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Negative Covid-19 Rapid Tests Now Accepted for Entry in Greece

The Greek Tourism Ministry on Friday announced that Greece will permit entry for travelers who present negative rapid antigen tests on arrival, as proof that they are not infected with the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Greece until now was only accepting negative PCR tests (performed within 72 hours before flights) among its entry requirements.

Effective immediately, travelers who choose to present a negative rapid antigen test upon arrival must take the test at an authorized laboratory within 48 hours before their flight to Greece.

The negative rapid test result must be in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian. It is noted that name on the test result must match the name on the traveler’s passport.

It is reminded that other acceptable documents accepted for entry to Greece are one of the following:

– a vaccination certificate
– proof that the traveler was tested positive with Covid-19 in the past 2 to 9 months (positive PCR/antigen test result or medical certificate)
– a Digital COVID Certificate in digital or print.

Also, to enter Greece, all travelers must fill out the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) one day before travel.

For further details on the entry requirements, press here.

No tests for children under 12 years old

The Tourism Ministry also announced that the Covid-19 testing requirement for entry in the country will be in force for children aged 12 and above (it was previously mandatory for children over 6) in accordance with the recommendations of the European Union.

The aforementioned updates concern the entry requirements for citizens from the countries that Greece currently allows visitors from: EU & Schengen Area countries, Albania, Australia, Northern Macedonia, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom, Japan, Israel, Canada, Belarus, Lebanon, Bahrain, New Zealand, South Korea, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine, Rwanda, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro (permanent residents from Montenegro are allowed to enter Greece strictly with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel.)

For detailed information on rules and requirements for entering Greece, press here.

“The purpose of all safety protocols is to facilitate travelers who wish to visit our country, along with the constant and absolute care for the health safety of both of tourists and Greek citizens,” the ministry said.

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  1. Nicole Reply

    Will they accept a rapid antigen test done at a local pharmacy?

  2. robert Reply

    We will entry by car on 20th. 7.
    on 25th we want to take flight from Thessaloniki to Santorini.
    Do we also need to do again rapid test ?
    where we can do that on Halkidiki ?

    after return we will go by car to Peloponnese, and from Gythio on 4.8. we want to take ferry to Crete
    Do we need to do rapid test ?
    Can we do it in Naphlio ?

    thx

  3. Susanna Reply

    Is digital PCR-test result sufficient? Or does it have to be printed? Traveling to Rhodes.

  4. Chelsea Elwer Reply

    Can anyone confirm this that they were able to enter with a rapid?

  5. Kh Reply

    Can anybody confirm about no testing for 11 years old and below? I’ve read so many people are still getting asked for their kids tests results. Flights from Germany to Greece.

    • Valerio Reply

      Confirmed

  6. Angeliki Reply

    Does anyone know if a lab and a home antigen test are allowed or do I have to go to a lab?

    • Valerio Reply

      Self made are refused, you need official ones

  7. Inge Wolters Reply

    A question: how is the ‘children aged 12 and above’ determined? We are in Greece in July, our son turns 12 in August… So is it the year of birth, or is it the day of birth which is determinative?

    • Valerio Reply

      The day… He is still 11

  8. fra Reply

    can someone who’s recently been to greece confirm this?

    • Luca Reply

      I confirm !

      • Kh Reply

        Did you fly with kids under 12?

  9. A Reply

    Who can confirm thid. I’m flying with kids the 25th of June. It woyld help a lot. Dutch travelorganisations kbow nothing….

  10. ANTONIS Reply

    It is 48 hours from departure or arrival to GREECE? (Rapid test need to be taken)? And what about time difference ?

    • Valerio Reply

      48 hours from arrival to GREECE. (Greek time)

  11. michele tosi Reply

    Hi Manuel. It is a great news. I have the flight the 23.
    Unfortunately nothing official .
    If i go here : https://travel.gov.gr/#/

    • x3m Reply

      It is now, but its valid only from 21st june from 6:00AM (local time).

  12. Skydweller Reply

    I will be in greece on Monday, so i dont have to do an PCR test, only an Antigen Test?

    • x3m Reply

      If you arrive later than 6:00AM the antigen test will be sufficient.

  13. Camillo Reply

    Wow, what a great news! Today i’ve been checkin entry requirements on travelgovgr and still there’s no mention about antigenic. Hopefully they will update it asap!

    • x3m Reply

      Its updated.

  14. Dżoł Bajden Reply

    No, You need to have a PCR. For people who can’t reed with understandingg the PCR test is obligatory.

    • x3m Reply

      Not anymore. From monday rapid antigen test is sufficient.

    • Jack Reply

      Nope they’ve changed it so you can provide either the PCR or antigen, so people can read 🙂

  15. Al Reply

    I have a Monday flight as well. I have not been able to verify this information anywhere else.

    Both travel.gov.gr and the Passenger Locator Form still only mention PCR as an option.

  16. Manuel Reply

    MY flight takes off at 15 o#clock on Monday 21st. Am I understanding this right, that I don´t need to do a PCR-Test?

    • Thomas Reply

      I have the same issue… I called the Greek airport and they said that according to the regulation they are aware off, a PCR test is required.
      However, also the following official press release from the Ministry of Tourism is saying that the new regulation became into effect immediately: https://mintour.gov.gr/allages-stis-proypotheseis-eisodoy-xenon-toyriston-stin-ellada-kya/

      I decided to risk it

      • suzy Reply

        Thomas, can you infotm us if you managed to enter with a rapid test?

      • Darek Reply

        Thomas, did You make it with antigenic test only ?

      • patrick Reply

        did you get through fine??

      • Myriam Ehmer Reply

        So Thomas, were you authorized to enter greece with only an antigen test ?
        Thanks

    • Valerio Reply

      You need pcr or antigen or being vaccinated (at least 14 days from second dosis date)
      Antigen response you get it quick, for pcr it could last 24 hrs (or more) and there is the weekend…

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