Greece: Mandatory Covid-19 Rapid Testing for Arrivals from UK and UAE

All arrivals to Greece from the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates are now required to take a rapid test for the coronavirus (Covid-19) upon arrival at the airport, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) said on Monday.

The rule, in force as part of the Greek government’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country, is valid from February 22 until March 8 and is an addition to the HCAA’s aviation directive (NOTAM) that concerns the temporary ban of third-country arrivals into Greece. Excluded from the ban are travelers arriving from the UK, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Russian Federation and Israel.

The mandatory Covid-19 rapid test for travelers entering Greece from UK and UAE is among a number of restrictions that already apply to international arrivals:

– the submission of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) by all passengers of international flights to Greece remains mandatory
– all travelers from abroad must also submit a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before arrival in Greece
– all passengers entering Greece from any foreign country, including EU 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

UK arrivals

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