Greece Closes Borders to Non-EU Citizens

Greece will close its borders to non-EU nationals from 6am on Wednesday, March 18, in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, according to the Greek Deputy Minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Chardalias.

The measure will be in place until April 18.

“Citizens of countries from outside the European Union can come to Greece only for an absolutely necessary condition that relates exclusively to an emergency or family matter,” Chardalias said on Wednesday during a press briefing regarding updates on the coronavirus cases in Greece.

The deputy minister underlined that foreigners that are already in Greece for holiday are advised to limit their excursions.

Moreover, Chardalias said that Greeks and EU nationals can enter the country, but are strongly advised to remain in voluntary quarantine for 14 days.

“Τhis recommendation is even stronger for those who have come from the United Kingdom,” he added, stressing that the self-isolation of travelers from the UK is of utmost importance and Greek authorities will make sure of its implementation.

Chardalias also added that private pleasure boats from abroad are banned from entering Greece.

Following Greece’s announcement on the closure of its borders, leaders in the EU officially agreed to close the bloc’s borders for 30 days to non-essential travel to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The EU will also coordinate the return of EU citizens that are trapped abroad due to the coronavirus-related travel restrictions.