On Wednesday, the Greek government announced its intention to extend its strict coronavirus restrictions for another week – until January 23. On that date, the government will reassess the available data.
What restrictions should Brits be aware of?
1 Strict entry requirements remain in place, including the requirement for a negative Covid test
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO): ”If you are traveling from the UK or anywhere else in the world, you will need to have completed a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) prior to your arrival in Greece.
“The form is required regardless of the means of transport you use to travel to Greece (including by ferry, road, train or plane.
“You will also need one of the following: proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within 72 hours of arrival in Greece; or proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorized laboratory, carried out within the 24 hours prior to your arrival in Greece.”
These requirements are mandatory for all travelers aged five and over.
The FCDO adds: “Additionally, arrivals to Greece may be required to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test upon arrival.
“If you test positive upon arrival in Greece, you (and those you travel with) will be required to self-isolate for at least five days at home or in quarantine hotels provided by the Greek state.”
Since December 24, the Greek government has also “strongly recommended” visitors to take either a certified rapid test or a certified PCR test on days two and four after arriving in Greece.
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2 Face masks remain mandatory in some contexts
While in Greece, you must use a face mask in all indoor and outdoor public and communal spaces.
According to the FCDO: “In certain areas, such as in supermarkets and pharmacies, and on public transport, you will be required to wear either double masks (at least one of which must be surgical) or an N95/FFP2 mask.”
3 Vaccination requirements are in place to use certain services and amenities
Greek authorities now require all people to present proof of vaccination to enter public spaces such as shops, indoor and outdoor restaurants and museums.
You should be prepared to show proof of your vaccination status and you may also be asked for identification, such as your passport.
Unvaccinated people will not be allowed to enter nightclubs, eat indoors in restaurants, theaters, cinemas, museums, exhibitions, conferences, gymnasiums and stadiums.
Children between the ages of four and eight are allowed to present a negative self-test instead of vaccination to enter shops, restaurants and museums.
4 Some sites have limited capacity
Some venues, such as sports stadiums, are operating at reduced capacity.
Restricted numbers are in place for churches and religious services.
Sports stadiums are allowed to operate at just 10% capacity, with a cap of 1,000 spectators.
5 If you are over 60, you may need to show proof of a recall
Since January 17, 2022, people aged 60 and over may be required to show proof that they have received a booster shot in order to be classified as fully vaccinated.
If more than seven months have passed since you completed your first COVID-19 vaccination course, Greece considers your vaccination status to have expired, unless you received a booster shot, the FCDO says.
From February 1, 2022, these rules will be extended to all persons aged 18 and over.
However, this will not affect international travel or entry into Greece, and will only apply to domestic measures.
