Greece Announces 7-day Quarantine for All Arrivals from the UK

All travelers arriving to Greece from the United Kingdom must self-isolate for 7 days as of 6am on Monday, December 21, the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection said on Sunday.

The Greek Health Ministry’s committee of experts for Covid-19 will further evaluate the scientific data on Monday, the general secretariat added in its announcement.

The previously announced measure of a 3-day mandatory quarantine for arrivals to Greece from abroad still applies for arrivals from all other countries.

The new measure involving arrivals from the UK is an addition to existing restrictions. All incoming travelers are still obliged to submit a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before arrival in Greece. They must also take a mandatory rapid Covid-19 test upon entry.

The mandatory quarantine rule for incoming travelers is among the government’s latest measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Where to self-isolate

According to an aviation directive issued by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) on Sunday, the self-isolation of travelers from the UK will take place either at their home (for permanent residents) or at the place of temporary residence declared on the PLF, for seven days, unless they remain in Greece for a shorter period, in which case the temporary restriction is valid for that period of time (until their departure).

According to reports, the Greek government took the extra measure for arrivals from the UK, following the call from the World Health Organization (WHO) for extra caution and action due to the mutant strain of the coronavirus found in the UK, which is 70 percent more contagious.