Greece Lifts Mandatory Quarantine for Covid-free Travelers from 7 Countries

Photo source: WTTC

Greece has lifted its quarantine requirement for travelers from another seven countries provided they have been vaccinated or tested negative for Covid-19, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) said on Sunday.

According to an updated Covid-19 aviation directive (NOTAM), as of April 26 and until May 3, travelers from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Rwanda, Russia and Singapore, will be able to enter Greece without having to undergo the seven-day mandatory quarantine after arrival only if:

a. they have a negative PCR test performed less than three days (72 hours) prior to their trip (this includes children traveling from abroad, aged five and over), or

b. they have a vaccination certificate issued by a public authority in the English language, stating that 14 days have passed since the completion of their full vaccination for Covid-19.

It is reminded that Greece last week lifted its quarantine rule for travelers from all EU member states and the members of the border-free Schengen area, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia and Israel, provided they have been vaccinated or tested negative for Covid-19.

Arrivals from Russia

According to the directive, travelers from Russia will have to present both a negative PCR test and a vaccination certificate in order to be exempt from the quarantine rule.
Sunday’s updated Covid-19 aviation directive also states that Russian travelers are now allowed to enter Greece on flights landing at nine airports (as opposed to just three that was the rule until now), as long as they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and also present a negative test. These airports are: Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos, Santorini and Chania. Greece has a cap on the number of weekly admissions of Russians visitors. Only 4,000 permanent residents of Russia per week are allowed to enter Greece.

Rules for all international travelers

PLF remains mandatory

The submission of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) by all passengers of international flights to Greece remains mandatory. The rule also applies to Greek citizens and permanent residents of Greece who travel abroad on flights (outbound travel).

Rapid Covid-19 test

All passengers (regardless if they come from a country on the exempt list for quarantine) may be requested to take a rapid Covid-19 test upon entry (depending on the data provided on the PLF forms). If a passenger is selected for a rapid test and is positive for the coronavirus then he/she must quarantine for a total of 14 days.

For further information on the HCAA’s updated Covid-19 aviation directive on travel restrictions and requirements for international arrivals, press here.