Greece Officially Announces Covid-19 Rules for Travelers Arriving from China

Photo source: WHO

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) on Tuesday issued an aviation directive (NOTAM) concerning travelers arriving to Greece from China.

The directive, which has been issued as part of the Greek government’s efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country, went in force on January 15 and will remain in effect through to Tuesday, January 31, at 6am. It is reminded that Greece is among the EU countries that recently began imposing new Covid-19 measures on inbound travelers from China due to the country’s spike in cases.

Rules

According to the aviation directive, all travelers, regardless of nationality, arriving to Greece on direct flights from China will be obliged to present a negative molecular test result (PCR) for Covid-19, taken at least 48 hours before arrival or a negative Covid-19 rapid test, taken within 24 hours before their boarding for Greece.

It is mandatory for all travelers from China to wear a high respiratory protection mask (FFP2 or N95 or KN95), both during the flight and during their stay in the Greek airport of arrival.

The measures for entry into Greece concerning travelers from China also apply to children from 5 years of age and older.

The necessary entry documents (negative Covid-19 test results) must be shown by travelers upon their arrival in Greece to the officers of the Hellenic Police upon request.

Airline staff are obliged to check all travelers before they board flights to Greece from China in order to confirm that they have the necessary documents. If passengers arrive in Greece without the necessary documents then airlines will be obliged to repatriate them at their own expense and responsibility.