The rule for domestic travel in Greece, which will be in force until March 31, 2022, is among a number of restrictions for the unvaccinated that have been announced by the Greek government to stop the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) throughout the country.
The rule of traveling by a negative test result, which is already in force for domestic travel by air and sea, has now been introduced also for traveling between Greek regions on intercity trains and KTEL buses (the only rule previously on trains and buses was mandatory mask-wearing during journeys).
The new negative rapid test rule concerns travel to and from Greek destinations.
Therefore, anyone unvaccinated from the age of 12 and over that wants to travel between regions from September 13 by plane, ferry, KTEL bus, or intercity train will need:
– to have a negative rapid antigen test taken 48 hours prior to travel as required documentation (negative PCR test performed within 72 hours before travel will also be accepted)
– to upload their test result to the government’s website www.gov.gr to issue a certificate which they will have to print out (or save to their phone).
Verification checks to certificates will be conducted at check-in at the airport, port, train/bus station. All certificates will be scanned by the Covid Free app.
For traveling by ferry specifically, the rule for the unvaccinated will be in force regardless of what destination someone is traveling to. The rule will be in force for travel from ports of mainland Greece to the islands and other mainland ports; for travel between the islands; and for travel from the islands to mainland ports. It is reminded that for ferry travel, passengers must fill out a health form* prior to boarding (see below).
Rapid tests cost 10 euros
Unvaccinated individuals should know that only rapid tests conducted at private health centers – at the cost of 10 euros – will be accepted to travel on airplanes, ferries, intercity trains and KTEL buses. From September 13, unvaccinated individuals will no longer be allowed to get tested for Covid-19 for free by the mobile health teams of EODY that carry out daily rapid tests at no charge to citizens in different areas.
It is noted that on islands where there are no private health facilities or pharmacies, Covid-19 rapid antigen tests are performed by municipal clinics.
Minors can present self-test result
Minors between 4 and 11 years old can travel with a negative self-test result performed within 24 hours before travel.
After self-testing (and considering the result is negative) travelers must access the self-test declaration form here, print it out, write their negative test result, sign it and then present it when requested when checking in at the airport, port, train/bus station.
Vaccinated travelers are exempt from the rule
Vaccinated individuals or people that have recovered from the coronavirus do not have to present a negative test to travel by plane, boat, bus, or train in Greece.
Travelers that are vaccinated must present a vaccination certificate stating that 14 days have passed since full vaccination for Covid-19.
Former Covid-19 patients must present a recovery certificate (stating that they have recovered from the virus in the last six months).
No traveling without required documentation
Those who fail to present the proper documentation during boarding time at airports, ports, train/bus stations will not be allowed to travel. In addition, they will be fined for non-compliance with public health measures.
Travelers in need of information regarding specific details are advised to contact their travel agent or ticket provider.
Masks must be worn at all times throughout journeys, in indoor spaces, and in outdoor crowded areas in Greece.
No rules when traveling by car
Unvaccinated people traveling between Greek regions in private cars will not need to have any form of documentation.
Editor’s note: *Pre-boarding health form for ferry travel: All ferry passengers must fill out a health declaration questionnaire before boarding a ferry in Greece. The online pre-boarding questionnaire can be found here in both Greek and English and can be submitted online. The questionnaire on the ministry’s site that can be downloaded and printed is still accepted by port authorities. (it is available in Greek here and in English here.) The pre-boarding health declaration questionnaire is also available via ferry operators.
