Greek Vaccination Incentive ‘Freedom Pass’ Opens this Week

The government’s “Freedom Pass” program offering 18- to 25-year-olds who get vaccinated against Covid-19 a pre-paid card worth 150 euros goes into effect on Tuesday 20 July, said Digital Governance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis on Monday.

The card, which serves as a reward and an incentive for those aged 18-25 to get at least one shot of any vaccine against Covid-19, covers costs for travel and entertainment, including air fare or ferry tickets, vehicle rentals, accommodation, admission to museums and archaeological sites.

How the Freedom Pass works

Starting Tuesday individuals in the given age group are invited 

– to apply for the card and 150-euro subsidy at e-gov.gr using their Taxisnet password and username

– eligible parties who do not have a tax number can get one at the KEP citizens’ service centers 

– in two days’ time, the bank will contact the applicant in order to provide the pre-paid card

– the Freedom Pass covers certain tourism- or culture-related costs. 

Photo source: European Union / Photographer: Claudio Centonze

“We have confidence in young people and we know, looking at the statistics, that those who choose to get the first dose will get the second too,” said Pierrakakis, adding that after the announcement the number of young people aged 18-24 who booked a vaccination appointment doubled.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the Freedom Pass is a “gift of gratitude” to Greece’s youth who withstood months of restrictions and lockdown measures that have impacted their education and social life.

The PM said it was now more than ever critical for younger generations to get vaccinated with the emergence of the Delta variant, which targets younger people.