12.08.2020
On August 10th 2020, Ministerial Decree with ref. number Δ1α / Γ.Π.οικ. 50676 / 10-8-2020 (Β '3346), "Application of temporary restriction of the land connections of Greece, in order to limit the spread of COVID-19" (see attached document available in greek only), according to which "as of 17.8.2020 a negative molecular control test (PCR test) will be mandarory for anyone entering the country at land borders. The test must also have been performed up to 72 hours before entering Greece The obligation includes Greek citizens and holders of residence permits. The test must have been carried out in the country of departure or transit and not in Greece. Additionally, persons entering Greece for professional reasons during the validity period of this Decree and then exit, will not be allowed to re-enter the country until 31.08.20. Especially, for Greek citizens and permanent residents, re-entering Greece will be allowed only with a pre-notification by submitting the form on travel.gov.gr upon exit from the country.”
The decree enters into force on 17.08.20 and will be valid until 31.08.20
Greek land BCPs:
1.Kakavia (GR-ALB), only for goods transport, operating daily hours 07:00-23:00
2.Krystallopigi (GR-ALB), only for goods transport, operating daily hours 07:00-23:00
3.Evzoni (GR-MD), only for goods transport, operating daily hours 07:00-23:00
4.Promachona (GR-BUL), goods and passenger transport, operating on a 24/7 basis
5.Ormenio (GR-BUL), only for goods transport, operating daily hours 07:00-23:00
6.Nymfaia (GR-BUL), only for goods transport, operating daily hours 07:00-23:00
7.Kipi (GR-TUR), only for goods transport, operating daily hours 07:00-23:00
OFAE has made an intervention to the Greek government highlighting the fact that such provisions cannot be applied to international transport workers, otherwise it will disrupt the flow of goods.
The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has submitted an amendment proposal to exempt international transport workers from such provisions, which is currently being discussed by the Ministry of Health. Awaiting for official information about its approval, we will update the information accordingly, hopefully by tomorrow.
Source: OFAE
14.07.2020
As of 06:00 on 15 July, all travellers entering Greece for non-essential reasons through the Promachonas border crossing point will be obliged to present the proof of a negative test upon arrival. The certificate should be dated within 72 hours of taking the test.
Only travellers who have such proof will be allowed to enter Greece by the border authorities. The certificate should be written in English and bear the name and passport/national ID number of the traveller.
The Laboratories that perform the RT-PCR testing should be:
- National Reference laboratories
- National Public Health Laboratories, or
- Private laboratories which are accredited from the respective national accreditation authorities (not necessarily specifically for COVID-19).
Certificates that do not fulfil the above criteria will not be accepted. Certificate forgery is punished by Greek Law.
Travellers will still have to complete and submit their PLF form and may be subject to random testing upon arrival at the Greek border.
In order for these changes to be implemented, the PLF system will not be available for travel through Promachonas until 00:01 of 14 July. Travellers who had already issued their PLF forms will still be able to cross the Promachonas border crossing, but travellers without a PLF form will not be allowed to enter and should reschedule their trip for Wednesday 15 July.
The other land border stations remain closed for non-essential travel.
Further information can be found here.
Source: OFAE
10.07.2020
On 1 July, the Greek Customs issued a Decree implementing temporary measures for the facilitation of international trade during the Covid-19 pandemic, including some provisions on the validity of the certificate of vehicle approval for TIR operations. It reads, in particular: “Customs authorities at the entrance, exit or destination may allow the continuation of the TIR transport, even if the period of validity of the Certificate of vehicle Approval has expired for the road vehicle or the container for the transport of goods by customs sealing. In this case, the holder must be able to prove that he has submitted request for renewal of the certificate to the competent authority of his country (eg via e-mail, letter, official reference to the certificate or TIR card, etc.).
Source: OFAE
09.07.2020
On 8 July, the Ministry of Citizen Protection withdrew the exemption initially granted to international transport workers from filling out the Passenger Locator Form.
Therefore, drivers travelling to Greece have to submit the duly filled out form and get a QR code; a dedicated check box for drivers has been included in the document, which allows the submission at any time before the date of arrival (whereas, passengers travelling to Greece must submit the form within 48 hours before their arrival).
Source: OFAE
07.07.2020
On 6 July, the Greek Ministry of Transport clarified that international transport workers are exempt from the obligation to fill in the online Passenger Locator Form.
Drivers entering Greece by ship are subject to random health checks and are also asked to fill in a health status questionnaire; whilst onboard, drivers must wear masks. The health form is available in English, and is also provided by the ferry operator on site.
Source: OFAE
02.07.2020
From 1 July until 31 August, new procedures are in place for travellers arriving in Greece. All individuals entering the country must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) upon arrival. Passport and customs controls are carried out and each 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, arriving travellers are directed by security personnel either to the screening area or are allowed to continue their trip to their final destination in the country. They will be given 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 travellers 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) operate around the clock at land border checkpoints.
Arriving travellers who test positive for Covid-19 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, and after having received instructions concerning self-isolation and until the results of their screening are announced, they can enter the country.
All passengers must follow all necessary preventive hygiene measures (use of masks and physical/social distancing). Masks or face coverings are mandatory in public transport, taxis, lifts, hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres. Masks are recommended in supermarkets, hair salons and other enclosed spaces. Those violating the rules may be fined 150 Euros. Physical distancing measures are in effect until further notice.
The Greek-Bulgarian Promachonas-Kulata border crossing point is open; travellers are subject to random testing and NO quarantine requirements. The land borders with Albania, North Macedonia and Turkey remain closed until further notice.
Goods transport is not subject to restrictions nor quarantine provisions. Members are advised that the health check protocol is meant to apply only to passengers; however, enforcement authorities appear to have misinterpreted the new rules and have started to request that drivers also complete. IRU and OFAE are awaiting clarification from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Health, which will be shared as soon as possible. In the meantime, drivers arriving in Greece by sea are advised to fill in the form to avoid unnecessary fines.
Source: OFAE
05.06.2020
Passenger Transport:
From 1 to 15 June: Random testing on arriving passengers applies, and anyone who is allowed to enter Greece from abroad (i.e. people travelling by air from airports in areas NOT deemed to have “high risk of transmission”, as listed by the EU Aviation Safety Agency) must self-isolate for 7 days, even if they have tested negative. Those testing positive must isolate for a further 7 days, bringing the total time of isolation to 14 days.
From 15 to 30 June: no travel restrictions apply on individuals entering Greece from abroad, but random testing still applies. However, people travelling by air from airports in areas deemed to have “high risk of transmission”, as listed by the EU Aviation Safety Agency, will have to stay overnight in a designated hotel for testing.If they test negative, they must quarantine for seven days; if positive, they will be quarantined under supervision for 14 days.
Goods Transport:
On 29 May, the Greek Government extended the quarantine rules for international truck drivers until 15 June. The number of days to be spent in isolation however has been reduced from 14 to 7.
Facilitation measures:
Greece has signed these ADR Multilateral Agreements: M324 on driver training certificates and safety adviser certificates, and M325 on periodic or intermediate inspections of tanks and certificate of approval for vehicles.
Source: OFAE
28.05.2020
On 28 May, the Greek Government advised that the relaxation of driving and rest time rules will not be renewed after 31 May. Therefore, Regulation (EC) 561/2006 will apply from 00:00 on 1 June.
Source: OFAE
25.05.2020
The previous truck movement restrictions at the Customs office of Evzoni (BCP Greece-North Macedonia) have been lifted. The Customs office of Evzoni is now back to 24/7 operations for all types of goods transport.
Source: OFAE
20.04.2020
The validity of the self-isolation measure in Greece, as described below, has been prolonged until 15th May 2020.
On 2 April, the Greek government published a new Ministerial Decree on the quarantine routine that people entering Greece from abroad must follow. Art. 2 of the decree sets out specific provisions for truck drivers, as follows:
Workers of all nationalities engaged in international transport operations (land, air or maritime) must, upon entering Greece and without any delay, either transit through the country or reach their final destination within the country. After having reached the final destination in Greece, drivers must commence a temporary isolation period of 14 days. Trucks drivers travelling from Italy to Greece by ship are requested to fill in the following form.
Exemptions to this rule apply in the following cases:
- When there is a need to start a new international transport operation (e.g. bilateral transport). In this case, mandatory quarantine can be lifted at any time, even the day after it began;
- When there is a need to make a national transport operation (within Greek territory). In this case, the driver must spend at least 7 days in isolation, starting from the day he entered the country. Because of the mandatory week spent in isolation, cabotage operations will not be possible.
The measure now applies from 2 April to 15 May, with a fine of EUR 5,000 to be imposed in the case of any violations.
Source: OFAE
17.04.2020
Regulations on driving and rest times have been temporarily relaxed in Greece. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(1) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006.
This temporary relaxation applies from 18 April and will run until 31 May. It will apply to all drivers, irrespective of their nationality, when operating on the territory of the Greece.
- Derogation to Article 6(1) of Regulation 561/2006: replacement of the maximum daily driving limit of 9 hours to 11 hours;
- Derogation to Article 6(2) of Regulation 561/2006: replacement of the maximum weekly driving limit of 56 hours to 58 hours;
- Derogation to Article 6(3) of Regulation 561/2006: replacement of the maximum fortnightly driving limit of 90 hours to 96 hours;
- Derogation to Article 7 of Regulation 561/2006: replacement of the minimum daily breaks requirements by imposing a break of 45 minutes after 5 and a half hours;
- Derogation to Article 8(1) of Regulation 561/2006: reduction of the daily rest requirements from 11 to 9 hours;
- Derogation to Article 8(6) of Regulation 561/2006: postponement of a weekly rest period from six to seven 24-hour period or reduction of the regular weekly rest period from 45 hours to 24 hours;
- Derogation to Article 8(8) of Regulation 561/2006: possibility for the driver to take the regular weekly rest in the vehicle, as long as it has suitable sleeping facilities for each driver and the vehicle is stationary.
The same derogations apply to international transport operations in Greece, that are conducted under the provisions of AETR (1970).
Source: OFAE
09.04.2020
On 31 March, the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport decided to suspend traffic bans on the movement of trucks from 16 April until 21 April (Orthodox Easter). The suspension will also apply from 30 April until 3 May (weekend of Labour Day).
04.04.2020
On 2 April, the Greek Government published a new Ministerial Decree on the quarantine routine that people entering Greece from abroad must follow. Art. 2 of the decree sets out specific provisions for truck drivers, which are the following:
Workers of all nationalities engaged in international transport operations (land, air, maritime) must, upon entering Greece and without any delay, either transit through the country or reach their final destination within the country. After having reached the final destination in Greece, drivers must commence a temporary isolation period of 14 days.
Derogations to this rule apply in the following cases:
- When there is a need to start a new international transport operation (e.g. bilateral transport). In this case, mandatory quarantine can be lifted at any time, even the day after it started.
- When there is a need to make a national transport operation (within Greek territory). In this case, the driver must spend at least 7 days in isolation, starting from the day he entered the country. Because of the mandatory week spent in isolation, cabotage operations will not be possible.
The measure applies from 2 April up to 20 April.
In case of violation a fine of EUR 5.000 is imposed.
Source: OFAE
01.04.2020
On 31 March, the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport decided to suspend traffic bans on the movement of trucks from 16 April until 21 April and from 30 April until 3 May.
Source: OFAE
Drivers must present an attestation form from their employer, as well as passport/ID, and the CMR, in order to prove transport activity while on Greek territory.
At the Customs office of Evzoni (BCP Greece-North Macedonia) truck movement restrictions are enforced every day from 22:00-06:00. Trucks carrying ethyl alcohol, perishable goods and medical supplies are exempt from the provision.
Source: OFAE
Restrictions
On 22March 2020, the Greek Prime Minister announced that Greece will impose a national lockdown as of 23 March 2020, 06:00.
Passenger Transport:
- The movement of Greek citizens is heavily restricted within Greek territory. Special written permission is required under certain circumstances. For people going to/from their place of work, an attestation form from their employer is required (attached in Greek only).
- Foreign citizens are not allowed to enter Greece.
- Greek citizens returning to Greece from abroad must self-isolate at home for 14 days.
- Most international flights to/from Greek airports have been temporarily cancelled.
Goods Transport:
- Goods transport is exempt from all restrictive measures.
- All borders are open for international transport operations.
- Truck drivers are exempt from self-isolation.
- In some cases a Locator Form may be required by port authorities when entering Greece. Truck drivers will be given the form and asked to complete and sign it. The form requires personal and family contact details (attached in English).
- Currently, it remains unclear whether foreign transport operators/drivers will be required to have an attestation form from their employer (as in point 1 of Passenger Transport above). OFAE has requested further clarification from the Greek authorities on this point.
Relieves
Temporary relaxation of EU Regulation No. 561/2006or AETR
Valid from 19.03.2020 until 18.04.20 (inclusive):
- Art. 6(1): replacement of the maximum daily driving limit of 9 hours with one of 11 hours.
- Art. 6(2): replacement of the maximum weekly driving limit of 56 hours with one of 60 hours.
- Art. 7: replacement of the minimum daily break requirements by imposing a break of 45 minutes after 5 and a half hours.
- Art. 8(1): reduction of the daily rest requirements from 11 to 9 hours.
- Art. 8(6): postponement of a weekly rest period beyond six 24-hour periods.
Source: OFAE
