended and other useful information
Businesses, establishments that will remain closed during lockdown:
– retail stores
– bars, cafes
– restaurants (take-away and drive-through services will operate)
– museums and archaeological sites
– cinemas
– gyms
– courthouses
– playgrounds
– hairdressers, barbershops and beauty salons (will shut down from Monday, November 9)
The following activities will be suspended:
– all public gatherings
– all performances (theaters, concerts and other performing arts). Only virtual performances are allowed.
– conferences, exhibitions, events
– the operation of Sunday open markets and neighborhood fairs are banned
Measures and rules apply for sports activities; refugee reception and identification centers; farmers markets (laiki) and places of worship.
What that will remain open
Supermarkets and similar establishments (mini markets, bakeries, butcher shops)
– 1 person per 10 sq.m. (4 people 20-100 sq.m. and 1 person for every 10 sq.m. extra)
– All shopping carts and baskets must be frequently disinfected
– Operation until 20:30
– Weekend operation
Banks
Visits to banks are allowed only if specific transactions can not be made online.
Public services
Visits to public service offices are allowed only by appointment.
Hospitals and diagnostic centers
– Patients are allowed only one visitor / chaperone
– Limit of scheduled surgeries up to 80% (oncological and emergency cases are excluded from the restrictions)
Optical and hearing aid stores
Visits to optical and hearing aid stores are allowed only by appointment.
The following establishments will also remain open: dry cleaning stores, kiosks (24 hours), pharmacies, gas stations, veterinary services and pet shops.
It should be noted that some measures and rules are subject to change – with little to no advance notice – based on the latest scientific and research information.
Press here to see the rules for ‘grey’ areas on Greece’s risk-assessment map (in Greek).
Hi! I am about to reach my home in Greece from Italy. I know I have to do 7 days of quarantine. We are two and we have no local knowledge. How can I go shopping at the supermarket? In short, how can I do to feed me?
I will be arriving in Greece and going straight into quarantine in an airbnb but it seems that all restaurants are closed. How will i get food during that time? Also, is it possible to leave Greece at any time?
I can read everywhere that international flights are still flying. When traveling from Lefkada to Athens to catch that flight.. I can only see that for domestic flights you need to have the form filled in about reason off movements. How is that when you have to get an international flight, do the same rules apply, so you also have to fill in the form why you are traveling and with the same rules?
I can not find it anywhere, only for domestic flights. Please help me!
I have a dental appointment in another prefecture, I have been advised that yes I can go, send sms and show my appointment card and no I will be fined if caught outside my prefecture so now I’m considering cancelling. Confused.
Hi,
I’m traveling to Thessaloniki from abroad but my final destination is in another prefecture. I can’t go there the same day since there aren’t any bus routes, so I have to wait until the next morning. Since I’m not a permanent resident of Greece and I don’t have health or business reasons, am I allowed to do that? Will the PLF be enough?
I have the same query but layover and final destination differ. I’ve contacted my airline, ferry companies, port authorities, who all say to contact civil protection.. who don’t answer and only respond to emails by saying to contact their number. I’m hoping the answer is found in this thread, with some type of confirmation from an offical source.
Please check this link https://news.gtp.gr/2020/11/13/lockdown-in-greece-guidelines-for-tourists/
and specifically the instructions given for visitors ARRIVING in Greece (and trying to reach their hotel).
The instructions in this article are from the Tourism Ministry.
Since you are a visitor and you are trying to reach your destination, the PLF should be enough but we do advise that you contact your embassy to be sure.
Do you believe that I would be able to travel London to Athens with a night layover before continuing to Santorini along with this advice? I will defiantly contact my advise but have not seen this advice elsewhere. Where can I find the direct instructions from the Tourism Ministry? Thank you very much.
Thank you for your answer. I checked the link but what if I’m not going to stay in a hotel but my family’s house? I can’t show a reservation for that. I guess I have to contact the embassy and Civil Protection just to be sure.
If travellers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.
Source: https://travel.gov.gr/#/ > Protocol for air arrivals
Is it possible that I can go skating by sending the number 6 ( to the authorities ).Or is it a violation?
Our 90 days free visa will be expired. Do we need to extend? Or Greece will not account the time when is lockdown?
Does anyone know whether it’d be allowed to 1. fly to Athens (international European flight) and 2. subsequently catch a ferry to Lesvos for work?
I’ve got a question.
Are visits allowed at my residence?
We have been living on a Greek island for the past 5 months. My wife is ill – non-Covid – and needs to go to Athens for an MRI. We have been told that she can go but not return to the island though her child is here. Is this correct?
Do you have to wear a mask when driving your own car under the latest lockdown.
Michael
Will post offices be open?
A receipt was cut short by ELTA. I need the tracking number to locate the parcel. Thanks!
I believe the SMS number works with international SIM card when you dial the country code first. At least it seems to work in my case.
Hi there! It says that international travel is allowed with restrictions but what are these restrictions? Are foreigners allowed to leave the country during the lockdown to continue their travels? Unfortunately I cannot find any official source stating this.
You can find the information you are looking for here: https://news.gtp.gr/2020/11/05/covid-19-greece-not-close-airports-second-lockdown-rules-apply-travel/
I am in Kalamata and need to get an early morning flight from Athens. Am I allowed to drive during the night-time curfew to return home?
It’s better if address your questions to the nearest police station in Kalamata.
Can i go for fishinng near my home(there is no another People) with a chield? And what about sweeming in the sea (training). Thank you for explain and help!
Hi,
Me and my 3 friends are all staying in the same AirBnb. We only have 1 car? We heard there is a limit on number of people in car even though we all live in the same house?
3 people in private owned car (including driver).
In taxi only 1 passenger allowed.
Is it not possible for a married couple or one parent with older child to share a taxi. If my family needed a taxi in these circumstances we would need 5 separate taxis!!!
The whole point is that people should not travel unless absolutely necessary. Why would your whole family need to go somewhere together? If it is absolutely necessary you will have to take separate taxis if you have no other means of transport like a bus. Under she children don’t count.
I’ve tried to connect to the message service on the App Store but the messages do not connect.
I’ve got the Δήμος ΒΒΒ app so although it downloaded perfectly the messages don’t go through.
When I added 0030 to the front of the number it went through but I didn’t get a response.
I can’t go out without an SMS and I can’t get my response, any suggestions?
You can go out. A handwritten note will suffice.
Efficient GTP team. Bravo !
This System is straight dumb retarded, whoever designed this should be fired and never allowed to work in a public service ever again.
The SMS doesn’t work without local SIM card and I find out today, I don’t travel with a printer and I can’t go outside without risking being fined to find a place to print that will most likely not be opened, the apps mentioned on the above message DO require a Greek card because they simply format the SMS for you and I don’t carry papers with me to write down stuff on them, this is beyond ridiculous.
I am afraid you did not read the article and the istructions thoroughly. You can prepare a HANDWRITTEN certificate that must have the following information:
Full name
Address
Reason for movement that falls into the above permitted categories Destination address
Date, time, signature
You can write it out by hand.
Does the sms rule last for the full three weeks?
Hi guys, I am trying and trying since morning to send sms in 13033 from different apps and it just does not go. What can I do??? Or who can I call to solve the problem???
Can I still go ride my mountain bike in Seix Sou forest Thessaloniki?
Can we go swimming in the sea as exersize
Swimming is allowed
Is just going for a walk for some exercise permitted in option 6? Or do i literally have to be running? Serious question!
Walking is considered an exercise.
You have covered airplane travels, but can you tell me what proof I need to reach Evzonio border cross, as I don’t have tickets or hotel booking.
The information given until now for land travel through border points can be found here: https://news.gtp.gr/2020/11/05/covid-19-greece-not-close-airports-second-lockdown-rules-apply-travel/
Hello, myself and my wife want to go for a walk/exercise we only have one Greek mobile phone between us. How would we send an sms to 13033? I know it is option 6, but would you then put in both our names and then the address or would you send two separate sms from the same phone? Thanks for your great help and advice
As noted in the article, outdoor exercise or walking a pet is allowed solitary or strictly in pairs while observing the necessary distance of 1.5 meters from one another.
One SMS with one name should be enough.
Hi, i am in lesvos and i want to travel to the mainland to messolonghi to my permanent residence. Can you tell me what i need to do now please?
Return to permanent residence requires proof of residence, such as the E1 tax return form.
What counts as “exercise”? They can’t expect everyone to go joining now. Going for a walk at the fresh air should also count as exercise, right? Is there any definition what’s “close to residence” means?
Hello
Does walking count as exercise or does it have to be jogging
Thanks
Can you go swimming at nearest beach location to if it is part of a physio procedure you do for health reasons
Winter swimmers?
What about post office?
What if you do not have mobile phone ?
A handwritten statement with your signature that states the reason for movement (as well as the date, the time, your name and address of where you are staying in Greece) is also acceptable. Please note that you must have a form of identification (ID card or passport) with you when outside.
Been through this today myself – the SMS number does not recognise iMessage. The app does not recognise iMessage either. On some devices you can only use iMessage.
Was carrying my written statement, on my way to the supermarket and the police , wrote out a fine, for going to the supermarket in the closest city. We are staying at the top of a mountain and the town is really closed for the winter. I have a medical condition so I the day before the lockdown we went shopping but after the extension we had nothing left.They The very small shop, down the hill had nothing I could replace for what I needed and most of the products I need we either sold out or not available until the pre season. So they recommended going to the city.
The rare thing was I was told by the police because I have no Greek tax number I don’t have to pay but send an e-mail. Trouble is I kan not read the email adres he wrote.
Please help.
u go get a phone
I am a foreigner and cannot connect number 13033,or +30 13033,
are there international number?
Hi! You need for that 13033 local sim, or as foreign use an app (there is many of them in Google Play and Apple store as well), use search 13033.
Also you can just use just a paper and write in there: your name, address where you stay in Greece, one of those reasons why you go out (by number) and the date and time – check for more here: https://forma.gov.gr/?fbclid=IwAR0mTQDqfoHEVBIgIxn4h8PkT41M3KC-y-BWfwPk6RcxYu8R3RolAQ8_8P4#written