Greece Covid restrictions update: Five key rules British tourists need to know

Martin Lewis says get travel insurance as soon as you book

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On Wednesday, Greece’s government announced plans to extend its strict coronavirus restrictions by one week – until January 23. At this date, the government will reassess the data available.

Though Greek citizens have many new rules directed at them. This includes the news that all over 60’s who have not yet been vaccinated could now face monthly fines.

For every month over 60’s are not vaccinated, they may be fined up to €100 (approximately £83).

However, a number of restrictions will also impact visiting tourists, including Britons.

The rules span both entry requirements and domestic restrictions.

What restrictions do Britons need to know?

1 Strict entry requirements remain in place, including the need for a negative Covid test

According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO): “If you’re travelling from the UK or anywhere else in the world, you will need to have completed a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arrival in Greece.

“The form is required regardless of the means of transport you use to travel to Greece (including by ferry, road, rail or air.

“You will also need one of the following: Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece; or proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory, undertaken within the 24 hour period before your arrival into Greece.”

These requirements are compulsory for all travellers aged five and above.

The FCDO adds: “In addition, arrivals into Greece may be required to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival.

“If you test positive on arrival in Greece, you (and those you are travelling with) will have 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” that visitors take either a certified rapid test, or certified PCR test on both days two and four after arrival into Greece.

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2 Face masks remain mandatory in certain settings

While in Greece, you must use a facemask 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 should be surgical), or an N95/FFP2 mask.”

3 Vaccine requirements are in place to use certain services and amenities

The Greek authorities are now requiring all people to show proof of vaccination in order to enter public spaces such as shops, indoor and outdoor restaurants and museums.

You must be prepared to show proof of your vaccination status and may also be asked for identification, such as your passport.

People who are not vaccinated will not be allowed to enter nightclubs, indoor dining in restaurants, theatres, cinemas, museums, exhibitions, conferences, gyms and stadiums.

Children aged between four and eight are permitted to show a negative self-test instead of vaccination to enter shops, restaurants and museums.

4 Some venues have capped capacity

Certain venues, such as sports stadiums, are running at a reduced capacity.

Restricted numbers are in place for churches and religious services.

Sports stadiums are allowed to operate at only 10 percent capacity, with a cap on 1,000 spectators.

5 If you are over 60 years old, you may be required to show proof of a booster

As of January 17, 2022, people who are aged 60 and above may be required to show evidence of a booster vaccine in order to be classified as fully vaccinated.

If more than seven months have elapsed since you completed your initial vaccination course against COVID-19, Greece considers your vaccination status expired unless you have received a booster vaccine, the FCDO states.

From February 1, 2022, these rules will be extended to all people aged 18 and over.

However, it will not affect international travel or entry to Greece, and will only apply to domestic measures.

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