17.09.2020

Land border arrivals from Bulgaria are allowed through Promachonas border station. Entry from other border stations with Bulgaria are allowed for essential travel only. With regards to Albania, North Macedonia and Turkey, entry is allowed for essential travel only.
Before entering the country, all travellers must complete their Passenger Locator Form.

All travellers entering Greece through Promachonas border station, including Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece and travellers for essential professional reasons, are obliged to present, upon arrival, a negative molecular test result (RT-PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece. Travellers should be laboratory tested with RT-PCR of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab.
For the land border crossings of Kakavia, Krystallopigi, Evzoni, Nymfaia, Ormeni and Kipi, if the conditions are met, the crossing is possible only between 07:00-23:00. Only essential arrivals are permitted. Moreover, land border from Kakavia now limits essential arrivals to 750 persons/day and Krystallopigi limits essential arrivals to 300 persons/day.

Protocols for arrivals at land borders in Greece

For latest information also check travel.gov.gr
Driving abroad

Travelling to Greece
Entry from EU countries and from Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and Republic of San Marino, is allowed without restrictions, with the exception of Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Malta, Romania, and Spain (details under "Rules and Exceptions").

Third-country nationals:

Travellers from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity) are allowed to enter Greece without restrictions. Furthermore, as far as visitors from Russia are concerned, upon arrival they have to perform a negative rt-PCR test certificate in English and the hotel reservation, or any other proved address of their temporary stay in Greece.
Permanent residents of other third countries are allowed to travel to Greece only for essential reasons (not for tourism).
Before entering the country, all travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form

Protocols for air arrivals in Greece

For latest information also check travel.gov.gr/#

Travelling from Greece or returning to Greece
No specific measures.

Rules and Exceptions

Arrivals by airplane : Passengers of flights from Bulgaria, Romania, U.A.E., Malta, Belgium, Hungary, Spain, Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece. This does also apply to Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece and travellers for essential professional reasons. Travellers should be tested with RT-PCR of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab.

Only travellers who carry a certificate of a negative RT-PCR test result will be allowed by the border authorities to enter the country. The certificates should be written in English and bear the name and passport/national ID number of the traveller.

The accepted laboratories that perform the RT-PCR testing can be:
- National Reference laboratories
- National Public Health Laboratories
- Private laboratories which are accredited from the respective national accreditation authorities (not necessarily specifically for COVID-19).

Certificates that do not fulfill the above criteria will not be accepted.

Children under 10 years old are not subject to the obligation to a PCR test.

The same requirement will apply to all visitors entering Greece via its land borders. This applies to ALL travellers including Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece and travellers for essential professional reasons. 

In addition to this, all visitors arriving by air, land or sea transport will be subject to random tests upon arrival. After being tested, travellers will be allowed to move to their final destination. In the event of a positive result, they will be contacted and placed on 14-day quarantine, with expenses covered by the Greek state.

Mandatory Travel Documentation
Before entering the country, all travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form

Find out more:
Travel.gov.gr
Air passenger rights.

Updated info on air travel regulations may be found at the IATA website


Arrivals by sea by ferry ships are allowed only in Patras, Corfu and Igoumenitsa ports, while arrivals of cruise ships in Greece are allowed until 15/09/2020, provided that they come from countries for which no special restrictive measures apply.
Before entering the country, all travellers must complete their Passenger Locator Form
A confirmation email will be sent upon its submission. An electronic or hard copy of the PLF confirmation should be presented to the designated crew members before embarkation onboard a ship at any Italian port. Travellers will also receive the PLF with a QR code on the day of their scheduled arrival in Greece (at midnight) and will be notified via email (the QR code will be provided in a link in the confirmation email).
No such restriction applies on yachting.
All visitors from air, land or sea, will be subject to random tests upon arrival. Upon being tested, travelers move to their final destination. In the event of a positive result, they will be contacted and placed on 14-day quarantine, with expenses covered by the Greek state.

Protocols for sea arrivals in Greece

For latest information also check travel.gov.gr/#
Ship passenger rights

                                                                                                  

14.08.2020

Land border arrivals from Bulgaria are allowed through Promachonas border station. Entry from other border stations with Bulgaria are allowed for essential travel only. With regards to Albania, North Macedonia and Turkey, entry is allowed for essential travel only.
Before entering the country, all travellers must complete their Passenger Locator Form

As of 15/07/2020 at 06:00 am (GMT+3), all travellers entering Greece for non-essential reasons through Promachonas border station are obliged to present, upon arrival, a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece. Travellers should be laboratory tested with RT-PCR of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab.

Protocols for arrivals at land borders in Greece

For latest information also check travel.gov.gr/#
Driving abroad


Arrivals by sea by ferry ships are allowed only in Patras, Corfu and Igoumenitsa ports.
Before entering the country, all travellers must complete their Passenger Locator Form
A confirmation email will be sent upon its submission. An electronic or hard copy of the PLF confirmation should be presented to the designated crew members before embarkation onboard a ship at any Italian port. Travellers will also receive the PLF with a QR code on the day of their scheduled arrival in Greece (at midnight) and will be notified via email (the QR code will be provided in a link in the confirmation email).
No such restriction applies on yachting.
All visitors from air, land or sea, will be subject to random tests upon arrival. Upon being tested, travelers move to their final destination. In the event of a positive result, they will be contacted and placed on 14-day quarantine, with expenses covered by the Greek state.

Protocols for sea arrivals in Greece

For latest information also check travel.gov.gr/#
Ship passenger rights


Arrivals by airplane :

Travelling from EU countries is allowed without restrictions, with the exception of Bulgaria, Romania and Malta.

Travelling to and from Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and Republic of San Marino, is allowed without restrictions.

From 17 August, it has been announced that visitors arriving from Sweden, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic will need to provide a negative test for COVID-19 to gain entry. The required test cannot be older than 72 hours prior to entry. The same requirement will apply to all visitors entering Greece via its land borders, including Greek citizens returning home.

Travelling from Greece or returning to Greece
It has been announced that, from 17 August, all visitors entering Greece via its land borders, including Greek citizens returning home, will need to provide a negative test for COVID-19 to gain entry. The required test cannot be older than 72 hours prior to entry.

Rules and Exceptions
Travellers entering Greece for non-essential reasons through the Promachonas border station are obliged to present, upon arrival, a negative test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece (RT-PCR of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab test).

Travellers from Bulgaria, Romania and Malta (from 17 August also from Sweden, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic), will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours prior to their entry to Greece. This does not apply to Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece and travellers for essential professional reasons. Travellers should be tested with RT-PCR of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab. The certificates should be written in English and bear the name and passport/national ID number of the traveller.
All visitors arriving by air, land or sea transport will be subject to random tests upon arrival. After being tested, travellers will be allowed to move to their final destination. In the event of a positive result, they will be contacted and placed on 14-day quarantine, with expenses covered by the Greek state.

Mandatory Travel Documentation
Before entering the country, all travellers must complete a Passenger Locator Form

Links to relevant national sources

Travel.gov.gr
Protocols for air arrivals in Greece
Protocols for sea arrivals in Greece
Protocols for arrivals at land borders in Greece

Air passenger rights.

Updated info on air travel regulations may be found at the IATA website

Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/GRC

15.08.2020

Temporary entry ban to third-country nationals

Greece has prolonged until 31-08-2020 the temporary entry ban to all third-country nationals from any point of entry into the country, by any means of transport, extended on all sea, rail and road connections. The above restriction does not apply to nationals of member states of the EU as well as nationals of countries of the Schengen agreement including their spouses or couples in civil partnership and their minor children.
From the scope of this restriction are excluded citizens of the following countries:
Algeria, Australia, Georgia, Canada, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, People’s Republic of China, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and United Arab Emirates. Citizens of the abovementioned countries can be subject to sample laboratory checks.
In order to prove their place of residence, citizens of third countries may supply a residence permit, or a work permit, or their ID provided that it shows their place of residence, or a driving licence or other documents.
From the temporary entry ban to all third- country nationals from any point of entry into the country, by any means of transport are excluded:

  • a) medical and nursing staff, researchers and health professionals provided that they show at the points of entry in the country a certificate of professional competence or other documents that document their professional capacity and provided that their entry in the country is related with the exercise of their professional duties
  • b) long term residents in member states of the EU and in member states of the Schengen agreement holding a residence permit in EU or Schengen agreement member states
  • c)members of government missions
  • d)members of diplomatic missions and consulates, members of international and European organizations, members of humanitarian organizations, military staff.
  • e) staff employed in the transport sector including naval staff, aircraft crews, crews and technical staff of leased aerial fire-fight transport modes, lorry drivers with the absolutely necessary staff for carriage of goods
  • f) passengers in transit
  • g) students
  • h)people caring for older or disabled people and i) seasonal workers in the agricultural sector.

The abovementioned a)-f) should prove their identity with the appropriate documentation and shall be subject to sample tests. Citizens of third countries that are included in this entry ban have the right to make a request to the diplomatic authorities of their place of residence or stay for their by exception entrance in Greece for professional or personal reasons.

Start date: 15.08.2020

End date: 31.08.2020

More info: https://eody.gov.gr/neos-koronaios-covid-19/

Source : https://ec.europa.eu/transport/coronavirus-response_en

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

15.07.2020

Temporary restrictions with Bulgaria

Greece extends the already imposed restrictions on all rail and road connections from Bulgaria and a ban on entry to all passengers from Bulgaria with the exception of border crossing point of Promachonas. The ban of entry does not include Greek citizens and holders of residence documents and the entrance of persons for absolutely necessary business trips verified by the appropriate documentation. The transit of lorries for carriage of goods is allowed.
The persons entering -and not belonging to the abovementioned excluded categories- must have undergone a laboratory check (PCR method) for CoVID-19 and will have to be negative to it.
The test has to be done the last 72 hours before their arrival to Greece, in a reference laboratory of the country of origin or transit, or in a public or a private laboratory which has to be certified from the competent certification authority of the country. Similarly, they must have an attestation of the above diagnosis, in English, which will include their name and passport or ID number.

Start date: 15.07.2020

End date: 29.07.2020


More info: https://eody.gov.gr/neos-koronaios-covid-19/

Source : https://ec.europa.eu/transport/coronavirus-response_en

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

01.07.2020
Temporary entry ban to third-country nationals

Greece has issued a temporary entry ban to all third- country nationals from any point of entry into the country, by any means of transport, extended on all sea, rail and road connections. The above restriction does not apply to nationals of member states of the EU as well as nationals of countries of the Schengen agreement including their spouses or couples in civil partnership and their minor children. From the scope of this restriction are excluded citizens of the following countries: Algeria, Australia, Georgia, Canada, Japan, Democracy of Serbia, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zeeland, Rwanda, South Korea, People’s Republic of China, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. Citizens of the abovementioned countries are exempted from the sample laboratory checks. In order to prove their place of residence, citizens of third countries may supply a residence permit, or a work permit, or their ID provided that it shows their place of residence, or a driving licence or other documents. From the temporary entry ban to all third- country nationals from any point of entry into the country, by any means of transport are excluded:

  • a) medical and nursing staff, researchers and health professionals provided that they show at the points of entry in the country a certificate of professional competence or other documents that document their professional capacity and provided that their entry in the country is related with the exercise of their professional duties
  • b) long term residents in member states of the EU and in member states of the Schengen agreement holding a residence permit in EU or Schengen agreement member states
  • c)members of government missions
  • d)members of diplomatic missions and consulates, members of international and European organizations, members of humanitarian organizations, military staf
  • e) staff employed in the transport sector including naval staff, aircraft crews, crews and technical staff of leased aerial fire-fight transport modes, lorry drivers in transit, with the absolutely necessary staff for carriage of goods
  • f) passengers in transit


  • g) students
  • h)people caring for older or disabled people
  • i) seasonal workers in the agricultural sector.

Start date: 01.07.2020

End date: 15.07.2020

Further information: https://travel.gov.gr

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/coronavirus-response_en





20.03.2020


COVID19 MEASURES

24.1.2020

The Regional Customs Authorities were given guidance so as to instruct the
Customs Offices in their Region, to acquire masks and gloves.


24.2.2020

The Regional Customs Authorities were given guidance so as to
communicate the hyper link of the Ministry of Health, with the protective
measures to be observed by all staff in the Customs Offices.


28.2.2020

The Directorate General of Customs & Excise requested the allocation of
funds for the disinfection of passenger control areas within the Customs
Offices, as well as for the provision of special protective suits, masks, eye
glasses and boots.

5.3.2020

The Regional Customs Authorities were given guidance so as to instruct the
Customs Offices in their Region, to take the necessary steps for the
procurement of disinfection services and the coordination of their actions with
other Agencies operating on the Border, in Ports and Airports.


9.3.2020

Survey on the implementation of the disinfection measures, the stocks of
protective material available and communication of further instructions
(Circular Order of the Governor of the Independent Authority for Public
Revenue/IAPR).

9.3.2020

A Crisis Management Group for Customs was established under the Director
General of Customs & Excise.


14.3.2020

Customs Offices were instructed to have their staff working in alternate shifts
(following a Decision of the Governor of the IAPR) in order to prevent
spreading of the infection and safeguarding the operation of the Customs
Offices in case of an incident during a shift.


16.3.2020

Survey: import data on essential supplies and medicines from all Customs
Offices.


16.3.2020

The Regional Customs Authorities were given guidance so as to instruct the
Customs Offices in their Region, to observe the guidelines issued by the
General Secretariat for Civil Protection on avoiding standing queues in
Customs premises (for example by customs brokers) and have those
Guidelines pinned up on the entrance doors of the Customs Offices.

Further information: http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/....

Advice to travellers (10.03.2020)

The risk for travellers is considered high. It is recommended that travellers avoid nonessential travel to areas with local transmission of COVID-19: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situatio....

Start date: 10.03.2020

End date: not available

Further information: https://eody.gov.gr/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-travellers/

Temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times

The Hellenic Republic has notified a temporary relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for all national and international freight transport on Greek territory with public and private use trucks of any nationality. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006.

Start date: 19.03.2020

End date: 17.04.2020

Further information: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites/transport/files/temporary-relaxatio...




09.11.2020

The Greek Government has declared the country in a national lockdown as from Saturday 6th November 2020 and until 30.11.2020. There are no restrictions for international goods transport.

Some useful information about international transport truck drivers, as a reminder: 

Drivers can undertake transportations to/from Greece, but must motivate their reasons. This can be done by showing the CMR accompanied by an attestation provided by the employer, or the Transport Workers certificate according to Annex 3 of the EU Green Lanes Directive.


Source: OFAE

                                                                                                  

06.11.2020

Greek motorways Interoperability network - single toll pass (OBU) on all national highway 

As of November 4th, 2020, all national road network operators in Greece integrate into the Interoperability network (GRITS). Drivers are as of last Wednesday able to drive on all Greek highways using a single electronic device (OBU) for tolls. The measure is expected to reduce lines and delays at toll posts, speeding up transport throughout Greece.

Subscribers equipped with any of the current OBUs from a Greek road operators, may make use of the Interoperability service when traveling along the participating motorways without any formalities being required since the service has been automatically activated.

Drivers interested in making use of this new service who are not equipped with an OBU may choose the transponder best meeting their needs depending on their place of residence, the road network they use more frequently etc. More information can be found here: https://www.gefyra.gr/en/prices/Dialeitourgikothta-GRITS/

Source: OFAE

                                                                                                  

27.10.2020

The Greek government has announced additional measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. The new measures in force from 24 October 20, include the following:

  • A night curfew from 00:30 until 05:00 in the regional units category 3 (orange zone) and 4 (red zone). Attica and Thessaloniki are included in these categories (a full map showing which regions in Greece are affected can be found here)
  • There is an exemption for those who work at night and for emergencies. Truck drivers who are working in the restricted areas during the night must have an attestation form from their employer. The Greek government has not provided a specific template for this purpose.  
  • Masks are mandatory indoors and outdoors.

Source: OFAE

                                                                                                  

16.10.2020

Commercial trucks are exempt from the restrictions (restrictions between 11pm and 7am) on entering Greece via its land borders.

Goods transport is allowed 24/7 at all land border crossing points: 

·      Kakavia (GR-ALB)

·      Krystallopigi (GR-ALB)

·      Evzoni (GR-MD)

·      Promachona (GR-BUL)

·      Ormenio (GR-BUL)

·      Nymfaia (GR-BUL)

·      Kipi (GR-TUR)

 

Source: OFAE

                                                                                                  

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:

  1. National Reference laboratories
  2. National Public Health Laboratories, or
  3. 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