Greece amends COVID-19 rules for foreign travellers

As the Omicron variant spreads fast but amid pressure from tourism companies, the Greek government amended restrictions for those entering Greece.

Now travellers would have to provide a PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival. A rapid test was not sufficient. But following an outcry from stakeholders, including tourism agents, on December 16 the government announced amendments to the rules.

International travellers will now either have to show a PCR taken within 72 hours or a rapid test taken within 24 hours upon arrival according to the new measures that came into force at 6:00 December 19 and remain in place until 10 January.

Airlines, shipping lines, rail lines and road transport firms will be responsible for checking that passengers have the necessary documents before boarding, Euractiv reported.

According to the amended measures, people travelling to Greece who test positive for COVID-19 will have to temporarily quarantine at home or in a suitable temporary residence designated by authorities for ten days. Those who have completed the vaccination fourteen days ago and test positive, must quarantine for seven days.

Travelling to Greece already required proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test. For the vaccinated, the latest measures increase their requirements to travel as a certificate will no longer be enough.