GREECE NOW REQUIRES PCR TESTS FROM ALL TRAVELERS
Greece officially updated their entry requirements and will now require a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival, from ALL passengers entering the country.
Earlier this week, Greece announced a nation-wide lockdown coming into effect on November 7 until at least November 30 to help curb the recent spike of cases happening throughout the nation. The changes in the entry requirements, with the inclusion of the negative PCR test now needed for all passengers, are being applied to help make the lockdown as effective as possible.
PCR Testing Required From ALL Passengers
Starting on Wednesday November 11th, proof of a negative PCR test will be required from all passengers entering Greece, taken no longer than 72 hours before departure into the country when arriving by air or land.
Travel Between Regions
Travel between regions of Greece for leisure purposes is also prohibited, regardless if the person is a citizen or a tourist. Travel between regions during the lockdown will only be permitted for essential business or health reasons, or for someone returning to their permanent residence.
Public Transportation
Public transportation will still operate in Greece during the lockdown, but schedules will be more limited. This includes trains, buses, and even air travel. Travelers already in the country should be aware that their existing itineraries may change due to availability.
Closures
Tourists will find that restaurants, shops, and tourists attractions will all be closed during the lockdown
What Countries Are Permitted to Visit During Lockdown?
As far as we know, Greece has only changed the PCR requirement but has not made any changes to the countries currently permitted to enter. The countries currently allowed to enter Greece include:
- All EU/Schengen nations (including UK, Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland)
- Select third-party countries (which consists of: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Uruguay, Singapore, UAE)
Any country not listed is currently not permitted to travel to Greece.
In addition to the PCR test requirement, the above countries are still required to fulfill all Covid-19 entry requirements for Greece, including the Passenger Locator Form (PLF)
SMS For Leaving the House
Anyone leaving home for an essential reason during the lockdown will first have to send an SMS to 13033.
This will be used to cite the reason for leaving.
The SMS message should include: “# one of the following numbers/reasons for leaving (1-6 listed below), name, surname, address.”
1– Visit a pharmacy or doctor
2 – Visit a supermarket or stores for essential supplies
3 – Visit a bank if e-banking transactions are not possible
4 – Visit people needing assistance or escorting children to and from school
5 – Attending a funeral, as per the conditions provided by the law, or visiting children in the case of divorced parents
6 – Physical exercise outdoors or up to two persons taking their pet for a walk — while always observing a 1.5-meter distance.