The travel industry is hopeful that 2022 can be a year when we can relax again. So, what do the rules for travel to Greece affect your trip? Here are the basics about travelling to Greece.
Can I travel to Greece from the UK?
Yes. Greece is now on the “clear for travel” list. This means you can travel there. If you have all your vaccines, you don’t have to quarantine before returning to the UK. Double-jabbed means that you don’t need to be tested to travel to the UK. Instead, you can fill out a form to locate a passenger.
Travellers from Greece or any other country on the non-red list must pay to complete a PCR testing on day two. Also, they must fill out a passenger locator form, and they don’t need to self isolate if the test returns positive.
Current Entry Requirements For Greece
If you arrive in Greece on or before 14 March 2022, you must complete a Passenger Locator Formula (PLF) online before you can enter Greece. This form is in English, and it can be used to travel to Greece by any means, whether it is by ferry, road or rail. Failure to fill out the form on time could result in your carrier denying you travel permission, a 500 euro fine upon arrival, or even the Greek authorities refusing to let you enter or reenter the country.
A PLF must be completed by every traveller, including children. If you travel with anyone outside of your family, you will need to complete your own form. If you’re travelling with your family, fill out one form. Before you submit, additional members can be added to the form.
Once you have submitted the form, you will receive an email with a QR Code. Once you receive your code by email, be sure to print it.
The completion of a Personal Legal Form (PLF) will no longer require arrivals in Greece from 15 March 2022.
Additional restrictions regarding air travel
Airlines connecting to Greece may be subject to cancellation or amendment. Sometimes this happens at short notice. For the latest information on flights to and from Greece, please contact your airline.
Additional restrictions regarding entry at the land borders
At present, Greece’s Land Borders are under restriction. Follow official information from Greek authorities to learn about any changes to border arrangements. A Passenger Locator Sheet must be completed by all arrivals prior to travelling. To learn more about how land-border travel may be affected by national or local policies, please refer to the Coronavirus page
If you’re fully vaccinated
It is possible for the rules to be changed at any time. Therefore, you should comply with all instructions given upon arrival at immigration and airport testing facilities. For more information, see the Greek authorities’ advice.
These requirements are applicable to all travellers aged 5 or older.
Travellers from the United Kingdom and United States of America, Canada, Australia, Australia, and Member States in the European Union (EU), as well the Schengen Agreement countries, as well the non-EU member countries that have signed up to the European Union Digital Covid Certificate can enter the country through:
- A valid vaccination certificate. At least 14 days must have passed since you received your COVID-19 first vaccination. This is not to exceed nine months. Booster jabs don’t have to be administered at the same time. To learn more, refer to ‘Demonstrating Your COVID-19 Status’.
Or;
- A COVID-19 certification of recovery. Refer to Demonstrating COVID-19 status’.
Or;
- A negative COVID-19-PCR test must be shown, which must have been done within the 72 hour period of your arrival in Greece.
Or;
- Proof of a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test from an Authorised Laboratory, done within the 24 hours prior to your arrival in Greece
All travellers from all countries can visit Greece by:
- Providing proof of a negative COVID-19PCR, performed within the 72-hour period prior to your arrival in Greece.
Or;
- You can show proof of a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test from an Authorised Laboratory, performed within the 24 hours prior to your arrival in Greece.
The test provider must be certified and provide you with an English certificate of your test results, and the certificate must include full name and passport information.
Additionally, Greece may require arrivals to Greece to pass rapid COVID-19 testing upon arrival. If you’re positive for the disease upon arrival in Greece, you and your family members will have to stay at home or in quarantine facilities provided by Greece for 5 days. If you do not have symptoms by day 5, or your symptoms are improving (e.g. Your quarantine can be ended if you do not have any symptoms on day 5, or your symptoms are improving (e.g. If your fever persists, you’ll need to keep in quarantine until the fever goes down.
Legally, travellers who have been released from quarantine must wear an FFP2 or N95 mask. They can also use double masks (at most one of which must be surgical) in any public outdoor and indoor spaces for at LEAST 5 days.
For information about what to do when you get positive for COVID-19 during your stay in Greece, visit Coronavirus’.
Additionally, be aware of the possibility that other passengers on your flight or ferry may test positive. These are mandatory, and you should adhere to the requirements of the Greek authorities.
Tourists coming from or permanent residents from certain countries may have to pass a further antigen and PCR test on arrival. Also, they will need to present a valid vaccination certificate or proof that Covid-19 has been recovered. Non-Greek residents may not be permitted entry to Greece if they are travelling from certain countries. This list will show you which countries travellers can enter Greece from. It will also tell you if any additional requirements apply to your entry.
If you’re still not fully vaccinated
All tourists aged 5 and over are required to comply with Greece’s entry requirements. It is possible for the exact rules to be changed, and you should always follow instructions given upon your arrival at airport testing facilities or immigration. For more information, see the Greek authorities’ advice.
Travellers from the United Kingdom and the United States, Canada, Australia and the Member States in the European Union (EU) can enter the country through:
- A) displaying a COVID-19 Certificate of Recovery. See Demonstrating COVID-19 status’ for more information.
Or;
- You can show proof that you have passed a negative COVID-19-PCR test within the 72-hour period preceding your arrival to Greece.
Or;
- You can show proof of a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test from an Authorised Laboratory, performed within the 24 hours prior to your arrival to Greece
All foreigners can enter Greece from:
- Providing proof that the COVID-19-19 PCR test was negative, completed within the 72 hours prior to arriving in Greece
Or;
- You can show proof that you have passed a negative COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test from an Authorised Laboratory within the 24 hour period preceding your arrival to Greece
The test provider must be certified and provide you with an English certificate of your test results. The certificate must include full name and passport information.
Additionally, Greece may require arrivals to Greece to pass rapid COVID-19 testing upon arrival. You (and your family members) who test positive upon arrival in Greece will need to self-isolate at home for at least 5 nights or in quarantine hotels. If you don’t have any symptoms on day 5, your symptoms may have improved (e.g. Your quarantine can be ended if you do not have any symptoms on day 5, or your symptoms are improving (e.g. If your fever persists, you’ll need to keep in quarantine until the fever goes down.
Travellers leaving quarantine will also be legally required to wear an FF2 / N95 Mask or two (either one surgical or non-surgical) in all public indoor spaces and outdoor spaces for five days after their quarantine ends.
For more information, see Coronavirus’.
Additionally, you should be aware of the possibility that other passengers on your plane, train, bus or ferry may test positive. These are mandatory, and you should adhere to the requirements of the Greek authorities.
If you are a traveller from or a permanent resident of certain countries, you may be required to submit to a further antigen/PCR test or to present a complete vaccination certificate or proof that COVID-19 has been recovered. Non-Greek residents may be restricted to entering Greece only for essential travel. This list will show you which countries travellers can enter Greece from. It will also tell you if any additional requirements apply to your entry.
Young people and children
The entry requirements to Greece are applicable to all travellers aged 5 and over. Children under 5 don’t need to submit a negative check for entry to Greece. Children over 5 years of age who haven’t had a COVID-19 shot are unvaccinated. They must comply with the same rules as adults.
Where to stay and what to do?
There are more Greek islands that you can choose from than 200. Santorini, Mykonos all have plenty to choose from. Paros is known for its remote beaches; Syros – which is just 32 miles in area.
Island-hopping is a popular way to enjoy your time in Greece. If you want to make your home in one place, Athens could be a perfect choice. It is home to many creatives, a smart hotel and a cool restaurant. And it is just a short drive from the sandy beach.
You will find ancient monuments, incredible beaches, vast mountains, and countless islands. Greece is a popular destination for millions of tourists each year who are looking to escape to the sun on a beach or explore its rich and colourful past.
Its resorts are perfect for a party during summer. There’s also plenty of space to get away from the crowds. Outside of summer, you may be the only tourist.
Return to the UK
All passengers aged 12 and above who are travelling to the UK from abroad must complete an online tourist locator form prior to departure. The form can be filled out by adults who are travelling with children aged under 18.
You are considered fully vaccinated if you meet these criteria. The same rules apply to travellers under the age of 18.
If you are 18 years or older, you may not have been fully vaccinated.
- A negative Covid-19 screening will be required. This must be done within two days of your arrival in the UK.
- You will need to book and pay for the PCR test. The test must be performed within two business days of your arrival to the UK. This must be booked with an independent provider before you travel.
- You do not need to quarantine if your PCR test is negative.