Greece Lifts 7-day Quarantine Rule for EU States, US, UK, UAE, Serbia and Israel

Greece has lifted quarantine restrictions for travelers from the European Union and five other countries who have been fully vaccinated or tested negative for Covid-19, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) said on Monday.

According to the updated Covid-19 aviation directive (NOTAM), as of Monday, April 19, travelers from: all EU member states and the members of the border-free Schengen area, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Israel, will be able to enter Greece without having to undergo the seven-day mandatory quarantine after arrival only if:

a. they have a negative PCR test performed less than three days (72 hours) prior to their trip, or

b. they have a vaccination certificate issued by a public authority in the English language, stating that 14 days have passed since the completion of their full vaccination for Covid-19.

Moreover, Monday’s updated Covid-19 aviation directive (NOTAM) extends restrictions on domestic and international flights until until April 26.

Domestic travel: Only essential trips allowed

All non-essential travel between Greek prefectures remains prohibited.
The non-essential travel restriction for domestic flights in Greece concerns domestic scheduled, commercial and general/business flights. According to the aviation directive, only essential travel is allowed for health and business reasons, family reunification, and returning to permanent residence.

International flights – Restrictions, Rules

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 must self-isolate either at their home (for permanent residents) or at the place of temporary residence declared on the PLF, for 7 days. Exempt from the mandatory quarantine are travelers from: all EU member states and the members of the border-free Schengen area, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Israel, considering that they have been fully vaccinated or tested negative for Covid-19.

Non-EU citizens allowed into Greece
The temporary ban on entry into Greece from outside the EU has been updated. Only citizens traveling for essential reasons from the following 12 countries are excluded from the ban: UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Serbia, United States of America and Israel.

Arrivals from Russia
Only 4,000 permanent residents of Russia per week are allowed to enter Greece on flights landing (only) at the airports of Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion.

The restrictions are part of the Greek government’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country.