Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece - Travel Restrictions and Consular Operations

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Athens, Greece, November 6, 2020

Location: Greece

Event: Travel Restrictions and Consular Operations in Greece

The Greek authorities announced a series of restrictive measures affecting travel within and to/from Greece. Beginning at 6:00am on Saturday, November 7, 2020, travel between regions in Greece is allowed only for health reasons, business, family reunification, or to return to one’s place of permanent residence. In general, movement outside the home is restricted to a limited number of reasons outlined by the Greek government and described on the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page, and requires sending an SMS or possessing a certificate or exceptional travel form, depending on the purpose of travel as described at forma.gov.gr.

As of Monday, November 9, all travelers entering Greece will be required to present a negative molecular test result (PCR test) for COVID-19, performed up to 48 hours before their entry to Greece by air or 72 hours for entry to Greece by land. Additionally, all travelers entering Greece by air must complete the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) 48 hours prior to arrival. Starting November 9, all departing air passengers must submit a Passenger Locator Form prior to departure as well. Refer to travel.gov.gr for detailed information on PCR test requirements, the Passenger Locator Form, and other protocols related to international travelers. Please note that U.S. citizens are not allowed to enter Greece unless they meet very narrow exceptions outlined by the Greek Embassy in the U.S. There is no projected date when U.S. citizens will be permitted to enter Greece.

In keeping with current measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Greece, routine visa services and U.S. citizen services are limited, including passport applications, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and notary services. We will continue to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. All consular services have been suspended at the Consulate General in Thessaloniki. Check the U.S. Embassy website for more information.

As during the prior lockdown, public transportation including airlines, trains, and buses continue to operate, but transport links within Greece and to international destinations may be increasingly limited. Travelers should check carrier schedules for the latest updates and work directly with the carrier or travel agent to arrange or reschedule travel.

Further restrictive measures, including travel restrictions, may be imposed in any region with higher incidence of COVID-19 with little to no advance notice. Please check the latest Greek government information for the most up-to-date measures.

Actions to Take:

For full details, visit the COVID-19 page on our website.
If you develop fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough, stay indoors and immediately seek medical attention by contacting the National Public Health Organization by dialing 1135.
Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before any international travel.
Read the country information page for Greece.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Monitor local media for breaking news and adjust your plans accordingly.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.