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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Greece - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Greece.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Greece.

If you decide to travel to Greece: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Greece.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Quick Facts

Six months of remaining validity recommended.

One page per stamp.

10,000 euros or the equivalent.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy athens.

91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue 10160 Athens, Greece Telephone: +(30)(210) 721-2951 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(30)(210) 721-2951 Fax: +(30)(210) 724-5313 Email:   [email protected] Facebook

U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki Plateia Commercial Center 43 Tsimiski Street, 7th floor 546 23 Thessaloniki Greece Telephone: +30-231-024-2905 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(30)(210) 721-2951 Fax: +30 231-024-2927 Email:  [email protected] U.S. Embassy Athens provides all regular consular services including U.S. passports, notarials, and reports of birth and death abroad.

U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki provides notarial service. Embassy Athens consular staff periodically provide regular consular services in Thessaloniki. Please check the U.S. Embassy Athens website for information on the next scheduled visit. Visa services are provided at Embassy Athens only.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Embassy of Greece website for the most current visa information.

Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement; therefore, U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet .

• For entry into Greece, your passport should have at least six months of remaining validity . While Greek law requires three months of passport validity beyond the intended date of your departure, if you are transiting a country that requires six months of validity, you may not be permitted to continue your trip. We recommend that you have at least six months of validity to avoid any travel disruptions.
• U.S. citizens traveling on a passport reported lost or stolen will not be permitted entry into Greece and may be returned to their original departure point. This decision is the purview of the Greek immigration authorities; the U.S. Embassy cannot intervene. Emergency passports are issued only at the Embassy in Athens. Staff members do not travel to the air, land, or sea ports of entry.
• You must arrive in country with proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or other evidence that you will depart Greece if asked. The sufficient funds requirement is often met with credit cards.
• U.S. official and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa prior to arrival. If you are traveling on a U.S. official or diplomatic passport, you will not be allowed to enter Greece without a visa.
• If traveling on official military orders , review the guidance in the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide .

If you are a U.S. citizen with a passport listing your place of birth as the Northern Republic of Macedonia, the Greek authorities will stamp your passport.

If you are a U.S. citizen with a passport listing your place of birth as Skopje or the Republic of Macedonia, your U.S. passport should be recognized as a valid travel document. However, be aware:

• Greek Immigration officers at ports of entry (land, air, and sea) will not place entry stamps in a passport listing the traveler’s place of birth as Macedonia or the Republic of Macedonia.
• You will be asked to complete a short form on which the entry stamp will be placed.
• Keep the form with your passport while you are in Greece and present it upon departure. If you lose the form, you must visit a police station and file a report before the Greek authorities will permit you to depart the country.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Greece.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs information on our website .

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. In the past year, there have been multiple terrorist attacks in Europe. Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets. In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. U.S. citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Strikes and Demonstrations:

• Domestic strikes, demonstrations, and work stoppages are common throughout Greece and can become violent. Stay informed through local news, hotel security, the U.S. Embassy website , and the Consular Section’s Facebook page . Enroll in STEP to receive alerts sent by the Embassy.
• Transportation sector strikes interrupt traffic, public transportation, taxis, seaports, and airports. Confirm domestic and international flights before heading to the airport.
• Avoid all areas affected by the annual November 17 demonstrations, including the U.S. Embassy.
• Anarchists and criminals have used university campuses as refuges. Demonstrators frequently congregate in the Polytechnic University area, Exarchia, Omonia, and Syntagma Squares in Athens; and at Aristotle Square, Aristotle University, and the Kamara area in Thessaloniki.
• Violent anarchist groups have joined public demonstrations to clash with police and vandalize public and private property.

Crime: Crimes against tourists, such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching , occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation, especially the metro. A common tactic is one person causes a commotion on the metro or pushes travelers to distract them while another person snatches the belongings. Thieves also seek out and break into rental cars to steal passports, valuables, and luggage. The Embassy has received reports of alcohol-induced attacks targeting individual tourists at some holiday resorts and bars.

Take the following precautions:

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave bags unattended, especially on the metro and the Athens Airport train or in your vehicle.
• Avoid standing near bus or train doors. Thieves often strike as the doors open then disappear into the crowd.
• Use alcohol in moderation and remain in control.
• Never leave drinks unattended in bars or clubs.
• Be discreet when discussing plans and organizing belongings upon arrival.
• Protect yourself and your money by using well-lit, public ATMs.
• Be aware of internet scams with online thieves posing as loved ones or romantic interests.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report crime to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+30) 210-720-2414 or the Emergency after-hours telephone (+30) 210-729-4444 if you require assistance. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends, with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in certain cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home in certain cases of destitution
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tremors and earthquakes occur regularly.  Forest fires are common, especially during the dry summer months, and occasionally cause road closures. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the instructions of local authorities. Contact the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, which responds to emergencies, at 210-335-9900 for more information. Operators speak English. Monitor the U.S. Embassy Athens’ website and Consular Facebook page .

Tourism : The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities, such as Athens or Thessaloniki. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Possession of a U.S. passport will not prevent you from being arrested, prosecuted, or jailed.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Marijuana is illegal in Greece.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail.
• Photographing military installations is prohibited and may lead to arrest.
• Mace or pepper-spray canisters are illegal in Greece. Such items will be confiscated, and police may arrest or detain you.
• Carry your passport or some form of photo identification at all times. Police may detain you for questioning if you do not have proper identification with you.

Some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Greek Antiquities: Customs authorities strictly regulate the export of Greek antiquities, including rocks from archaeology sites. Do not remove anything, no matter how small, from archaeological or historical sites. Do not purchase protected antiquities and carry receipts for any purchases that may appear to be antiquities.

Military Service for Dual Nationals:

• Greek males between 19 and 45 are required to perform military service.
• If the Greek government considers you to be a Greek citizen, you may be required to fulfill this obligation whether or not you consider yourself Greek or possess a U.S. or third country’s passport.
• Authorities can prevent you from leaving Greece until you complete your military obligations . Contact the Greek embassy or nearest Greek consulate with questions.
• Generally, required military service will not affect your U.S. citizenship, but contact U.S. Embassy Athens if you have questions.

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Greece. LGBTI individuals in Greece are protected by anti-discrimination laws, and gender identity is among the grounds covered by laws against hate speech; however, non-governmental organizations report that social discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is widespread in Greece and violence against LGBTI individuals remains a problem.

See our LGBTI travel information page and section six of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: While Greek law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or intellectual disabilities and local law requires access to buildings, sidewalks, and public transportation, application and enforcement of these laws is lacking.

• Handicapped parking spaces and sidewalk ramps are often occupied or blocked by parked vehicles.
• Sidewalks often are narrow with broken paving stones and large holes and obstructed by trees and street signs.
• Buildings with ramps might lack accessible elevators or bathrooms.
• A small percentage of public buildings (primarily in Athens) have full accessibility. Some buildings and intersections include accommodations for visually-impaired travelers.
• The Athens metro and Athens International Airport are fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
• Ask your hotel about accessibility before booking.

The Deputy Ombudsman for Social Welfare handles complaints related to persons with disabilities, especially those related to employment, social security, and transportation.

Students: See our students abroad page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

Most public medical facilities in Greece offer adequate care, although service quality and hospital appearance may differ from the United States. Some private hospitals have affiliations with U.S. facilities and provide high-quality care. Many doctors trained in the United States or elsewhere in Europe.

• Private hospitals usually require proof of adequate insurance or cash before admitting a patient. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Public hospitals often employ minimal nursing staff overnight and on weekends in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare is not accepted overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. You may be required to pay upfront and seek reimbursement from your insurance company. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

We strongly recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance before their trips to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Greek Embassy or consulate in the United States , the Customs office at Athens International Airport (+30 210-3542126) or the National Organization of Medicines ( [email protected] , www.eof.gr , +30 213-204-0000) to ensure the medication is legal in Greece. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Short-term Car Rentals: Greek law requires that visitors carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and an international driver’s permit (IDP), even if the rental company does not request to see your IDP. The Embassy does not issue IDPs. You must obtain your IDP in the United States from the American Automobile Association ( AAA ) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance ( AATA ). Contact AAA directly to inquire about their mail in option that will allow you to apply from overseas, but note that it will likely take days or weeks. If you drive without these documents, you may face high fines (1,000 Euros or more) or be responsible for all expenses in the event of an accident.

Road Conditions and Safety: Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the European Union. Exercise extreme caution as both a driver and a pedestrian, and follow these tips:

• Drive defensively.
• Expect heavy traffic, obscured traffic signs, and vehicles traveling at high speeds.
• Driving at night in inclement weather and on mountain roads can be hazardous.
• Local law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet.
• Check for motorbikes between lanes and on either side of you.
• Do not rely on lane markings. On many two-lane highways, slower traffic will drive on the shoulder, and cars will pass straddling the center double-yellow line.
• Review your insurance coverage before renting. Most insurance companies require that you have both your valid U.S. license and an international driver’s permit (IDP) for coverage in Greece. Small motorbike and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rental firms frequently carry no insurance and require customers to cover the cost of all damages to their vehicles. Your insurance company may not cover two-wheel or ATV rentals.

Traffic Laws:

• Talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is illegal. The police check phone records when investigating accidents.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, and police conduct random alcohol testing.
• A Greek license is required if you stay more than 185 days in Greece. Contact the Regional Office of Transportation and Communications for more information.

See our road safety page for more information, including information on IDPs. Visit the Greek National Tourist Office website for more helpful tips.                                        

Public Transportation: Purchase and validate your ticket by touching it to the pad on the turnstile prior to boarding a bus or train. Inspectors randomly check for tickets. If you do not have a ticket, have the wrong ticket, or fail to validate your ticket, you could be fined up to 60 times the basic fare.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Greece’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Greece should monitor U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci , the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, https://homeport.uscg.mil , and the NGA broadcast warnings website https://msi.nga.mil/NGAPortal/MSI.portal . Greece implemented a Recreational and Daily Tour Cruise Ships Fee on all private and professional leisure ships with a total length of over seven meters, regardless of flag, in Greek territorial waters. Mariners should consult https://www.aade.gr/polites/etepai for details.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Greece . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

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Travelling to greece in the times of the pandemic: all necessary documents.

Everything you need to know

BY ERI SFAELOU

Translated by angeliki kouroutzi, published 28 july 2021, photo: shutterstock.

Greece welcomes travellers from abroad this year and wishes them a wonderful holiday experience. As the threat of coronavirus has not yet been eliminated, the country has opened its borders, introducing security measures for both visitors and residents.

In this regard, in order to enter Greece, travellers must present either a negative test -molecular or rapid- a vaccination certificate or a positive antibody certificate.

More specifically:

• Negative coronavirus test: travellers entering Greece must provide a negative molecular test (PCR) conducted within the last 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test (rapid) conducted within the last 48 hours. The test is compulsory for all adults and children over 12 years of age, regardless of the epidemiological situation in their country of departure.
• Travellers who have been fully vaccinated are not required to have a coronavirus test, but must present their vaccination certificate. This only applies to travellers whose full vaccination has been completed at least 14 days prior to arrival. If the 14 day period since the last dose of the vaccine has not elapsed, a negative test is required to enter the country.
• A negative test is not required for those who have tested positive for coronavirus in the 30 to 180 days prior to arrival. They can prove this either by presenting a positive molecular or antigen test, or by presenting a medical certificate confirming that the traveller has made a successful recovery. This certificate is issued 30 days after the date of the first positive test and is valid for 180 days.

It should be noted that, despite the above, at the entry points to Greece, random checks of the health status of travellers are being carried out. In the event that someone is selected, the check is compulsory and the authorities reserve the right to refuse entry into the country to anyone who refuses to comply with it.

Arrival without self-isolation

The countries from which entry to Greece is permitted without requiring self-isolation after arrival are: the countries of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City, Monaco, the United States, the United Kingdom, Albania, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine.

Travellers from outside the EU are advised to choose direct flights to Greece in order to avoid compliance with the requirements of the country of transfer.

Entry to Greece is permitted from all international airports and all ports. Entry from land borders is allowed at Promachonas, Ormenio, Evzoni, Nymphaea, Niki, Doirani, Kristallopigi, Kipi, Kakavia, Kastania and Exochi, 24/7. Cruising and yachting are also allowed, with the exception of sea entry from Turkey, which has been temporarily suspended.

PLF online form

Before entering the country, all travellers must complete the electronic Passenger Locator Form (PLF), which provides information such as the place of departure, possible stays in one or more other foreign countries and the address of their accommodation in Greece.

Each family must submit a PLF form, which travellers can obtain either by using the QR code sent to them by email, or via the Visit Greece app available for free download, or via the following link: travel.gov.gr .

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Travel Tips

Planning a trip to greece, health & safety issues.

• the Social Security Institute Health Units (polyclinics) or doctor’s offices in the region
• Regional clinics (former rural clinics) or the Health Centres of the National Health System
• the outpatients’ departments of the hospitals.

Emergency  Numbers

• FIRST AID NATIONAL CENTER (Ambulances): 166
• SOS DOCTORS : 1016
• EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER: 112
• POISONING PHONE CENTER: 210 77 93 777
• FIRE AUTHORITY: 199
• POLICE: 100
• TOURIST POLICE: 1571
• PET HOSPITAL: 210 6038023- 24 -28 (Attica Region).

Travel documents, Passport & Visa

In order to visit greece you need to have the following travel documents:, use of electronic devices.

We wish you safe Travels,

The Visit Greece team

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Protocol for Arrivals in Greece: All Travelers Must Fill Out a Passenger Locator Form

• 2.1K shares

UPDATE: All travelers to Greece will be required to fill in the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 24 hours – not 48 hours as was the case until now – prior to travel starting July 9. Press here for update.

Photo Source: HCAA

Passengers arriving to Greece by air, sea or road, are now required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before entering the country.

The measure comes prior to the country opening all its airports to international flights on July 1 and aims to protect citizens and tourists and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) .

All travellers are obliged to complete their PLF at least 48 hours before entering the country, providing detailed information on their point of departure, the duration of previous stays in other countries, and the address of their stay while in Greece. After submitting their PLF form, each traveller will receive a personal QR code , which must be presented, either via mobile phone or on hard copy, upon their arrival in Greece’s airports.

Following are Greece’s protocols for arrivals by air, sea and road, as announced by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.

Protocol for passengers arriving by air

• Arrival of passengers at the arrival gate.
• Transfer to the area where screening personnel are located and check the unique quick response (QR) code each passenger shows on their mobile phone screen or printed QR form.
• Screening personnel will direct passengers, depending on their QR code, either to the screening area or to the exit (baggage claim area or passport control). Until the screening results become available, passengers tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team are obliged to self-isolate at the address of their final destination as declared on their passenger locator form (PLF). Upon completion of the screening, they are directed towards the exit.

All passengers must comply with all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical distancing).

Protocol for passengers arriving by sea

• Arrival of incoming passengers on foot at the main entry gate.
• Incoming passengers arriving in vehicles are directed to the special entry gate.
• All passengers are transferred to areas where screening personnel are located and check the unique quick response (QR) code each passenger shows on their mobile phone screen or printed QR form.
• Depending on passengers’ QR code, screening personnel either direct them to the screening area or allow them to enter the country. Until the screening results become available, passengers who are tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by a trained health team are obliged to self-isolate at the address of their final destination as declared on their passenger locator form (PLF). Upon completion of the screening they are allowed to enter the country.

All passengers must comply with all of the necessary preventive measures (use of masks and physical distancing).

Protocol for arrivals at land borders

• Arrival of persons at the checkpoint. All persons entering the country must submit a completed passenger locator form (PLF) upon their arrival.
• Passport and customs control are carried out and each incoming person’s unique quick response (QR) code is checked on their mobile phone screen or on the printed form with their QR code.

Depending on their code, incoming persons are directed by security personnel either to the screening area or allowed to continue their trip to their final destination in the country, receiving instructions from the border personnel, concerning, in particular, required action in case they develop symptoms of respiratory infection, in which case they must immediately contact the National Public Health Organization (EODY) Operations Centre. If arriving persons plan to have multiple stop-overs in Greece, they must declare this and report their initial destination and their travel itinerary for the next 7 days. EODY Mobile Health Units (KOMY) will operate round the clock at land border checkpoints.

Until the screening results become available, arriving persons who are tested for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are obliged to self-isolate at the address of their final destination as declared on their passenger locator form (PLF). Their data is entered into the EODY information system, which is linked to the COVID registry to facilitate contact tracing in the event someone tests positive. Upon completion of the screening, they enter the country, receiving instructions concerning self-isolation until the results of their screening are announced.

All passengers must follow all of the necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical/social distancing).

The Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and detailed instructions can be found here .

Please note: For clarifications on entrance to Greece as of July 1, travelers are advised to contact the closest Greek Embassy or consulate prior to travel or consult directly with the airport.

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About the Author

Greek destinations with quarantine hotels for covid-19 cases, tui starts summer 2020 travel, greece among first destinations, 365 comments.

Please advise: my sons girlfriend came into Greece on her South African passport with her valid Visa for travel in Greece. My som filled in the passenger locator form under his name with her as a travel partner. He has now left Greece and she needs to fly from Santorini to Athens tomorrow. Does she now need to fill in her own passenger locator form ? If so, does she say she flew in from London or does she say she flew from Santorini ? It’s an internal flight, so does she need a PLF at all !?

Hello, I am Dejan Dameski. I travel to Greece at 31.07. (I am the driver). I fill the form Today and get e-mail confirmation, I re-check and notice that I’ve missed to put my Passport number: C1064860 in it. I have tried to correct that but system doesn’t allow. Every other Data is correct. Please Help me to write my passport number in it. I will travel with my Family and a little baby and I don’t want to have Problem at the border. Thank you for the understanding and for your Help. Dejan, [email protected] +38975205005

Hello Dejan. We suggest you contact the General Secretariat for Civil Protection for this issue. Contact: https://www.civilprotection.gr/en/contact-us

Can I edit my PLF Form? My last name is misspelt and I didnt put my passport number in

Hello, I try to fill out the Passenger Locator Form but I have a question regarding the point of entry in the country :

My first flight is Paris (France) -Athens, and then I immediatly have a connection flight from Athens to Mykonos. Am I supposed to indicate Athens or Mykonos as point of entry in the country ? I would say Athens… Thank you for your help!

I filled out the form and got the message: The maximum number of passengers able to enter through the selected entry point for the selected date of entrance has been reached. Please try again with a different date of entry.

What this means ?

The system is down since yesterday…And I do have a flight for today… If they are requesting a PLF form then they should be standby for whatever problem occurs and immediately fix it…If they are not capable they should have alternatives…

IS the site down since yesterday evening? I cannot open it on any computer or iphone..

Does anyone knows what happen if I put the wrong airport. Doesnt allow me to edit after the qr code send it.

The PLF form does not have my point of entry into the country. I am flying to Preveza on 12/09/20. My tour operator Jet2 have said it is not there problem and gave me the Greek Embassy number in London, I was on the line for 1 hour with no luck. Can anybody help

Isn’t Prevaza airport actually Aktion airport

It’s detailed as Aktio airport

Hi, How can i delete a PLF on the website of Arrivals in Greece? i don’t see a delete button on the dashboard screen?

Hi I’m confused. Is it one form per family or per person in the family? I have added my own and my husband’s name but is this enough?

Hey Guys. Just wanted to add my experience of filling out the protocol form for my Mother a xouple of weeks ago before her trip to Kavala, and today before my trip to Athens on Friday with my wife and son.

First thing to say to everyone needing to fill one out or is waiting for the QR code…relax. Whatever the pre-ordained negative view is about the Greek government and this process you have (or not) this form is there for a very legitimate reason, and has been built to keep all sides happy and safe.

If you are getting error messages, there is a real reason and is usually a mistake you have made. When I was filling out my Mother’s form, and entering the village she was staying, I recieved an error code 19 times. Why? Because I was entering the village name in Greek – Nea is New, and the form needs it all in English as that is the language we chose to write in.

So, if you are getting error messages, be diligent about spelling and the correct numbers for post codes.

If you do spell something incorrect after it is accepted, then you need to log in and have the “homepage” open in your browser (mobile or otherwise – chrome seems to be just fine for me). In the top right there are three lines. Click them, and click “My Dashnoard” on the dropdown. You’ll see the first page of your completed form, and there will be a pencil sign in the bottom right corner. Click that to amake amendments. You’ll be shown your original form, as you filled it in, page by page, with your selections and written answers in there. Just amend and then submit again.

You will get the QR code sent to you at midnight the night before you travel so, ie. 6 hours before a 6am flight, and so on.

I went with my Mother to the airport, and the desk clerk checked it over, and waived her through.

For us, I have completed the form for myself and my wife, and we are travelling on Friday. I will come back and comment again regardless of a positive or negative experience at the airports on departure and arrival, but all I can say is that if you have filled the form in correctly and have a confirmation eMail, you will receieve the QR code, as it’s an automatic process dependent on your travel date.

If all the details are correct, you will have no issues. My Mother didn’t, and I don’t anticipate us having problems either.

Safe travels, one and all.

Hi! Is the system down by any chance? I can’t seem to be able to get registered. It keeps giving me error messages.

Hi there,did you fill in the Locater Form for your Mother using your email address & mobile phone number. The reason I ask is that I have a friend coming to stay with me in Corfu & they are having problems logging on to the locator site. I am thinking of filling in the form for them on my link which is active. The only problems being the form will have my email & phone no on it,I suppose this will be ok as there staying with me. Was Just going to download completed form & email it to them,any ideas if this is ok anyone.

How do I add an child under one? It’s asking for age and I’m not sure what to enter as she is only 8months it says only positive numbers so can’t enter 0!

I have the same problem what did you do?

I have read so many posts about the blogger lovers except this post is in fact a good piece of writing, keep it up.

When I try to fill in the PLF online it will not accept my mobile phone number and just turns red so therefor I cant continue Can someone please advise

If you’re from the uk put +44 in front of your number but don’t include the 0 eg +44783

The PLF will not accept my valid post code EC2Y 8DY. Has anyone else overcome a similar problem?

take the space out from between the Y and 8

My partner didn’t add me on the form!! What can we do??

Here’s our experience: I misunderstood the procedure & we filled in the form too late (midnight passed whilst we were in the process), our travel day (today) was grey so we chose a day later (tomorrow). We read that as long as you had the email showing you had applied for the QR code you can fly but we got stopped by Transavia just before boarding because we didn’t have the QR code. We were given a new flight number & applied for the code immediately. We’ll head for the airport tonight hoping that we’ll get the code on route and will be able to get on the 4am flight tomorrow morning (no extra charge btw). If not the next flight is Wednesday…then with the 1 day quarantine when you arrive, we’ll have lost a few days holiday. So don’t make our mistake!

Hi Sarita, I have done the same thing. I am supposed to be flying at 3 today but put filled in that I am flying tomorrow. Can i still fly? What happens know? Should I go to the airport?

Hi! I did exactly the same mistake.. what happens in this case? I filled in the form this morning and I arrive to my destination at 20.00 in the night. Is there a change a get the code till then? If not, what happens? Thank you for any feedback.

Good afternoon. My family and I are traveling to Corfu on 16th August . Obviously we have to fill in the plf form. It clearly states that we only need one form per family/household. However I a, seeing that people are having issues putting more than two adults and two children in the application. We are two adults and four children of the same family. Are we able to use just the one form?

I entered my holiday destination as both addresses and am due to fly today cannot edit plf will I be allowed in

HELLO, one important question: I filled out the formular for entering Greece to receive the QR-Code. BUT: I made a mistake by writing instead of my home address the holiday address. For the stay in Greec I had the right address. Is this a problem or do I have to do this entering process again ? I answered the mail from the the hellenic gov.gr but got no response on this subject 🙁 Can someone help ?

re submit correctly iv had to 6 times for all twelve people traveling .

Hey I made the same mistake… Was everything fine in the end? Thanks LG

Have you put the international dialling code +44

I am having a problem entering my mobile number. I have put the +44 and my number, but it will not let me go any further. I have tried with and without the initial ‘0’ but with no luck

To correct your PLF form, please, click the top left three-bar link on the PLF summary page and then click “my dashboard”. It works!

I can not see where to edit the form, there isnt any three bar link on page I have access to. And can not access the site after requesting a password reset 5 times???

Hi guys. I am trying to fill PLF but I have a connection flight in Amsterdam so : Dublin-Amsterdam-Athens. When entering info in PLF asks you only for 1 flight. Which one should I put? Dont want to put only the Amsterdam one cause it will look like I come from there when my origin is Dublin. Also only allows to input “internal connection” not sure if can use those fields for the amsterdam connection. Thanks!

I was supposed to travel to Greece with my boyfriend this afternoon, but we made a mistake and only filled one protocol with his informations, and my name as a travel companion. We thought that was enough and that we needed 1 code for both of us. As we received the code last night, we realized that we both needed one for ourselves and I have been reading the comments here to find some answers of people who already faced this problem. Because I found out that there is a 500 euros fine and that you can be denied entrance if you don’t have your code I decided not to take the useless risk and book another flight 48 hours later so that I could fill the form and get my own code.

I see in the comments that most people don’t understand that you will get your code the night before your flight (at midnight) and that even if you don’t have it before your flight the most important thing is if you have the confirmation that you filled the protocol with the right information at least 48 hours before your flight. Then they will see that you followed the procedure and if you get the code late (which is unlikely to happen) then it is not your fault. Also, wether you get tested or not at your arrival at the airport you should still remain very careful and wear a mask, social distance ect…

I think we should remember that it is a privilege to go on vacation, that we should be aware that the vacation we plan could be cancelled because of various reasons, and that if we are not able to take this risk we should just stay home and enjoy vacations in our own regions.

I hope this was helpful ! stay safe ! and enjoy Greece !

Hey, I’m just checking how this went?

I’m currently filling in my PFL form, and the first page makes you tick a box saying that ‘I agree to submitting only one PFL per family/household’. My housemate and travel companion has already completed the form, but all the advice seems to point towards you having to do one each, and since we’re not relatives I’d rather be on the safe side.

Is anyone aware of how to proceed? I’m probably just going to fill another one in just in case to be on the safe side…

I can only add 2 family members to PFL application and then it allows me to add non-family members. Is this right? I would assume all 4 family names would need to be listed on one PFL application.

Thank you very much! We were just wondering how many forms to fill, when its stated one for family..! Thank you, possibly saved our Hollidays!

I’m from Romania and we want to travel to Greece for our summer holiday. To enter Greece you need a negative covid test ran in the last 72 hours. There is a big impediment as Romania test clinics take 72 hours to give the results to the test, thus making it to the border exceeds the 72 hour requirements of the Greek regulation. It is not specified in what form the negative results should be – paper or e-mail with documents containg all relevant information. Is it acceptable a negative result in digital form? via e-mail given by the medical institution and having all required information. Or is it just paper? Having it digital will solve the 72 hour issue as after takeing the test you can drive and by the time you reach the greek border you have the results in good time. Many thanks, Ionut

Hello! Is there a way to edit the PDF in order to correct errors? If not, should I submit a new one?

sorry, I mean “PLF”

Yes please, does anyone have information I just did the same mistake

Iv redone 5 times and still think it’s wrong can’t get hold of any airlines or airport or gov to get clear advise don’t no if I’ll be OK or not so stressed

Did you find an answer to this?

To correct your PLF form, please, click the top left three-bar link on the PLF summary page and then click “my dashboard”. It works!

I did all bookings for my trip to Corfu as Greece for EU countries is open… on July 26.. was trying fill the form 3 times, but it dosent work. Going from Oslo and will stay in hotel 14 days . Can anybody tell me is it too early enter all details??

Hi there, I completed the PLF forms 28 June (soon as the new system was announced), BUT our flights are not until August 1st. Am wondering if the system will allow me to repeat the process and permit me to submit our travel details again (just to be on the safe side). Does anyone happen to know if there is any downside to resubmitting details (eg receiving two QR codes)?… thank you

I have a booking to Preveza airport on first of august but can not find it in the list of entry points when filling the passenger locator form, can you help me with this please?

I have a same issue. Did you get any answer how we should this form fill out?

Hi, I have the same issue. Preveza airport is not offered for selection. Could someone please help. thanks.

Hi, I found a link which says When asked for your point of entry, if arriving into Preveza Airport it is listed as “Aktio” (this is the local name).

Hope that helps.

Aktio airport is lsted on our holiday details as the one for Preveza

good morning our return flight in Greece is scheduled for tuesday 21st July, Frankfurt – Athens

following the instructions and having a proactive attitude i tried to fill in the form from today 16th July given that in instructions provided the only time limitation stated was the form to be filled at least 48hr in advance of flight…

cutting the long story short…

the https://travel.gov.gr site is not accesible from PC brower but only from mobile… spoke to Greek Consulate in Frankfurt and they told me that from their PCs can enter the site..(interesting customer orientation attitude!)

i am trying to submit the form via my Iphone browser and the message receiving is the same “unfortunately there was an error submitting your form, try again…”

is it a time limitation in terms of submission i.e. to be 48hr in advance of the flight but not >that 4 days???

no one knows – Aegean call center simply doesnt exist any more… not to mention the accountability of greek consulate…

any feedback will have been highly appreciated

at the end of filling my PLF when adding information about my kid it was written “enter your age”, so i wrote down my age. Is it correct? Or should i write my kid’s age?

What if a non adult kid (17 year old) coming from Rome to Athens, forgot to do the PLF form? Will they let him to come to Greece? And also i know that he will have to pay 500€ when he arrives to the greek airport.

Hello. We are flying to Corfu on monday. The form keeps saying the postcode is invalid but I have double checked and it is correct.what should I do? I cant submit the form with this required field is rejected. The postcode I’m trying to use is 49100. Thank you

Website not working! Error message!!! Any idea what to do?

disable wifi on your smart phone and try only with 4G or 3G.

I kept getting the same but seems I had forgot to remove the zero after int code for mobile number – it accepted this on the page but kept giving error after submitting. Once I removed the zero it went thru OK.

Same here!! I’ve tried 17 times now!! Please can someone respond asap

I had the same problem with my forms not submitting on my phone or microsoft edge. Chrome worked though.

Hi can anyone tell me fairly quickly? My girlfriend may of miss understood the instruction from our travel company. She has filled out my name on the section at the end of the form as travelling with her and not realised until now that I may need of filled out my own form. Is this the case or can I enter on her form due to the fact we are a couple and staying together. We are currently on route to a flight to Crete that leaves in 4 hours time

What happened? Did you go to Crete nonetheless? Me and my girlfriend are currently in the same situation and are contemplating taking the risk of just going.

Hope to hear from you soon!

what happened in the end? Did you manage to travel with on PLF for both of you?

were you allowed to travel with only one PLF form for two people?

What happened with this? As I’ve done the same and leave in 6 hours for the airport!

RE-POSTING as previously sent as a reply by mistake. We have just completed the PLF document for a friend in his late 60s who does not have a smartphone (he does have a mobile phone but the old type) or an email address. The protocol for arrivals in Greece says, at the top of the form, ’You will receive the PLF document with the QR code on the day of your scheduled arrival in Greece (at midnight)’. I assume they mean the early hours of the morning on the day of departure, so by 00.01 on the day of departure(19 July) not 24.00 (midnight) which as he is flying mid-afternoon would be AFTER arrival. Please can anyone confirm this? I assume this is just bad wording or bad translation but it is confusing and is causing anxiety. We will definitely have to print this for him as he will not be able to receive it on his phone. Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks for any reply!

I had also a mistake. I did a new one since I didn’t manage to delete or correct the previous. Now I have to mails and I maybe receive 2 codes. I don’t know!

Did u manage to travel? Did u receive two QR? I have the same problem and i dont have answers. Please help! Tomorrow is the flight

RE-POSTING as previously sent as a reply by mistake. We have just completed the PLF document for a friend in his late 60s who does not have a smartphone (he does have a mobile phone but the old type) or an email address. The protocol for arrivals in Greece says, at the top of the form, ’You will receive the PLF document with the QR code on the day of your scheduled arrival in Greece (at midnight)’. I assume they mean the early hours of the morning on the day of departure, so by 00.01 on the day of departure(19 July) not 24.00 (midnight) which as he is flying mid-afternoon would be AFTER arrival. Please can anyone confirm this? I assume this is just bad wording or bad translation but it is confusing and is causing anxiety. We will definitely have to print this for him as he will not be able to receive it on his phone. Has anyone else had this problem?

I am flying to corfu 28th Aug and the form does not have my county, Rhondda cynon taff. Cannot get any further. Any suggestions please.

Hi I too filed out the form and noticed is states my daughter as Saisy when she is called Daisy a typo I assume how can this be amended??

Hi all. We are travelling to Greece with our two kids AND two of their FRIENDS. Does anyone know if I can add the friends to my PLF, or will they need to complete their own??

Every person need their own form!

Hi Tomas – do you know why they give the option to add travel companions if every adult needs to complete their own forms?

Hello; I have been trying to fill in my passenger locator form all afternoon but get this error message:

The request could not be satisfied.

Request blocked. We can’t connect to the server for this app or website at this time. There might be too much traffic or a configuration error. Try again later, or contact the app or website owner. If you provide content to customers through CloudFront, you can find steps to troubleshoot and help prevent this error by reviewing the CloudFront documentation. Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront) Request ID: ez0jiwpXdkKg3nnqv4x_t7bKCyPm0AhcgbvKimJ3obhh2ne5MrHMmQ==

Please advise what to do.

I have done the same typo error on my daughters surname,, just missing a letter, I have been issued my QR code, someone please help, I fly today for Birmingham

Hello! I filled in the protocol, but I did a mistake in the destination address. Should I fill in a new one? Or can I somehow correct the mistake?

I have same question here, did you get any information?

Good question! How can i correct mistakes i made while filling out th form? Can anyone answer this, please?

Have you found out an answer I have done the same

Resubmit a new

Anyone that has done something similar to tell us what happened at the end?

Was this a problem having two forms, did you just show the correct QR code?

Same question, also for me, can you answer please? In case or mistakes in filling, is it possible to re-submit the form with the same email contact?

If we are travelling 5 people (a family, but 3 households: me & husband (1), my mum (2) and aunt with husband(3)), shall we fill the section travel companion – family or travel companion – non-family/same household or just leave them blank?

Doe any one know if you have to fill out a form for each child?

No, you don’t need to do. When you do an adult first you will get a question at the end for adding family members (only children). Don’t know till what age it will be a child.

should i enter my age adding my kid to my PLF? it is written : enter your age.. I think it should be kid s age?

No, childeren under ( i I think 18) can be added on the form of one of the parents

i will arrive tomorrow and no QR code received yet. i filled the form 5 days ago. what can i do to be able to enter greece?

Roland dit you finally get your code?

You will get the qr code around midnight, the day before you are arriving. It works fine —

I am flying tomorrow and have still not recieved my QR code, at what times are people getting there codes? Late in the evening day before, even as late aa the day of travel?

did you finally get your code?

I am currently in Qatar airport from a transfer, I had a 24-hour layover here, I submitted my PLF form July 5th and my flight is now in 20 hours. I still have not received the QR code, do you think I will still receive it? What if I don’t?

I will be travelling to Greece next week. What will happen with my dog if I have to go in quarantine?

If i need to fly urgently in one day to Austria and back and i have no time to fill the form because it should be made 48 hrs before. What shall i do ? Passenger has Greece passport.

other story its 20 hrs before flight and we dont have any code from the goverment. What shall we do? maybe you could provide to us any contacts to connect regarding this problem?

Do you have an onsite testing setup in Athens for passengers, who are not able to make the 48 hours timelimit for the Passenger Locator Form ?

Could be a booking within 24 hours prior to arrival or a technical issue with the website.

Hi Ole, I have the same problem. I couldn’t fill the form and I have to catch a flight from Rome to Athens tomorrow morning, I don’t know if it’s safe to do it or not. I’ve been trying to find a solution all day but anyone can give me a hand. I’M EXHAUSTED. Will you fly anyway? Greetings 🙂

Many people are filling them out on arrival. Please dont worry. The Greeks are being very amiable. They have paper PLfs for anyone that didnt or cldnt complete it.

is this true Helen?? I am flying tomorrow on a last min flight and im not able to fill in the form as it is too late for me to do so

I tried to fill it yesterday all day as i am flying tomorrow and the page didn’t work. I don’t know what to do. Please if anyone knows help me!

Ask your questions here, the Ministry of Digital Governance who resonsible for the Form: https://www.facebook.com/MinDigitalGr/ Me too i haven’t managed to get the form working

the page is not operating, how we should fill in the application please?

Put my age instead of husbands as family member but form said only put age if household member is a child but wouldn’t let me move on without an age so as said your age put mine can’t change it don’t know what to do?

This shows a 403 error repeatedly. Directions say use a phone or tablet, not computer however it doesn’t work. I’m using apple devices, any idea how to get this to work?

What if we have more than 2 destinations in Greece, how do you add a third one?

I have the same question and can’t see a response to yours.

Does anyone know on this ?

I had an error on submission even though all my details were correct and the pdf link also did not work (404 error). I switched from Google Chrome to Safari and my submission worked. QR code will be sent one day prior to travel (18th July).

It seems this forum is closed. Just a check!

It’s not, waiting for un update about Dave.

A recent update has been released today for the form stating that submission is required 24 hours prior to departure instead of 48 hours, so all PLFs already completed and sent will no longer be processed and will have to be resumed from 24 hours prior to departure. Not very smart from the authorities. Disaster

I think it means they are giving people more time to complete one.i.e last minute flyers. Instead of having to complete one upto 48 hrs before – its now possible to complete one as late as 24 hrs before travel. Seems very sensible of the Authorities!

We are Crete fans and have been visiting the island for the past 5 years. If I understand the entries here correctly, then I have the following risk when traveling to Greece: If the Corona test result of a tourist is positive, every fellow passenger on the plane seated two rows in front of or behind this Tourist will be trapped and quarantined for 14 days in Greece in a Hotel provided by the government. I don’t want to pay 3,200 EUR for a trip to take this risk. It doesn’t make sense to me! I can understand that the Greeks want to protect themselves. It would have been better if they had asked every tourist for a current proof / negative test on entry. I wouldn’t mind. But I don’t want to take the risk of being quarantined through no fault of my own.

this is from the FAQ section of the Greek government travel site…… Q: Can a visitor provide the results of a molecular test (conducted up to 72 hours prior to arrival) to avoid being tested? A: Subject to evaluation, such tests can be accepted.

David, I am so sorry for you. How many days do you need to stay in quarantine? Is it at least possible to leave the hotel room?

I want to change the adress where i will stay temporary. Can you please explain how?

Hello, I hope you can help me. We fly to greece on July, 13th, for holiday.

I filled out the PLF last Tuesday.

While filling out the form I have to enter data like my passport number. A few “pages” later on that form I can enter data for my family. So I filled out the names and ages for my two kids an my wife.

Now I’m concerned if that is enough or if my wife should fill out the PLF separately (becaus I didn’t have to enter her passport number, e.g.).

Do you know if filling out the PLF once for me and my whole family who travels along with me is enough?

Not that we arrive in Greece and have problems 🙁

Thanks for your help.

We arrived in Greece yesterday using just one form in my name. My wife and two kids were listed on the back. On arrival they just glanced at it and without even scanning it, waved us through.

@Sam: which airport was it ?

Con mio marito il giorno 8 luglio partiremo per la Grecia con un volo da Venezia a Santorini per po spostarcia Naxos. Ho letto tutta la circolare le domande e risposte. Non mi è chiaro come si viene scelti per fare il tampone e che modalita poi ci sono, in entrami i casi “positivo o no” e i tempi di permanenza in aereoporto. Inolte vorre sapere a cosa serve il codice QR. Comunico che il giormo 30 giugno abbiamo fatto il tampone e siamo risultati NEGATIVI. Gradirei una risposta. Grazie!

I filled in the form on the 1st of July and I still haven’t received my QR code. I just received the first email saying I will receive it shortly. My flight is in 5 days. Is the delay of the QR code normal?

yes you get the code 1 or 2 days before the flight. I get mine today and fly at 7.7.

Hello did you receive your code in the end of so when? As I travel tomorrow and still no code

Codes are issued day of travel. Sometimes as you fly. Dont worry.

Con mio marito con un volo Volotea da Venezia per Santorini il giorno 8 luglio per prseguiremo poi per Schinussa. Domani complileremo il mod PLF. Ho letto tutta la circolare e le domande e risposte dei commenti. Non mi è assolutamente chiaro come avvengono i controll all’aereoporto e le probabilita di essere fermati per la quarantena. Vorrei capire anche il codice QR in cosa consiste. Preciso che noi abbiamo fatto il test il 30/06/2020 e siamo risultati NEGATIVI. Gentilmente aspetto un chiarimento, altrimenti non partiamo. Grazie.

Am traveling to Greece on 18/720 and I did my application for PLF on 2/7/20.i did receive a mail for confirmation but not the barcode.should I write to them again two days before my travel or I did the application too early?anyone who can help with a good answer I will appreciate..!

So, let’s provide some information that I would have liked to receive before my travel to Greece.

I travelled from southern Sweden to Greece through Denmark. The QR code was received one day before my departure.

Upon arrival in Athens, the QR code was not scanned electronically, a police looked at the code below the QR and said go straight. Go straight meant to do a COVID test. It took basically 5 min for the test to be done. They stick a cotton-ish tops in your mouth and swab. That’s it. No information on self isolation or anything. I needed to actively call the National COVID helpline in Greece to as I for that protocol. The official website where you submit your PLF application say that “self isolate until the results become available”. After arrival I received a text stating that “in case you did a COVID year you need to self isolate for one day”. The National helpline said that if the results are positive somebody will contact you within 24 hours. If they are negative, nobody will contact you”. So, basically I have a couple of hours left of my self isolation period and then, if I haven’t heard anything from them, I’m free to leave the house. However, I think that precise guidelines would be helpful on this since I actively needed to call the authorities here in Greece in order to receive information if I will be contacted with the results.

Thank you Maria for the information

Will l need to fill my QR form second time if my fly was cancel and l want to buy new flight again?But this time l want to get Greece with new direction.

I might have a similar problem. I should arrive by road but could be a day or two later the form. Can’t find information anywhere

If we knew it before, I had cancelled our trip to Chersonissos area. We arrived on 1st of July and everything went fine on arrival. After scanning our QR’s we were all directed to the baggage belt and proceeded to our rented house. Yesterday evening I received a phone call,that two passengers on the same flight have been tested positive and today a shuttle arrived for our mandatory relocation to a quarantine destination. We are now really p* because that means, that even if you are not a risk candidate with full health they can quarantine anybody at any time. Our host tried to help us because we rent the same house since over 10 years and during this time Mikos has become a real friend. He said, that he fullfills every condition from the greek government including a dedicated doctor, but he couldn’t assist us in any manner to avoid relocation. We are now trapped and I’d like to share our experience to other people. I understand the security concerns to protect the local people, but they should inform about all possible scenarios in advance. We thought everything is fine, if you can leave the airport directly but that’s sadly not true.

Oh my god, you have to stay nor for two Weeks this quarantine destination ?

All passengers from the same plane ?

It has been said that if a passenger sits close to the positive passenger, they notify 2 rows in each direction. Not all. For more information, please read the guidelines from the National Public Health Organization https://eody.gov.gr/en/covid-19-advice-for-hotels-in-quarantine/

Ok, than we pay for a lottery. Than also a test in Germany for me and my Family before the Flight, is completely useless.

I I filled out the plf two days ago and I have the flight on July 6 (today is the 3rd) and the QR code has not yet arrived, is this normal?

@Sam: Can I ask you where did you fly from and to?

@Maria Theofanopoulou I am arriving via sea with my family. Should some passengers be found positive, will we be considered in close contact and quarantined?

I have heard that at about 30 passengers from my flight have been relocated.. Don’t know whether it’s true, but this might match if the two rows rule is correct. If that’s true, every positive tested passenger also puts the next two rows in front of him and also the two behind him in a really absurd situation.

Hello David. I m shoked n’y what you are facing. How are you? Do you know how long you will start under quarantine?

WE are used to spend 3 weeks in Crete every summer. WE were hesitating to cancel our trip because of the risk of quarantine but reading your post, it is now clear that we will do. It is unfair to encourage tourists to come and have such kind of procedure… Stay safe Anne

Hope you are well david. From where it was your flight and for how many days do you have to stay quarantine now?

Hi David, so sorry. I can’t believe they do this. Restriction of freedom to this extent and lack of clarity. Absurd! I love Greece but they should just stop people from coming instead of allowing people to come and then waste the money they have sent to pay for their holiday to then stay in a stupid hotel for 14 days. They should just say before: come or not! So can I ask you where are you staying now?

In a dedicated hotel nearby Heraklion. I have heard that there are also hotels in Lassithi and Chania to sit in. Sadly the Wi-Fi is not really working and my cellphone data volume is soon at zero. With some sarcasm I can say that the sit in is at least donated by the government

Anne it is hard to be quarantined due to someone else testing positive. But it makes sense. It is also clearly stated on the Greek Consulate Website Protocol for travelling to Greece that this may happen.

Terrible! How many days will you in quarantine hotel? With this regulation will Greece empty, I think that I will cancel my holiday in Karpathos.

So sorry to hear that, David. People should really be provided with some certainty before boarding the plane. I was planning to visit Greece in a week or so, now I am not sure any more… I am wondering if you can choose to return home instead of having to stay in the quarantine hotel?

I’m planning to cancel my family holiday 1st week of August for same reason- risk of ending up in a quarantine accommodation- can you say what the conditions are like? Do you have to stay in your room? Use the pool?!! Basically trying to get a sense of what the risk is, don’t fancy being locked in a room with 4 teenagers, but if it’s lounging by the pool maybe not so bad.. – your feedback much appreciated! Cheers and hope your stay is ok Dan

Hello Im so sorry for you ! You must stay 14 days in this place without going out? have they all confined your plane?

Dear David, it is very sad to hear that you have had such bad luck. Just awful. Would you mind telling us a little more about your situation? What country did you travel from? Do you have to be in the same room in the quarantine hotel all the time or are you allowed to move freely in the hotel? The answers to these questions would really be very informative. Thank you very much and I hope you will endure this quarantine reasonably well.

Yes, they’ll notify you. But you will be quarantining at your address for 24hrs and if YOUR tests are negative, you’ll be fine. You won’t have to quarantine further.

If i had an actual Covid 19 Test. (24 hrs) It will accepted ?

If you had the test, then there is nothing to worry about.

@Maria Theofanopoulou: please quote where you have found the official information that a recent test can be used to avoid/bypass the PLF procedure or avoid to be tested locally?

Alex, I never said that that you can use your recent test to bypass the PLF procedure or to avoid testing. I just said that that is you have been tested, then you do not have to worry about being tested again through the PLF procedure.

Maria, of course you have to worry about being tested again through the PLF procedure, because this means that you must spend your vacation in self isolation until the results are communicated (in hopefully 24 or 36 hours). In other words a private test in advance does not make any sense unless you think you might be positive.

Alex, look at the PLF page, there is a Q&A section. If you have a molecular test not older then 72 hours it could be accepted.

Sorry you can’t say that. Even with a negative test you still have the risk of quarantine because of other people being positive in same flight. This is exactly what happened to David. I am use to come in Crete every summer for 1 month. With these conditions, I will cancel my trip. It is unfair from greek government to say Greece is welcoming tourist with such conditions. I understand they want to protect greek people but they can manage differently ans take example from other countries

If the screening selection is based on algorithms, the should inform about a screening BEFORE departure. So every tourist can decide on it’s own, if he wants to wait for the test result on arrival, or cancels the whole trip.because I guess that the algorithm sorts out risk groups, it would also be a benefit for the health protection of the wonderful Cretan people, because most of the risky screening clients will stay at home anyway, if they know in advance that they will be tested. If you can’t arrive relaxed, the vacation can’t be good as well. I have spent totally over 200 days in Crete, but I guess we will cancel our trip from 8.7 until 3.8. for this reason.

It is so quit in here, i hope all of you got there QR Codes.

Mine is not arrived, i hope all would be right until 7.July.

@Michael Schneider: there is no official information regarding the time you are supposed to receive the QR code available (I have called the embassy, visit greece and others – they do not know). However, it seems to be that most of the people have received it 1-2 days before departure…

Just filled the form again, this time for my husband, to be on the safe side and also to check if the bug about the age of family member got fixed. The new confirmation email states clearly now, that the code will be issued one day before the scheduled departure. Plus it is possible now to enter the correct age per family member.

Thanks a lot Carola for sharing this! Can you please copy&paste the new confirmation mail (without your personal data of course)

Sure, here it comes:

Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXX,

Thank you for completing the Passenger Locator Form before your trip to Greece.We appreciate your cooperation in this extraordinary circumstance. We are making every effort to accommodate your stay in Greece and keep you safe.

Beginning July 1, 2020, the Greek government has determined how the country will welcome travellers, carry out the necessary diagnostic screening, and keep everyone safe throughout the season.

For reference, you submitted:

First name: XXXXXXX Last name: XXXXXXXX Passport Number or National ID: XXXXXXXXXXX

Date of submission: XXXXXXXX

You may refer to this document using your Passport Number or National ID. You will receive your PLF document one day before your scheduled arrival in Greece. In the meantime, you can continue planning your trip to Greece and we are looking forward to welcoming you here. The Greek summer is a state of mind [1].

Stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy Greece.

Thanks a lot Carola – that really helped!

I just received my QR code for tomorrow trip throught land – VIA EVZONI. So, can I cross border there or not? If not, can I cross border at Promachonas with Evzoni QR code? Chaosss Rulezz

Hallo, just a question, how were you able to choose evzonoi since the only option in the QR appliaction when traveling by car is the promachonas, at least when we filled it out?

What if i made mistake in PLF ( wrong destination address in Greece)? Maybe should I have to fill a new one?

We have just completed the PLF document for a friend in his late 60s who does not have a smartphone (he does have a mobile phone but the old type) or an email address. The protocol for arrivals in Greece says, at the top of the form, ’You will receive the PLF document with the QR code on the day of your scheduled arrival in Greece (at midnight)’. I assume they mean the early hours of the morning on the day of departure, so by 00.01 on the day of departure not 24.00 (midnight) which as he is flying mid-afternoon would be AFTER arrival. Please can anyone confirm this? I assume this is just bad wording or bad translation but it is confusing and is causing anxiety. We will definitely have to print this for him as he will not be able to receive it on his phone. Has anyone else had this problem?

I did a mistake too. I did a NEW ONE since didn’t manage to find any way to change or delete the previous application. And now I have 2 mails. Maybe i will receive 2 codes. I hope for the better.

What a chaos! I think I will cancel my trip to Greece 🙁

Hello, guys,

I plan to travell from Czech republic to Crete, Greece with my boyfriend. Has anyone went through the procedure at the airport already and how does it go? How do the personnel decided if you have to make a test or not? Is it based on the country you are coming from and is there any list which I can check for information?

Thanks in advance!

Situation at Promachonas right now: 13km queue / 10hours delay at border crossing.

Exactly as expected after opening ONLY 1 border crossing. Today morning situation at Promahonas – 7km queue, 5 hours delay at border crossing.

Not very good job with planning. Lets hope officials will respond to situation ASAP.

ne peux avoir le formulaire à remplir

Hey, does everyone have to fill in the form? Me and my friend are going to Greece. Can I add him or does he have to fill it out too????????????

Good news; They just translated the site to German. Bad news: They either used automated translation or an translator who doesn’t speak German… What a shame…

My flight is in 2 days and I just received the code ✈️ Good luck to you all and have a nice stay.

Hi. When did you filled up the formula? Since june 29 i did not recieve the qr code. Thanks.

filled the forma for my family. What if my flight cancelled do i need to cancel my registration and if yes how? Or just do a new form before the new flight possible?

I’ve filled out the form 36 hours before departure as I have not been informed about this mandatory QR code earlier. I’m wondering if it will arrive on time. How long did you wait for your code?

update: I got QR code after 1 hour of waiting 🙂

Hi Aleksandra,

How did you fill in the form 36 hours before departure? Did you choose a different/later date?

We tried the same and the online form wouldn’t let us choose our actual depature date.

Hi, do you send a special email for your code, the same thing happened to me.

hi i forgot to do it how did you do it with the date? did it get fixed. please reply

As many others have stated I also have filled out the form (works only on the mobile phone), have received a confirmation but no QR code… Can someone give us an indication on how many days before departure this code is supposed to be sent? What is the experience of the ones who are traveling today or tomorrow???

Read today’s update with useful info: https://news.gtp.gr/2020/07/01/greece-opens-to-tourism-who-can-come-safety-rules/

Is it possible to know before my departure whether or not I will be subject to testing and how long I can expect the test result so that I can plan/adjust my stay in Greece accordingly?

Is it true that if there is one person on the same flight is tested positive, everyone else has to be quarantined?

That’s also the main question for us. If the screening selection is based on algorithms, the should inform about a screening BEFORE departure. If you can’t arrive relaxed, the vacation can’t be good as well. I have spent totally over 200 days in Crete, but I guess we will cancel our trip from 8.7 until 3.8. for this reason.

I have just filled the form for tomorrow’s flight. What happens if it is less than 48 hours?

I assume you will not have any problem. But you need to confirm with the authorities.

Hi. I filled up ours on june 29, just recieved an email and until now no qr code. Our flight is on july 4. should i fill it up again? Thanks

What did you do with the date then? I could only fill in a day later

I got my code today and I am travelling tomorrow afternoon? Will they allow me to enter?

Hi! Could you tell me if the QR code is valid in case the date of entry into Greece will be on July 9 instead of July 5, as it is written in PLF form?

Anybody now arrived in Greece today ? Did it function with the code ?

You get Error 403? I couldn’t access the page with my company’s Notebook. Make sure your Computer is in an EU member state Network – I assume country filtering.

I also get 403 Error while accessing https://travel.gov.gr It is very likely that the server is overloaded. We are flying in 48 hours and I couldn’t fill out the form so far. Anybody in the same situation? Any Hints? what to do? otherwise I will fill out the information on a Paper and take them with me. I somebody could post here how the fomrular looks like, ore the QR Code, it would be a greater help!

here is unofficial help filling out the PLF https://greece-moments.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Ausf%C3%BCllhilfe-PLF-Formular-Greece-Moments.pdf

try it from Mobile Phone without WLAN. I used it and i get an confirmation mail after that.

filled form out yesterday on phone, received confirmation by email but no QR code yet, can I still go and fill out form on arrival if QR code does not arrive in time.

We are a Family of 5 persons. We habe to send only one plf ? At the questions to Family members, i will registrate all members, but only kids under 18 i have to write the age ?

Based on our embassy info “Every person above 18age must fill own PLF form.”

Hey, same question here: do we need to fill in one form per family or one per adults and one to add the kids?

Many thanks and safe travels.

Based on our embassy info “Every person above 18age must fill own PLF form.”

Has anyone get the code yet? I’ve filled in the form 2 days ago…travelling on the 4th…also, should I fill in one form for 2 adults travelling together or 2 separate forms?

Got the QR code now! 🙂 It’s working!

When are you travelling ?

When is your flighr? Ours dis not come yet thanks

How long did you wait for that?

I filled in the form too late.. we are flying to Greece tommorow. Is there any number i can call to fix this? Please help.

I filled it in at least 10 times but when I close the form the app says: therey is something wrong.. try again… Maybe is it too early? 5 days before departing.

I’ve tried at least 10 times… it always says there is something wrong and it ereases the REGION box… but we are going to stay in Evia… which reagion is it in?

I didn’t get the QR Code. Only the confirmation, that i entered my information.

about 12 hours after confirmation I received second e-mail with QR code

Hy Alex, I received the QR code after 25 hours, on my email.

Yep, we have several groups filled PLF – and yesterday they started receiving QR codes. And they often ending in “mail spam box”. We also found it is not related to WHEN you filled form, but to date, when you declared border crossing. Code is received usually 1-2 days prior to your declared border crossing. So, based on that I should receive mine tomorrow 2. July, or day after a s my crossing is 4. July.

Has anyone got their QR-code?

I received the QR code after 25 hours, on my email.

Can you post how it looks like? (you can hide personal data the QR Code) A picture from your Smartphone is enougth

I completed the form couple of days ago but I haven’t received the QR code yet. Did anyone receive it?

Not received QR code

Completed the form 2 days ago but no qr code. Did anyone receive it?

Sorry i send one plf yesterday for me and my son and today for my wife. We will arrive at second of july at Kriti. I get no confirmation mails for my plf’s. What can i do ?

Check spam folder. I found mine there…

When is your flight?

THIS DOES NOT WORK. ERROR 403…

Does anyone know how long it will take to get through the airport on arrival in Greece. Are you allowed to stay in your own property whilst waiting for the test result? Are you allowed to go out and buy food and supplies once you have arrived at your property? What about contact with others whilst you are travelling to your destination? Many questions need answers!!

try reading this: https://news.gtp.gr/2020/06/30/theoharis-greece-investing-now-future-tourism/ might get some answers

Hello Tried to fill the form partially to understand it but I closed by mistake my Chrome App. Well now I have “Error 403” on my screen when I come back. Any server pbs? or other problems?

The whole passenger locator form (PLF) process is a joke and it has several gaps. It does not match all types of tourists and way of entrance e.g. campers etc. The system has problems and many friends complain that they did not receive the QR badge. It is a discrimination that the Hellenic government knows who is qualified for the test but not the person itself. What about families? how many days the test will place to show the results? Who wants to destroy his or her holidays living with stress. This is not borders borders opening. I already canceled my trip. I will travel somewhere else which is more tourism friendly.-

(Re-posting with auto-correct off) Can the author please double check their source for one key piece of information that needs, I believe, to be corrected? It states that the form must be completed “at least 48 hours prior to arrival”. I believe it should state “within 48 hours from arrival.” …….. Thank you

Pantelis, I can confirm that the article states correctly that “All travellers are obliged to complete their PLF at least 48 hours before entering the country”.

Herr Mitsotakis hat noch vorm Sonnenuntergang für Griechenland geworben, jetzt wird man ausgewählt durch ein geheimes Verfahren .. wer fährt schon gerne auf Risiko in ein Land, indem er eventuell dann 14 Tage lang das Meer nur von Weitem sieht.. armes Europa.. fällt euch nichts Besseres ein. Der Tourismus wird dadurch noch mehr einbrechen und die Einnahmen fehlen. Wo soll das noch enden. Dann schließt doch das Land ganz und die Menschen können sich wenigstens frei bewegen, so wie sie wollen. Unmöglich finde ich das.

Can the author get lease down now check their source for one key piece of information that needs, I believe, to be corrected: It stays that the form must be completed “at least 48 hours prior to arrival”. It should state “within 48 hours from arrival.” Also, those who have not completed the form will have the chance to do it upon arrival. Please check and confirm what the correct info is on this important component.

Pantelis, I can confirm that the article states correctly that “All travellers are obliged to complete their PLF at least 48 hours before entering the country”.

And if I did it too late? I am travelling tomorrow and I have just got my code…

I think the reality is far more complex than the PLF form. Instructions read “Until the screening results become available, passengers tested ……… are obliged to self-isolate at the address of their final destination as declared on their passenger locator form (PLF).”

If I land in Athens and I stay one night, in order to take the boat the next day to an island (which in fact is my final destination) Or if I have a car rental, again having stayed in Athens one night, and the following or the same day I drive to the final destination? Or if I have a boat the same day? Or a sailing boat? What happens? Can I self-isolate in Mykonos after taking the boat to reach the final destination? 🙂

Also the PLF allows to declare only two locations. Is island hoping allowed? Or backpacking around Greece?

Also the PLF does not allow any correction.

I really think it will be a mess.

If you have any answers to the questions..

I filled out the plf, get an email that they receive the information over me and my trip-but dont get a QR – Code…

We filled out the forma but didn’t receive a qr code so far. how long should it take for that? Thank you for your help!

Only two border options possible for Bulgaria and the one I’m trying to pass through is not listed. Also, how could you correct the forms if something in your plans changes?

Hi everybody, How long does it take untill you’’re going to recieve the QR-Code? Thanks for your help! Kind regards Chris

Reading through some of the comments on this thread it really is quite clear that so mnay peoples attitudes have not changed and nothing has been learnt or taken onboard through this whole terrible situation.

If you don’t like or agree with the proposals and procedures in place then simply stay at home and don’t travel until you feel safe to. It seems that people are still putting their holiday as number one priority over the safety, health and wellbeing of others, particulalrly in countries such as Greece where we have maintained some of the lowest figures globally. We want nothing more than to welcome tourists, but if you are not willing to abide by the rules and regulations then please do not come. Simple as that.

With regard to the PLF form – worked fine for my partner with no issues at all.

RB, the most people here will come to Greece to spend there holiday, because the love your country and they need a little more happiness at this situation (sorry about my English). The Problem is, i planned my holiday at the end of last year and if i would cancel this vacation (will start on 7th of July to Kriti) i have to pay 3000€ for nothing. All that we want is a clear procedure to come to Greece. And not “we open the country to all visitors and than we got a beta procedure, that is not fixed”. If you have little children and every day you get a new information or NO information it is incredible for a family. So i read the messages here and nobody gets there QR Code. Nobody tells the visitors what will happen if you arrive at the holiday location without QR Code. I did the whole procedur twice until i get an confirmation Email. All we want is a clear information for my money that i will spent in your country. I have to go to work for my money and have only one holiday in a year.

Gleiches Problem.. Hab noch nichts erhalten und fliege übermorgen. Meine Mutter hat beim Ministerium angerufen und die meinten, ich bekomme es am Tag davor.. Mal schauen.. Unglaublich..

Das ist das was ich meine, dann sollen die es doch auch auf die Seite schreiben. Wenn man nicht weiß ob man was bekommt, hat man halt bammel und wartet die ganze Zeit. Danke für die Info, dann muss ich wohl noch bis Montag hoffen.

Zur Info. Ein Bekannter ist heute in Athen angekommen. Man hat den Fluggästen im Flugzeug erst ein Formular zum Ausfüllen gegeben. Dasselbe Formular scheinbar, das wir ausfüllen mussten. Am Flughafen wurden tatsächlich ein paar Fluggäste getestet.

Danke Nadia, na dann warte ich mal ab, hab noch nichts bekommen. Sind aber ja noch ein paar Tage bei mir. Hoffe es wird trotz allem ein schöner Urlaub.

That’s a bit tight , i am supposed to fly on the 1st so theoretically i only have only 1 day and 21 hours before arriving .No QR Code whatsoever only a submission confirmation .Does anyone know what happens if you don’t have it upon arrival?

Hi there, does anyone know how long it takea untill you receive the QR code? Thanks in advance!

Hi, is anyone else experiencing the pop up of a message an error ocurred when trying to submit the form? Thank you

What about passengers arriving by sea on a cruise ship – let’s say from another country to Katakolo and the ship will stay there only 6-7 hrs.

IF they are checked and obliged to self-isolate at the address of their final destination (cruise ship) until the screening results become available, obviously, they will not be able to disembark upon arrival and go on an excursions that depart in the morning. Bearing in mind above, will there be different procedure for passengers on cruise ships?

We send the PLF at about 11:30h this morning and received and E-Mail that they got the PLF and that they will shortly be in touch again with more details with regards to your submitted PLF document… Until now we didn’t receive the QR Code by E-Mail. Does anybody else got already the QR Code??? Our flight is on Wednesday afternoon

Form opens, but at the end when I submit it gives an error message. Tried 3 times already. We’re beat testing this platform.

Hello. I have a question: If we are selected for testing, how long before we are sent the test results? How will we receive them? Via email?

Thank you in advance for replying.

Do you risivd code

Hello Me and my husband have the ferry from Venice to Patra on 12th of august ( w are from Trieste)with a camper van ( camping car) then from Piraeus to Chania on the 14th of august. So what about about people using campin car? Thank you Flavia Laurenti

Rules are written in Protocol for passengers arriving by sea Paragraph you will be checked in Patra. Le regole sono scritte nel paragrafo protocollo per passeggeri che arrivano via mare, sarete controllati a Patrasso.

We are also struggling to fill out the form and also on camping deck, anyway even if you have a cabin or seat, the numbers are only known when you get on the ferry and not beforehand. We debark at Corfu and it is not even possible to select it as a port of entry on the form. The ferry company tells us to wait until they fix the form and more or less told us that we should not worry if we cannot complete it this week because they heard from the port authorities that the database is not even working properly yet and no QR codes are given out. The same thing was told to our friends by their travel agency (they travel by plane and have a package holiday coming up next week). I frustrates me that such an ill-prepared buggy form & system was introduced at the last minute and causes so much stress to those who want to support the startup of Greek tourism.

Bye bye, Greece. Traveling with a 3 yo I find all these outrageous. I want to enjoy my holiday, not be locked in my hotel room – which I am paying for, in case I don’t know who decides one of the 3 of us is tested. So, we plan to cancel this year holiday to Greece. Too bad! I will choose a country more tourists friendly where I can spend my money

Adnya…with that attitude we would not want you in Greece! Rules and regulations are there for the safety of people who appreciate how well Greece has handled the situation and that the country has remained and continues to be one of the safest places in the world. We do not and would not welcome selfish inconsiderate travellers such as yourself. You clearly see yourself as being above any regulations to protect the safety of others and for your own benefit. You have truly ridiculed yourself with your comments.

Bye-bye, Adnya.Your approach for an issue that has killed half a million people around the world, has influenced millions of lives with a very violent way, has destroyed strong economies, personally I am very glad that you will not choose my country for your holidays. Hellas (Greece) is very succeded with covid19 and we have DECIDED to stay with this.Yes, we need tourism but above all we need our health. And, of course, we need visitors that respect the country, the citizens of the country and the rules of the country. We wish you safe vacations.

Bravo, sono 20 anni che passo le mie vacanze in halkidiki ed intendo continuare a farlo rispettando i Greci e la Grecia grazie amici roberto

@Adnya, good riddens then, no one needs you, or will miss you as a tourist, if you need to be reminded what happened (and still is) over the course of the first half of 2020 all around the world! If you want to chill without restrictions, stay at home or go someplace else to risk your family’s health, or worse, somebody else’s.

Totally agree with @adyna. I’d also have to add: that first day in Greece, am I supposed to pay for it? Pay in order to spend 24hrs INSIDE a room with my family. I accept the covid restrictions but Greece must also accept the fact that no one will accept those restrictions during holiday. Good luck

Hi Adnya, we also want to enjoy our holidays but without covid. Is it so hard to fill in a form? Keep calm in those difficult moments. Best regards, Alexandra

Salve, se ho sbagliato a compilare il modulo cosa devo fare? Se lo compilo nuovamente il quello precedente verrà annullato? Grazie

I filled my plf form for all three in my family last Monday, I fly this Monday i.e. seven days later, I may be naive but will that plf still be valid or do I need to fill three more bin tomorrow,vso ’72 hours before” your help and experience would be appreciated

You better to stay away Sir from Greece and from any other country too, if you can’t understand that everyone is forced to this procedure in order for us all to stay almost as healthy as possible by this little inconvineance.

Does anybody know what happens if your test comes back positive. Quarantaine in your booked hotel or will you be send to a government assigned hotel?

In a government assigned one

Tried to fill in the form several times as I booked a flight into Thessaloniki july 2 nd Does not work, was not able to submit although I have diligently filled in all facts. Either this program /form is not very well programmed or it starts only by july 1 st. Program always sets you back to the start and you have to start filling in from the very beginning. But government asks for completion of form 48 hours before arrival. I think many tourists will cancel their plans for holidays in Greece.

You stay in quarantine for 14 days.

You will be send to a government-assigned hotel.

Form compiled online two days ago but no QR code at the moment. Departing 2020/07/02!

Hello, I filled in and sent the form online this morning; He confirmed to me at the end that he had been sent; I haven’t received the QR code yet.

Hi, one of the entry points on the border with Bulgaria is missing – Ormenio. Is there a reason for this? If it a problem if you put another entry border point?

Can we make a Covid test 72 hrs before our flight? It works this link to give the data.

sorry but I have just tried like 5 different browsers and the link does not work… 403 error

So a 7 day holiday to Greece will be spent self isolating in a hotel room if you are from the UK?

Pls help me with some unclear point to be correct.

Emergency Contact Information”Someone who can reach you during the next 30 days” it means Contact Person In Case of Emergency ?

“Travel Companions – Family Only include age if younger than 18 years” it means only children I can add to my PLF, not husband, sister etc ? or the age should be marked only for children (under 18)? In this case, why in the example the age is 23, 89 – “Enter a positive number, e.g. 23, 89.”

Any reply about this point?

This is also my question. Do anyone know?

In adding the family members when I fill in the age in one of them it fills in the same age in all family members. It is apparently a bug in the code behind. Please fix it.

For me Safari and Goggle Chrome did not work. You may want to inform the government officials to fix this issue.

mY FAMILY IS A about TO COME TO GREECE ON 03/07, THEY WILL ARRIVE WITH CAMPER CAR AND THEY WANT TO GO FROM REGION TO REGION ,NO SURE REGARDING STAYING ADDRESS. wHAT DO WE DO IN CASES LIKE THIS?

Also , i have a permanent stay in Greece in Thessaloniki. If i put my adress as a place of their satey due to ‘camper’ situation do you think there will be a problem? Thank you

In the PLF form for entrance Greece on land by car I cant find the entrance border point where I am going to enter Greece (Exohis) .So should I fill one of the others or just not fill the form at all ?

Hi, I tried everything and every browser on earth and called the Greek embassy and the Ministry. Nobody knew anything and the page still didn’t work. Friends from Greece could join the page from Greece!!! Then I thought I would disconnect my wifi and try on my mobile with 4G and it worked. Try a different network or try your 4G. It’s been an Odyssey but it worked in the end.

Hi, I have already filled in and sent the form online. I didn’t get that QR code. Question for the sour ones they have already sent: did you receive that QR code? Many thanks !

PLF worked, I received a confirmation but no document with a QR code.

Hi everybody: (1) the link still does not work for any browser I tried on a PC (Firefox, Chrome, etc.) – I tried many times, reported the issue and never heard back from gov.gr – my guess is that VPN connections are blocked… (2) workaround: the link seems to work well on any smartphone (3) the issue with IATA codes including numbers like A3 Aegean or W6 Wizz was fixed on 28.06. – I reported it on 27.06. both to Aegean hotline and gov.gr (4) I have filled out the form, received a confirmation mail but did not receive any QR code (quote: “We will shortly be in touch again with more details with regards to your submitted PLF document.”)

Does anybody know when we are supposed to receive the QR code? Thanks!

Hi, You need to connect with your 4G network – not wifi.

Hi, we have booked for a sailing holiday mid-July. Our address in Greece is therefore a yacht. Does anyone know if this will be permitted? We will need to book a hotel for the first night? Travelling with 2 small children. Thanks.

Hi George, we are traveling also with a sailing boat. You need to give the street the marina is. In case one of your family member will be tested you will be in a specific hotel from the athorities tell the results are out. So you do not need to book a hotel. Best regards, Alexandra

The LPF form and all the other available information lacks the group of people who will arrive Greece by a pleasure boat. There are quite many sailors waiting for the sea borders to open at 1st of July as stated on 15th June by Greek Foreign Ministry. When the LPF form has no possibility to chose the option ”Entering the country by pleasure yacht” one can’t send any information prior 48 hours of arrival as requested. Also the ”Visit Greek App” seems not have published yet…

Hardly enough notice for travel on July 1. Flights booked and your link to the form not working.

You may have to try a different browser. It opens with Firefox and Google Chrome.

(1) the link still does not work for any browser I tried on a PC (Firefox, Chrome, etc.) – I tried many times, reported the issue and never heard back from gov.gr – my guess is that VPN connections are blocked… (2) workaround: the link seems to work well on any smartphone

Maybe it is overloaded … what can I say. It works for me, though.

I have tried 5 different browsers and nothing… 403 error

Try through your mobile phone. We have reported the issue to the ministry.

We have the flight on 1 , still not received the QR code.. Are we allowed to enter?

just wondering are passengers from the Uk being allowed in on the 10th July?

according to this NOT https://news.gtp.gr/2020/06/29/greece-not-accepting-flights-uk-sweden-until-july-15/

Link is not working and first flights are coming in within 48 hours. How to inform everybody????

Your link to the PLF is not working!

or try to switch network or 4g on your mobile. for me it worked on 4G after hour sof despair on my wifi

I am wondering wether my grandchild, of course not living at my home, must also fill in this PLF document…She is 11 years old.

I tried to fill in the form, but the link does not work. Could you please check the link again.

Als Herkunftsland kann man für Deutschland nur Thüringen oder Schleßwigholstein eingeben. Jedoch nicht Bayern und ein weiteres Ausfüllen des Dokumentes ist dann ohne eine Angabe nicht möglich. Wie swoll dann weiter verfahren werden??

I fill it but code is not comming. Only confirmation email

Alle Laender sind dabei, auch Bayern

We received the barcode 1 and half day after we filled in the form (1july). We are family of 4, We filled in 1 form for my husband and my daughther and another form for me and my son.We travel from Switzerland to Greece (From Ancona italy to igoumenitsa ,arrived yesterday). Upon arrival at igoumenitsa, the police probably checks the last two digits under the barcode (no scanning on barcode), and we pass through.

Where do I get this plf form.

travel.gov.gr

After completing the Passenger Locator Form, I received on my e-mail a ” Confirmation of PLF submission ” , but not the unique quick response (QR) code. Will the QR code be sent to me later, or do I have to do something else to get it?

Hi, I have the same problem.

I also have only received a confirmation without any QR code. My flight from Frankfurt/Main departs on1st of July. When can I expect the qr code to be sent to me?

no QR code receive

Have received the QR code today at 00:40.

Has anyone received the QR code at all? Heard that even people who filled the form yesterday haven´t received anything yet..

I have same problem and I am flying 1 July. I have confirmation but not QR code !

I think nobody received QR code yet.

I have just received the QR code.

when did you filled in the form?

“at least 48 hours before entering the country” and lets say if I buy the ticket for tomorrow ? I can not flight? And if I come without this form, what will happen ?

One form per family or per adults ?? Not clear..anybody knows?

Unfortunately your link to the PLF is not working!

It is working for me. Try again.

Try a different browser. It doesn’t appear to work with Explorer but it works with Firefox.

Bei mir öffnet sich die Seite “Passenger Locator Form” nicht bzw. ich komme nicht auf den Link. Wir reisen zwar erst im September (so o´hoffe ich) aber ich würde mir die richtige Seite gerne schon vorab ansehen. Hat jemand einen direkten Link ? Danke für die Hilfe.

This is the direct link. https://travel.gov.gr/

Is thisfor real? We would go to greece onthe 1st of july and can’t find anything about how serious this is. Maybe it’s just a way to steal data?

Hi Maren! The article written here sounds very accurate, and no it’s not an attempt to steal data. First of all, the form is simple and doesn’t require the download of a digital app that tracks your every move. Second, Greece is highly dedicated to the safety of it’s citizens, workers, and guests. So really, this is a simple request to know your location prior to confirmation of a negative swab test. Rest assured, these requirements are made with every citizen and tourist in mind.

Seriously? The only data they will keep are numbers of visitors, for statistical purposes. However, this is for COVID-19 in the event a visitor is found to be infected for him/her to assist them in tracking individuals he/she interacted / came in contact with to get tested, in the important effort to prevent the further spread of this contagious virus within her borders and also in any other country they will travel to after visiting Greece.

The above article states that, “Until the screening results become available”, passengers who arrive in Greece by air are “obliged to self-isolate at the address of their final destination”. Can anyone tell me how long it takes for screening results to become available and therefore, how long would passengers be expected to self-isolate?

Hi Rosemary,

Heads up, last I heard Greek officials stated the test takes 24 hrs or less for results. So basically, a 1 night stay by your airport of entry is required. Make sure to confirm before you travel. Have a great trip! 🙂

Thanks for the info Robin.

Only 24 hours after checking in to your final destination (home, hotel etc)

Thank you for the detailed and accurate update on every news coming out to have a healthy and safety 2020 Greek Summer Season and to be able to provide our travelling guests with the latests news to encourage them to come to Greece safely !

Dopo trovo il modulo da compilare devo partire con la MINOAN il giorno 02 luglio 2020. Ho letto che bisogna compilare il modulo di dove si va quando arrivi al porto greco. Grazie

Salve c’è il sito governativo ma penso sia in inglese, penso deve rivolgersi alla Minoan, telefoni all’ufficio di Ancona, buon viaggio Flavia

In my opinion the procedure with the tests is discriminatory for the tourists. If you are randomly chosen for the test, you also have to stay in isolation until you get the results. You will also be put into a quarantine if the test is positive (not clear about the cost of stay). If you are not choosen randomly for the test, you can go wherever you want, and no one cares.

Moeten kinderen zelf een LPF formulier invullen? Weet iemand dit?

See the text on top of the PLF: “One form should be completed by an adult member of each family.”

I think you’ll find nothing is “discrimintory for tourists” as you state. At the end of the day, if people are not happy with being randomly tested etc. then it really is very simple…DON’T TRAVEL if it’s such an inconveneince. Below is the official stance as of 15th June:

15 June inaugurates the gradual return to normalcy. Compulsory testing and quarantine will be limited only to travelers, irrespective of nationality, arriving from airports of affected areas with high risk of transmission of the Covid-19 infection, as assessed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The list is constantly updated and travelers should check before traveling. All other travelers will enter restriction-free and may be subject to random tests upon arrival.

What will change on 1 July 2020?

All travelers will be subject to random tests upon arrival. Additional restrictions regarding certain countries will be announced at a later date.

What if we have road trip throught greece and visit 4 regions (and 4 hotels) during 28 days of our visit? Only 1 place can be filled into this form…

See the text on the PLF: “TEMPORARY ADDRESS: If you are a visitor, write only the first place where you will be staying.”

Yep, thx. I found I can add 2nd adress into form, but not more. Got only autoresponse so far.

Dieter, on my form it does not mention this ‘first place’, it only says temporary address (which is apparently the address of your home/hotel, or in our case, our first camping). Clear instructions, let alone detailed instructions, are absent from the page to which this news article refers. The form asks for cabin numbers for the ferry, where cabin numbers are only given on checkin at the ferry (not 48 hrs beforehand) and the camping deck does not even have cabin/seat numbers at all. Moreover, Corfu is missing as a port of entry, even though it is where we will debark. If you add any family members, the form gives all of them the same age and it is impossible to change that. Yesterday there was an issue with the postcode from the camping, which appears to be solved now but the other issues still make it impossible to complete our form. Why issue this PLF form at the last minute with so many bugs and errors, while there were literally weeks and weeks to test it out and solve these problems beforehand?

It is not clear to me if we need to fill in one form per family adding the family members or one per adults?? I leave on 1.07 not much time..

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• Immigration

Essential Documents for Traveling to Greece: Your Must-Have Checklist

If you are planning to travel to greece, it's essential to have the necessary documents with you. some of the documents you need to carry include a valid passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, flight tickets, hotel reservations, and any additional documents related to your specific travel purpose or activities. make sure to check the current travel requirements and covid-19 protocols before your trip..

Key Takeaways:

• Ensure a smooth trip to Greece by having a valid passport, checking visa requirements , and obtaining travel insurance.
• Carry proof of accommodations, return ticket, financial means, and an international driver’s license if necessary.
• EU citizens should have a European Health Insurance Card, and all travelers should be aware of COVID-19 requirements.

Essential Documents for Your Trip to Greece

Traveling to Greece? Whether it’s your dream vacation or a business trip, it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary documents packed and ready to go. Greece offers a blend of stunning landscapes, historic wonders, and vibrant culture, but proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth journey. Here’s a guide to the documents you need to carry to enjoy the beauty of Greece without any hiccups.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Before setting off to Greece, the most crucial document you need is a valid passport . Ensure that your passport has at least six months remaining before its expiration date, a requirement by many countries to avoid problems at immigration.

Depending on your nationality, you may also require a visa to enter Greece . Greece is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Agreement, so travelers from EU countries can enter with a national ID card. However, if you’re from outside the EU, you should check your specific visa requirements.

“Always double-check visa requirements well in advance of your trip, as processing times can vary,” advises a travel expert.

For most non-EU travelers, particularly those from the US, Canada, and Australia, a visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. But for longer stays or different travel purposes like studies or work, a visa would be necessary.

Also of Interest:

Save time at customs with mobile passport, essential h1b visa forms.

The official portal of the Hellenic Republic provides up-to-date information on visa requirements.

Travel Insurance Documentation

While this is not always mandatory, having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. Your insurance should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and potential repatriation. Be sure to carry the insurance documents with you, as you may need to present proof of insurance upon request.

Accommodation Confirmation and Return Ticket

Immigration officers may request to see proof of your accommodations in Greece. This can be hotel reservation confirmations or a letter of invitation if you’re staying with friends or family. Likewise, a return ticket or onward journey evidence is often required to demonstrate that you intend to leave the country within the allowed timeframe.

Financial Means

To ensure travelers are capable of supporting themselves during their stay, authorities may check for proof of sufficient funds. This could be in the form of recent bank statements, cash, travelers’ checks, or credit cards.

“Maintain easy access to proof of funds to avoid any delays during your immigration process,” suggests a travel specialist.

International Driver’s License

If you’re planning to rent a car and explore Greece at your own pace, an international driver’s license, alongside your valid national driver’s license, is necessary. Remember, it’s not a replacement but a supplement to your existing license and is required by law for non-EU driving licenses.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

For EU citizens, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to state-provided medical treatment within Greece. It can assure you receive necessary healthcare without direct payment or at a reduced cost. Make sure you have this card with you if you’re an EU national.

COVID-19 Related Documents

Given the ever-changing landscape due to the pandemic, it is vital to check the current COVID-19 requirements before traveling. Depending on ongoing policies, you may need to show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or a recovery certificate. Keep abreast of the latest updates on the Greek government’s COVID-19 information page .

In conclusion, packing the right documents is as important as packing your sunscreen and swimwear when heading to Greece. Regularly consult official Greek travel resources and plan well ahead to ensure that nothing stands in the way of experiencing the rich history and awe-inspiring landscapes of Greece. From the sparkling Aegean Sea to the ruins of ancient Athens, every detail counts in making your Greek odyssey unforgettable.

So there you have it, folks! Don’t forget to pack your passport, visa, travel insurance, accommodation confirmation, return ticket, proof of funds, international driver’s license, EHIC, and COVID-19 documents before jetting off to Greece. Trust me, it’s worth the effort! And for more handy travel tips and exciting destinations, head over to visaverge.com. Happy travels!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What are the passport and visa requirements for traveling to Greece? Answer: To travel to Greece, you need a valid passport with at least six months remaining before its expiration date. Additionally, depending on your nationality, you may require a visa. If you are from an EU country, a national ID card is sufficient. Non-EU travelers, such as those from the US, Canada, and Australia, typically do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it’s important to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality and travel purpose to ensure compliance.

FAQ 2: Do I need travel insurance when visiting Greece? Answer: While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive coverage when traveling to Greece. Your insurance should include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and repatriation. It’s important to carry the insurance documents with you, as you may be asked to provide proof of insurance upon request.

FAQ 3: What documents do I need to show for immigration purposes in Greece? Answer: When going through immigration in Greece, you may be asked to provide certain documents. These can include proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation if staying with friends or family. Additionally, you may need to show a return ticket or evidence of onward travel to demonstrate that you plan to leave the country within the allowed timeframe. Authorities may also request proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, which can be in the form of recent bank statements, cash, travelers’ checks, or credit cards. It is important to maintain easy access to these documents to avoid any delays during the immigration process.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

• True/False: Non-EU travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia require a visa to enter Greece for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• What document is often required by immigration officers to demonstrate that you intend to leave Greece within the allowed timeframe?
• What type of license is necessary, alongside a valid national driver’s license, for non-EU citizens planning to rent a car in Greece?
• What is the recommended duration of validity for a passport when traveling to Greece?
• Where can you find up-to-date information on visa requirements for traveling to Greece?

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Greece travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: June 26, 2024 08:31 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, greece - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Greece.

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Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and luggage theft occurs. Tourists are frequently targeted.

Organized groups of thieves often use distraction techniques and are particularly active:

• at tourist sites and attractions
• in restaurants, patios and bars
• in hotel lobbies
• on public transportation, including metro and trains to and from Athens International Airport
• at airports, bus and railway stations including Larissa and Peloponnese stations in Athens

While you’re in Greece:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times
• don’t keep your passport and other types of ID at the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original
• avoid showing signs of affluence
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be wary of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers
• avoid isolated areas, parks and down-market bars and restaurants, especially after dark

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as attacks committed by far-right extremists against individuals belonging to ethnic, religious or political minorities are uncommon, but do occur.

Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Victims of crime

If you are a victim of a crime, go to the nearest police station to report it. Keep a copy of your report, as you may need it to make a claim to your insurance provider.

If you are a victim of sexual assault:

• seek medical assistance, whether or not you appear to have been physically harmed
• contact the local police immediately and ensure they file a report
• inform consular officials at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate

The Greek police has a dedicated unit to assist foreign tourists and offers services in English and other languages.

You can contact the tourism police 24/7 anywhere in Greece by dialling the 1571 or the regular police at 100.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Be particularly vigilant if attending:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• other public celebrations

Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Extremist groups and organizations have used improvised explosive devices, bombs and arson attacks in urban areas to target:

• the Greek State and its institutions
• foreign commercial and diplomatic interests
• ethnic, religious and migrants’ centers and organizations

While tourists are not specifically targeted, you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations.

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. They are usually held on days of social or historical significance, such as:

• Workers' Day on May 1
• the commemoration of the Athens Polytechnic uprising of 1973 on November 17
• the commemoration of the riots of 2008 on December 6

In Athens, demonstrations and marches occur primarily in areas around:

• Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament
• Omonia Square
• the National Technical University complex on Patision Avenue
• Exarchia neighbourhood

In Thessaloniki, they occur primarily in areas around:

• Aristotelous Square
• Egnatia Street
• the Arch of Galerius
• the campus of the Aristotle University

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Demonstrations and strikes can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Strikes and pressure tactics occur regularly, particularly in key sectors such as transport and public health services. These strikes can disrupt travel and public services.

• Consult local media to be aware of strikes that may affect your stay or travel plans
• In the event of a transport strike, plan extra time to get to your destination

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women's safety

Foreigners have been sexually assaulted, most often on the islands.

Don’t accept rides from strangers or casual acquaintances.

Advice for women travellers

Water activities

Many beaches in Greece are supervised and enforce excellent safety procedures.

However, tidal changes and strong winds can cause hazardous currents and riptides.

Coral, urchin, jellyfish and other aquatic life found along reefs can poison, sting or cause infection if touched or stepped on.

• Always obey warning flags at beaches
• Ask local authorities about the presence of dangerous species and immediately seek medical assistance if you get hurt
• Wear reef shoes to protect yourself against stone and coral cuts or urchin stings
• Keep a safe distance from boats and restricted areas
• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks
• Don’t dive into unknown waters, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

• know the capacity of your boat and don’t exceed it
• know and respect the navigation rules
• follow safe practices for all activities on the water
• keep a safe distance from areas reserved for certain activities such as snorkeling
• carry a VHF marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
• be prepared for emergencies

Water safety abroad

Outdoor activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

If you intend to go hiking or mountaineering:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your hiking companions
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be before setting out
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• avoid venturing off marked trails
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped and bring sufficient water
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• be aware of the presence of dangerous species such as snakes
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• dial 112 from a cellphone for any emergency

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Severe traffic congestion and difficult terrain may lead to hazardous driving conditions.

Accidents causing fatalities are common. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and are reckless.

Drivers and speeding motorbikes don’t always yield to pedestrians or bicycles. Exercise caution when walking, crossing streets or biking.

Accidents involving tourists renting motorbikes, scooters or mopeds are common, especially on the islands.

Small, unlicensed rental agencies do not always offer vehicles that comply with up-to-date safety standards.

• Read the rental contract carefully
• Inspect the equipment before renting it
• Never drink and drive
• Reduce your speed on rough and uneven terrain
• In the event of an accident, wait for police to arrive

You may not be able to file an insurance claim without a police report.

Public transportation

Public transportation is generally safe and reliable. The bus network is extensive, and train services connect certain major cities. Athens has a modern metro system. Strikes may sometimes affect transportation services.

Taxis are generally safe. Metered taxis are widely available.

There are fixed rates for transportation to and from Athens International Airport. Confirm the rate before departure.

Ferries between mainland Greece and its islands meet European safety standards.

Weather conditions and strong winds can lead to cancellations or significant delays. Rough sea conditions may cause motion sickness, particularly on high-speed ferries.

• Pay attention to pre-departure notices from your carrier
• Always reconfirm departure schedule before heading to the port

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Greek authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

• Schengen area

Greece is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Work visa: required Student visa: required

If you must stay in Greece longer than 90 days due to serious and unforeseen events, such as a medical emergency, you may be able to seek an extension of your stay as a visitor.

Present your request to the office of the Greek police on aliens’ issues at least 15 days before your 90-day, visa-free period expires.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   Limited malaria transmission may occur in this destination, but risk to travellers is very low.    Antimalarial medication is not recommended for most travellers. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is adequate, but varies throughout the country.

Facilities are generally good in cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki and in towns that have large hospitals, such as Heraklion, Ioannina and Patras.

If you’re travelling to smaller islands or to remote areas, you may need a medical evacuation to a central hospital, in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Greece are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Greece to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Greece authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Local police may ask to see your identification at any time.

• Carry adequate identification at all times, such as your passport or residence permit
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or stolen

Photography

There are restrictions on photographing and filming:

• military installations and military personnel
• border areas
• harbours, airports and other transportation hubs
• churches, monasteries and monks

In and around these areas, you should always:

• verify if photography is allowed or if a special permit is required
• request permission if individuals are involved
• refrain from photographing or filming if in doubt
• comply with all requests from local authorities

Recreational and commercial flying of drones is regulated.

You must register your drone to use it across the European Union. If you don’t comply, you may be fined and your drone confiscated.

• Information to visitors concerning drones - Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA)
• Civil drones - European Union Aviation Safety Agency

Greece has strict laws regarding the possession and use of weapons and items that may be used as weapons, such as:

• knuckledusters
• pocketknife
• pepper spray

Do not buy or travel with these items.

Cultural heritage and antiquities

There are strict laws regarding:

• purchase and exportation of antiquities and objects of special significance to the country's cultural heritage
• excavation and on-site archaeological research
• access to underwater archaeological sites
• filming and photography of archaeological sites for commercial purposes
• protection of archaeological sites and monuments

To avoid any difficulties, make sure you:

• have the proper permit to conduct activities related to cultural heritage and archaeological sites
• obtain and carry the required legal paperwork to purchase or export antiquities

While visiting archaeological sites and monuments:

• don’t film or photograph unless it is clearly allowed
• stay on the dedicated paths and respect off-limits areas
• don’t touch statues and monuments
• don’t pick up rocks or any other artifacts found on site

Greek Cultural Heritage law - Hellenic Society for Law and Archaeology

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Greece.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Greece, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

National obligations

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Greece, or are eligible for Greek citizenship, you may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Greek law.

Obtain a document certifying your status from the Embassy of Greece prior to travel.

• National service - Embassy of Greece in Ottawa
• Greek citizenship - Embassy of Greece in Ottawa

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Greece.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Greece, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Greek court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Greece to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

If you plan on entering Greece by sea on your boat or a rented boat of a total length of over 7 metres, you must pay the Recreational and Daily Tour Cruise Ships fee (TEPAI). This must be done online prior to arrival.

Recreational and Daily Tour Cruise Ships fee - Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) (in Greek)

As a tourist or temporary resident, you can drive with a valid Canadian driver’s licence.

You must have valid insurance coverage.

You must wear a helmet when driving or as a passenger of a motorcycle, a scooter or a moped. You may be fined if you fail to comply.

Carrying an individual in an irregular migration situation in your vehicle, even without your knowledge, is a criminal offence. Don’t pick up hitchhikers.

Driving in Greece - European Commission

The currency of Greece is the euro (EUR).

ATMs may not be easily available in remote areas or may be out of cash. Make sure to carry some money if you plan on visiting small islands and remote regions.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Seismic activity

Greece is located in an active seismic zone. Major earthquakes could occur and can cause significant damage.

Santorini and Nisyros islands have active volcanoes.

If you’re travelling near an active volcano or are practising volcano tourism:

• closely monitor volcanic activity levels through local media and official sources
• ensure that you’re well informed about conditions that may pose a hazard
• follow the advice of local authorities
• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Latest earthquakes - National Observatory of Athens
• Volcanic eruptions - Ministry for climate crisis and civil protections

Seasonal storms and flooding

Seasonal storms and heavy rains can cause severe flooding and landslides particularly during the spring and winter months. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Weather forecast and alerts - Hellenic National Meteorological Service

Meltemi wind

The Meltemi or Etesian is a strong wind that regularly sweeps the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean seas from May to September. It can blow uninterruptedly for several days. This wind may bring high waves, strong currents and may disrupt transportation.

If you travel to Greece during this period:

• expect possible transportation delays or cancellations
• be very cautious if sailing or boating
• avoid swimming during rough sea conditions
• monitor the latest regional weather forecasts

Wildfires are common between July and September, particularly in:

• the Peloponnese
• Central Greece
• Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
• the northern areas of Athens.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the advice of local emergency services personnel, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Latest information on fires - General Secretariat for Civil Protection

Local services

• 112 for emergency assistance
• 1571 for tourist police
• 100 for police

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Greece, in Athens, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Information

Travel Documents in Greece

*The following process also applies to Ukrainian nationals that have been rejected and haven’t obtained the Temporary Protection status.

Once you receive refugee status or subsidiary protection in Greece, you can apply for a Travel Document (TDV). You don’t have to wait until your Residence Permit is issued.

If you have refugee status, your Travel Document will look like this:

You can use your national passport if you have been granted subsidiary protection. But if you cannot get a passport from your country of origin, you can also apply for a Travel document.

If you have subsidiary protection, your Travel Document will look like this:

Travel Documents issued for refugees or members of their families are valid for 5 years for adults and minors over 14 years old and 3 years for minors under 14 years old.

Travel Documents issued for those granted subsidiary protection or family members are valid for 3 years.

How and where to apply

The competent authority for the issuance of travel documents is the Hellenic Police.

Please find the steps to apply briefly listed below:

• Apply to Police Passport Offices. You choose a Passport Office depending on your area –scheduling an appointment will be required. You have to submit an application provided by the Passport Office and additional documents/administrative fees described below. The Passport Office will also take your fingerprints.
• You can choose the closest Passport Office of Police Stations from the RI Service Map on the website. Visit our Service map and check the category "Passport Offices".
• When you apply, you must have your Residence Permit (ADET) with you to show it. Otherwise, you must show the International Protection Applicant's Card marked "Residence Permit is Pending."
• You will receive a receipt from the Passport Office when you submit your application and supporting documents. You must not lose this receipt, as you will need it to pick up your travel documents.

IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR MINOR CHILDREN IN YOUR CARE:

• When you have joint custody of your children with your spouse, and you can't both be present at the Passport Office for the application of your children, written consent is needed from the parent that won't be able to be there. The signatures in the written consent need to be authenticated by Police or KEP.
• When you have sole custody of your children and there is no official document that proves this (e.g., divorce certificate, death certificate) you need to submit to the Passport Office a Sworn Declaration in which you have to state that you have the sole custody of your children due to a specific event (e.g., divorce, death) but an official document from your country of origin can not be acquired to prove this. A sworn declaration can be signed before a Notary or Judge and it is best to seek legal assistance for the procedure, although it is not obligatory.
• To apply for travel documents for your children, you need the same supporting documents/fee described below. You should bring your children (even newborn) with you to the Passport Office when you apply for their travel documents. Also, if your children are over 6 years old, they will be fingerprinted. If you are an unaccompanied minor, your Representative or Commissioner appointed by the District Attorney for your care will apply for you.

Find more details on the process, documents and decision on the Ministry's website .

Required documents you need to submit with your Travel Document application.

• Solemn Declaration application for the issue of travel documents which the Passport Office can provide.
• Copy of the International Protection decision document.
• Note that if you have been granted subsidiary protection, the Subsidiary Protection decision document should specify that you have the right to travel documents from the Greek State. If the above-mentioned decision does not include the above specification, you are required to provide a document that objectively proves that the authorities of your country of origin cannot issue a national passport for you (e.g., a relevant declaration issued from the Embassy of your country of origin in Greece).
• Copy of the Residence Permit decision document (ADET).
• Two recent photographs (passport type).Τhe cost approximately €10 (euros).
• Paravolo. Travel Documents cost €84,40 (euros) for adults and minors over 14 years old and €73,60 (euros) for minors under 14 years old.

How to pay the renewal fees

You can pay the fees for the renewal of your Travel Document through the so-called e-paravolo online platform (all information on this platform is in Greek).

If you have a tax number (AFM) , you can access this platform, and all your personal information (name, surname, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, etc) will appear automatically.

You can also access this platform without having an AFM. In that case, though, you cannot request your money back if anything goes wrong.

You can pay the fee online on the e-paravolo platform, using web banking or a credit card. Another option is to print the unique code you will get from the e-paravolo online platform and pay the fees at a bank or a post office with a regular cash deposit.

After you are informed that the decision of the renewal of your travelling document is ready, you should book an appointment with the competent Police Department to give your fingerprints again and the paid paravolo (fee).

What happens after you apply

• The Greek Police will do national and international criminal background checks on you.
• If you pass the background checks, the police will issue the Travel Document.
• Every week the Greek Asylum Service releases a list of all the ready Travel Documents. You can find the latest list here.

How long it takes

The Greek Asylum Service says you should expect to wait 2 -9 months for the Travel Document to be issued because the criminal background check takes a long time.

Where can you pick up the Travel Document?

To check if your travel documents are ready and to find out from which Asylum Service Offices you can pick them, you have to follow this link using your case number .

You can only pick up your travel documents from the Thessaloniki Regional Asylum Office or the Attica Regional Asylum Office.

Dates for pick up of travel documents are announced in the file you need to download from the List of Travel Documents that are ready-Pick . To pick up your travel documents,, you must come in person at the specific date/time according to your case number as specified in relevant Asylum Service announcements.

You cannot send a representative to pick up your travel documents

You should have the receipt from the relevant police authority that shows that you have submitted the required documents for your application and your Residence Permit (ADET) (or if you don't have a Residence Permit, you should have you your applicant's card).

With a Travel Document, you have the right to:

• Travel to some other EU countries as a tourist for up to 3 months without a visa (Check before you travel to learn whether you need a visa to enter your destination country).
• Travel to non-EU countries with a visa.

Keep in mind:

• You can go to another EU country (within the Schengen area), but you cannot stay for more than 90 calendar days within six months.
• When you are recognized as a refugee or beneficiary of subsidiary protection in Greece, you must live in Greece. The residence permit you obtains is valid ONLY for Greece. You can stay abroad within the Schengen area legally only for up to 90 days within a six-month period, for holidays or visiting relatives, etc. and must return to Greece within 90 days. In any other case of breaking these 90 days you will need to submit documents to Greek authorities to prove why you needed to stay longer, such as for reasons of hospitalization. 
• In this case, you apply for residency in another country, and this country gives you a residence permit for work, or because you married a citizen of that country, then you can stay in the other country. Still, you won't maintain the Greek residency.
• If you ask for asylum in another EU country, it may not give you legal status and send you back to Greece. Οnly exceptionally and within their discretionary power, one state might decide to examine an asylum application of someone who has already applied for asylum in another EU country.
• If you have refugee status (full asylum) and travel to your country of origin, you may lose your status in Greece.
• If you have subsidiary protection, you cannot travel to your country of origin with a Travel Document. Still, depending on your specific case, you may lose your status in Greece. Nevertheless, if you have a passport issued by your country of origin, you may travel to your country of origin.
• If your travel document expires while you are abroad, you will not be able to return to Greece.

Your Travel Document does not give you the right to:

• Stay permanently in another European country
• Work in another European country

NOTE: Your Travel Document is a valid form of identification as a Residence Permit. However, we suggest you carry both documents, especially when travelling outside Greece.

Do you have more questions about Travel Documents? Click here!

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Travel documents for minors - Greece

When a minor of Greek nationality travels abroadaccompanied by both parents, depending on the destination, a valid ID card or passport issued by the Greek Authorities is sufficient. Alternatively, if travelling with only one parent/legal guardian, the minor should hold,along with a valid ID/passport, a written Declaration of Consent,signed by the other parent/legal guardian, stating the permission of the travel. The signature has to be validated by the competent Greek Authorities (such as the Citizens’ Service Centers.). When travelling with an adult other than their parents or legal guardian, minors require a written Declaration of Consent signed by both parents, in which they clearly state that they allow the minor to travel. The signatures, also have to be validated by the competent Greek Authorities (such as the Citizens’ Service Centers). Minors from other EU countries travelling to Greece, also need to hold a similar declaration with the parents' signatures validated by the competent authorities of their country of residence/origin or the Greek Consular Authorities or the Hellenic Police.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
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Getting help

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Greece

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police) 

Calling 999 from a UK mobile in Greece will automatically transfer you to the Greek emergency services.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Greece
• dealing with a death in Greece
• being arrested in Greece
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are in Greece and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Athens or your nearest consulate .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Greece on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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