How to Fly Domestic to the Greek Islands: What You Need to Know

Photo © GTP

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) on Saturday extended the aviation directive that contains rules for travel on domestic flights to island destinations in Greece.

People in Greece (residents and foreign visitors) will be allowed to travel to the Greek islands by airplane only if they have one of the following:

– a vaccination certificate stating that 14 days have passed since full vaccination for Covid-19.
Greeks can issue their vaccination certificates here.
Foreigners are obliged to have a vaccination certificate in one of the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russia. The vaccination certificate must be issued by a public authority, include the travelers’ name, the type of vaccine administered and the number of doses.

– a negative PCR test performed less than three days (72 hours) prior to the scheduled travel date. Foreigners must have a negative test in one of the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian. (The rule is in force for children over the age of 5.)
Negative PCR test results can be in print or electronic form.

– a negative rapid antigen test taken 24 hours prior to travel. Foreigners must have a negative test in one of the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian.  (The rule is in force for children over the age of 5.)
Negative rapid test results can be in print or electronic form.

– a negative self-test taken 24 hours prior to travel.
The self-test declaration form to certify a negative result is available in Greek and English here. Travelers must print it out and present it when requested at the airport. (The rule is in force for children over the age of 5.)

– a recovery certificate stating that one has recovered from the coronavirus in the past 9 months. This can be proven through a certificate of recovery issued by a public authority or a certified laboratory. (The rule is in force for children over the age of 5.)

According to the HCAA, tests (PCR and rapid) that have been carried out abroad and are valid at the time of boarding a domestic flight in Greece will be accepted under the same conditions under which they were accepted to allow entrance to Greece.

Photo: Shutterstock 1656883729

The staff of airline companies will be responsible to check that passengers are carrying the required documentation during boarding.

“Passengers and crew members are obliged before boarding, during the flight and disembarking of passengers, to comply with all other measures for prevention and treatment of Covid-19 cases,” the HCAA said.

It is reminded that face masks must be worn in all areas in Greece.

The HCAA’s updated aviation directive concerning rules to fly domestic in Greece will be in force until Monday, May 31 at midnight.

Greece’s aviation directives are part of the Greek government’s efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country.

The Greek government has detailed information on a dedicated website, which includes frequently asked questions, on how Greece is welcoming visitors this year.

Travelers in need of information regarding specific details are recommended to contact their embassy, airline or the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.