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Greece Extends Covid-19 Travel Restrictions into March

Photo source: HCAA

Photo source: HCAA

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) on Sunday extended rules and restrictions for all international flights to Greece, as part of the Greek government’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country.

The 7-day quarantine measure for all arrivals from abroad remains in place as well as special restrictions for flights to Greece from the UK, Albania, North Macedonia and Russia.

According to the HCAA’s updated aviation directives (NOTAMS), the following travel restrictions will remain in place until Monday, March 8 at midnight:

PLF remains mandatory
The submission of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) by all passengers of international flights to Greece remains mandatory.
The rule also applies to Greek citizens and permanent residents of Greece who travel abroad on flights (outbound travel). They are required to fill out the PLF form before their departure from Greece and present it at border checkpoints.

Mandatory negative Covid-19 test result
All travelers from abroad must submit a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before arrival in Greece and may also be requested to take a rapid Covid-19 test upon entry (depending on the data provided on the PLF forms). If a passenger is selected for a rapid test and is positive for the coronavirus then he/she must quarantine for a total of 14 days.

7-day quarantine for all arrivals
All passengers entering Greece from any foreign country, including European Union member states, must self-isolate either at their home (for permanent residents) or at the place of temporary residence declared on the PLF, for 7 days. If they are to stay in Greece for a shorter period, the quarantine restriction is valid for that period of time, ie until their departure.

Non-EU citizens allowed into Greece
The temporary ban on entry into Greece from outside the EU has also been updated. Only citizens from the following 10 countries are excluded from the ban: UK, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Russian Federation and Israel.
All arrivals to Greece from the UK and the UAE are required to take a rapid test for Covid-19 upon arrival.

Flights from Turkey remain banned
The HCAA has extended the travel ban for flights from Turkey to Greece. Flights between Greece – Turkey remain suspended.

Special restrictions for arrivals from UK, Albania, North Macedonia, Russia

UK arrivals
All arrivals from the UK must take a PCR test after their seventh day of quarantine in the Greece. If the test is positive the quarantine will be in force for 14 days. If the test is negative the quarantine ends.

Flights from Albania and North Macedonia can only land in Athens
All flights to and from Greece from Albania and North Macedonia will continue to operate only through Athens International Airport (AIA). Until the restriction is lifted there will be no routes from those countries to any other Greek airports.

Arrivals from Russia
Only 500 permanent residents of Russia per week are allowed to enter Greece on flights landing (only) at the airports of Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion.

Domestic travel: Only essential trips allowed

It is noted that the non-essential travel restriction for domestic flights (travel between prefectures) in Greece has been extended until 6am on Monday, March 8. Press here for further information.

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  1. Gia Reply

    Hello, What are the terms of the 7 day self-isolation upon entering Greece, please? Are we allowed to go at least shop for food, or you literally cannot leave the residence? I cannot find these terms anywhere online. Thank you!

  2. Julie Pask Reply

    Hopefully these restrictions will be changed within the next update due 8th March 2021. I too look forward to returning to Greece but will not be if I have to self isolate at my holiday residence.

  3. Steve Reply

    Cyprus wants both injections before entry. Take heed Greece, you’ll commit financial suicide if you follow suit. Clever countries will be more lax and receive tourist cash.

  4. Augusto Reply

    What total BS this

  5. Norah Guerin Reply

    It would be great if there could be some update as to how this makes a difference with the cover vaccine?

    • james Reply

      with the vaccine it reduces the affects of the virus on your and only you…you can still transmit the virus even after having been vaccinated…until countries get 70% to 80% of their population either vaccinated or confirmed recovered after having the virus we will all still be at risk because otherwise there will be too many variants which will cause this to be out of control for years longer than need be.

  6. John Thompson Reply

    Let me in, please! I’ll take as many tests as you want and isolate as long as needed. I’m ready to spend my money in your beautiful country. Just let me in!!!!

  7. Henry Beutler Reply

    All you can do is waiting how frustrating

  8. Peter Schulthess Reply

    It is incredible how the Greek government is sabotaging the tourist business. It makes absolutly no sense to put people with a negative COVID Test 7 days in Quarantine.
    They would better say: We do not want You – stay at home. And we don’t care about the damage of the reputation of Greece as a xenophil country.

    • Sue Reply

      But you have been mixing with people at at least 2 airports and a plane full of people and there is nothing to say you didnt contract the disease between takin* the test and arriving. … as may have others on your flight.

      • Augusto Reply

        So then YOU stay home Sue and let other adults decide what to do ..This is WAY more POLITICS than health.

        • TOMASZ Reply

          exactly. No one can prison people with no court sentence. what does it means self-isolation? this is assassination attempt on people’s freedom.

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