Greece Requires Negative Covid-19 Test for Entry from Israel

All travelers entering Greece from Israel as of August 17 until August 31, will be obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus (Covid-19) upon arrival to the country.

The test must be performed up to 72 hours before travelers enter Greece, a new aviation directive (NOTAM) by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) aimed to limit the further spread of the coronavirus in Greece.

The negative molecular test result (PCR) for coronavirus must be from a certified diagnostic center and in English when presented to Greek control authorities. The test result must include passport or ID details of travelers.

It is noted that airlines must check whether passengers have a negative Covid-19 test before the flight. If not, passengers should not be allowed to board. Airlines that do not comply with this obligation will be responsible for the repatriation of passengers at their own expense.

It is reminded that all travelers to Greece are still obliged to complete the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 24 hours before entering the country.

Israel permanent residents must retake Covid-19 test

The directive notes that all travelers from Israel must also present documentation of their temporary residence in Greece (hotel booking or other appropriate documents).

In any case, according to the directive, all permanent residents of Israel entering Greece will be re-subjected to a laboratory test for Covid-19 with the PCR method (taking a sample from nasal or oral passage). Until the results of the laboratory test are issued, passengers should remain confined to their place of temporary residence.

Maximum entry of 600 travelers from Israel per week

The same NOTAM concerning passengers from Israel notes that only 600 people per week are allowed to enter Greece on flights arriving to the airports of Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion and Corfu, excluding arrivals at other airports in the country.

Greek repatriation programs are excluded from the NOTAM.

A fine of 5,000 euros will be imposed on those who violate the aviation directive for the controlled entry of permanent residents of Israel.