Covid-19: Greece Tightens Land Border Entry Restrictions, Announces New Rules

Greek Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias.

Greek authorities on Friday gave clarifications on the new restrictions for crossing the country’s land borders. The measures have been announced in response to high numbers of coronavirus (Covid-19) cases recorded in northern Greece.

According to Civil Protection Deputy Minister Nikos Hardalias, the latest data reveals that the epidemiological burden has not decreased in Greece – despite the imposed lockdown – and especially in the northern part of the country.

“This makes it necessary to take measures to limit the spread of the virus and to protect public health,” Hardalias said, adding that movement contributes significantly to the spread of Covid-19.

Greece’s health authorities on Friday announced 2,581 new Covid-19 confirmed cases in the country. Out of the total, 673 were identified in northern Greece.

Which Greek border checkpoints are open/Who can enter

Promachonas border checkpoint. Photo source: EODY

Promachonas: Only Greeks and EU citizens are allowed to enter Greece through the Promachonas border and only from 7 am to 11 pm. Trucks that transport goods can pass through the border 24 hours a day.

Kakavia: Only Greek citizens and holders of a residence permit may enter Greece from the Kakavia border checkpoint and only from 7 am to 11 pm. The border is also open for essential travel for professional or medical reasons. Trucks that transport goods can pass through the border 24 hours a day. Those entering Greece from Kakavia must enter a 7-day quarantine.

Evzoni and Kipi: Only Greek citizens and holders of a residence permit may enter Greece from the Evzoni and Kipi border checkpoints and only from 7 am to 11 pm. The border is also open for essential travel for professional or medical reasons. Trucks that transport goods can pass through the border 24 hours a day.

Nymfeas, Ormeni and Exochi: The border checkpoints of Nymfeas, Ormeni and Exochi are open 24 hours a day exclusively to trucks that transport goods. Only one passenger per truck is allowed when passing any of the three border checkpoints.

Krystallopigi: The Krystallopigi border checkpoint is closed.

Necessary to have: PLF & negative PCR test

It is reminded that travelers going through Greece’s entry points are already obliged to have filled out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) prior to their trip. It is noted that those entering Greece from the Kakavia border must enter a 7-day quarantine at the address stated on their PLF.

Travelers passing Greece’s land borders must also present a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR) performed up to 72 hours before arrival.

Rapid Covid-19 tests to all upon arrival

Photo source: EODY

All travelers to Greece through land border points, regardless of nationality, will undergo a rapid test for Covid-19 by the National Public Health Organization (EODY).

Drivers of trucks that transport goods will undergo sample testing.

When Greece’s lockdown will be lifted

During the media briefing, the deputy minister said that authorities will have a more clear picture of when exactly the lockdown will be lifted after evaluating next week’s epidemiological data.

Hardalias said that – when the time comes – the restrictions will be lifted gradually and carefully.

He once again stressed the need for all to comply with the health and safety measures.

Greece has been in lockdown since November 7 and movement is restricted with exceptions. Visitors to Greece can find information specifically for tourists here.

Since the start of the pandemic, the total number of Covid-19 cases in Greece has reached 87,812. The death toll is 1,419.