2021 Guidelines For Traveling Within Greece

As Greece has reopened to tourism, a number of safety measures have been put into place to prevent, and contain, the spread of Covid-19 among international visitors and local citizens.

These guidelines are part of the government's plan for dealing with the disease; these guidelines are in constant evaluation and updated according to daily epidemiological data.

 

In this article, XpatAthens aims to provide our community of readers with accurate information about how to travel within Greece during the summer of 2021. Please review our notice at the bottom of this page.

Air & International Travel
All passengers traveling on international flights to Greece are required to fill in and electronically submit the compulsory Passenger Locator Form (PLF) not later than the previous day before entering the country. Travelers will receive a confirmation e-mail upon submission of the PLF, which is a compulsory travel document that has to be presented during boarding. Greek residents who are passengers of international flights leaving Greece are also required to fill in the Passenger Locator Form (PLF).

Additionally, until June 7th, 2021, all passengers above 5 years old and regardless of nationality must meet one of the following conditions:

• Display a negative molecular test (PCR) for COVID-19, taken up to 72 hours before the scheduled flight.
  
  
• Present an official vaccination certificate in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Russian, proving that travelers have completed their vaccination for Covid-19 at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. The vaccination certificate must include the name of the person, the type of vaccine given, the number of doses & inoculation dates.

• Present proof of recovery from Covid-19, valid as of 2 months after positive test result (PCR or Rapid Antigen test) up to nine (9) months before travel.

Upon arrival, all passengers will be subject to random obligatory Covid-19 tests. If found positive, a 14-day quarantine under supervision is required either at home or at a designated temporary residence assigned by the appropriate authorities.

Please note that the use of face masks is obligatory for everyone at all airport areas both indoors and outdoors, except for children under 6 years old and people with respiratory problems. A distance of 1.5 meters should be kept during all phases of the traveling process and it is recommended that one seat be left vacant next to each seated passenger. Finally, passengers are encouraged to select e-services options prior to their departure to the airport as well as within the airport areas to avoid overcrowding. 

Ferry Travel 
As of May 14th, 2021, travel for holiday reasons is allowed in Greece, which means you can catch the ferry to one of the celebrated Greek islands! Prior to boarding, a health declaration questionnaire, provided via ferry operators, must be filled out by all travelers, while a negative Covid-19 test is required. Covid-19 testing is not required for ferry trips to mainland Greece from the islands, nor for island hopping, while children under the age of 5 are exempt from this requirement. 

Proof of negative Covid-19 test could be any of the following:

• Vaccination certificate.
• Negative result of PCR test carried out up to 72 hours before departure.
• Negative result of Rapid Antigen test carried out up to 24 hours before departure.
• Official confirmation of Covid-19 infection minimum 2 months and maximum 9 months before the departure date.

The use of face masks is mandatory both indoors and on the ferry decks and a minimum distance of 1.5m must be followed at all times. Lastly, no more than 2 passengers can stay in a single cabin unless they are family members or they accompany a person with disabilities.

Domestic Travel By Car, Train & Intercity Buses (KTEL) 
For people in Greece traveling between regions on the mainland by car, train, or KTEL, there is a strong recommendation for them to take a Covid-19 self-test before and after their trips. The maximum passenger capacity on all public transport in Greece is 65 percent and the use of masks remains mandatory at all times. 

For more information please visit: travel.gov.gr and aia.gr

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