WELCOME TO GREECE!

Beginning July 1, 2020, the Greek government has determined how the country will welcome travelers, carry out the necessary diagnostic screening and keep everyone safe throughout the season.

The Passenger Locator Form (PLF) is a key element in the planning. As of July 9th 2020, travelers that are allowed to visit Greece must complete their PLF at least 24 hours before entering the country, providing detailed information on their point of departure, the duration of previous stays in other countries, and the address of their stay while in Greece. In case of multiple stays, they are required to provide the address for the first 24 hours at least.
Travelers will receive a confirmation email upon submission of the PLF.
Travelers will receive the PLF with their unique Quick Response (QR) code on the day of their scheduled arrival in Greece (at midnight) and will be notified via email (the QR code will be provided in a link in the confirmation email).

The PLF can also be found on the Visit Greece app and at travel.gov.gr/#/

It is strongly recommended that all visitors download the Visit Greece app (GDPR compliant) for free, prior their arrival in Greece.

Protocol for air arrivals

· Arrival at the entry gate.

· Transfer to the area where the screening personnel are located. Travelers are requested to show their QR code either on their mobile phone screen or in print. If travel departure begins prior to the day of arrival, travelers are allowed to board after showing the confirmation email (and not necessarily the QR code which is scheduled to arrive during their trip.)

· Depending on their QR code/confirmation, travelers are directed either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).

· Upon completion of the test, travelers are directed towards the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).

· The test results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.

· If travelers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.

All travelers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical distancing) according to local guidance.

Protocol for sea arrivals

· Arrival of incoming travelers on foot at the main entry gate.

· Incoming travelers arriving in vehicles are directed to the special entry gate.

· Transfer to the area where the screening personnel are located. Travelers are requested to show their QR code either on their mobile phone screen or in print. If travel departure begins prior to the day of arrival, travelers are allowed to board after showing the confirmation email (and not necessarily the QR code which is scheduled to arrive during their trip.)

· Depending on their QR code/confirmation, travelers are directed either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).

· Upon completion of the test, travelers are directed towards the exit (to baggage claim area or passport control).

· The test results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.

· If travelers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.

All travelers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical distancing) according to local guidance.

Protocol for arrivals at land borders

· Arrival of persons at the checkpoint.

· Passport and customs control are carried out.

· Transfer to the area where screening personnel is located. Travelers are requested to show their QR code either on their mobile phone screen or in print.

· Screening personnel direct travelers, depending on their QR code, either to the screening area where they will be tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team or to the exit. Upon completion of the screening, tested travelers are also directed towards the exit.

· The screening results are expected to become available within 24 hours. During that time, passengers who are tested are advised to practise social distancing according to local guidelines and self monitoring for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. In case of such symptoms, medical advice and/or contact with the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre should be immediately sought. Only in case they test positive, the authorities will contact them and proceed with the health protocol in place. Otherwise, they may continue with their holidays, adhering to the general public health safety guidelines.

· If travelers plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days.


All travelers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical/social distancing) according to local guidance.


Frequently Asked Questions - Travel Q&A

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Greece is ready once again to welcome the world. Here is how:

1st July onwards

Residents form EU+ countries are allowed to travel to Greece. EU+ consists of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland.

Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, China*.

*subject to confirmation of reciprocity.

Other countries citizens are allowed to travel to Greece only for essential travel.

AIR
International flights are allowed into all airports in Greece.

Extension of ban for direct flights from the UK & Sweden until July 15th.

LAND
Land border arrivals from Bulgaria are allowed through Promachonas border station. Entry from other border stations with Bulgaria is allowed for essential travel.

With regards to Albania, North Macedonia and Turkey entry is allowed for essential travel.

SEA
Arrivals by sea by ferry ships are allowed only in Patras, Corfu and Igoumenitsa ports.
Travelers must complete 24 hours before their arrival in Greece a Passenger Locator Factor (PLF) form and a confirmation email will be received upon its submission. An electronic or hard copy of the PLF confirmation should be presented to the designated crew members before embarkation onboard a ship at any Italian port. Travelers will also receive the PLF with a QR code on the day of their scheduled arrival in Greece (at midnight) and will be notified via email (the QR code will be provided in a link in the confirmation email).

No such restriction applies on yachting.

***

All visitors from air, land or sea, will be subject to random tests upon arrival. Upon being tested, travelers move to their final destination. In the event of a positive result, they will be contacted and placed on 14-day quarantine, with expenses covered by the Greek state.

Greece at any stage retains the right to modify any of the above in light of changing circumstances. A team within the Infectious Diseases Committee evaluates the epidemiological data on a regular basis and recommends changes to restrictions.


Q: Who will cover expenses in the event of a Covid-19 patient's air transportation and hospitalization?
A: The Greek state will cover expenses related to hospitalization of visitors suffering from Covid-19 symptoms.

Q: What happens if an infection is confirmed at a hotel?
A: In the event of a confirmed infection, close contacts of the case will be transferred to a separate quarantine accommodation at the expense of the Greek state. Remaining guests will continue their holidays.

Q: If someone misses their return flight because of illness or symptoms or misses prepaid accommodation is there a refund policy or other framework that could cover expenses?
A: Greece will cover transfer to hospital and medical costs as well as stay in quarantine hotel if needed. We urge airlines travel agents and hotels to offer maximum flexibility during this time of customer and regulatory uncertainty.

Q: Can a visitor provide the results of a molecular test (conducted up to 72 hours prior to arrival) to avoid being tested?
A: Subject to evaluation, such tests can be accepted.

Q: Health Protocols of Hotels. How is protocol compliance ensured? With whom should tourists communicate in case protocols are not followed?
A: The Ministry of Tourism has a plan of audits and we encourage all enterprises to seek third party accreditation. We have also set up a training and information website for employees and owners in order to ensure that the knowledge of the protocols is disseminated in a timely and responsible manner. Finally, we have established steep fines for those neglecting their duties. In case of complaints, visitors can call the four-digit number 1572 of the Ministry of Tourism.

Q: Can a visitor enter into Greece through land borders?
A: All visitors can enter through Promachonas border station.

Q: Which land points of entry are open for essential travel?
A: Essential travel is allowed through Nymfaia, Krystallopigi, Kakavia, Kipi, Evzones and Promachonas points of entry.