The Greek Health Ministry has just announced changes to its entry requirements for international travelers.
All foreign visitors over the age of 12 must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arrival in the Hellenic Republic. The new measure will take effect on December 19
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Visitors from all over the world will be given a demonstration of negative molecular control for 48 hours. Travelers who have stayed in the countries for less than 48 hours are excluded from the measure.
International travelers with proof of full vaccination were exempt from pre-departure testing requirements, as were those who could provide proof of recovery within the previous 30 to 180 days.
Travelers who were unvaccinated were required to provide either a negative or rapid test within 72 hours of arrival.
The time frame for valid PCR tests has been shortened, and the new pre-travel testing measures apply to all visitors.
Greece's official travel website has not yet been updated to reflect this new information, although the U.S. Embassy in Greece has been brought up to speed.
Travelers coming from the U.S. are likely to find this update to Greece's entry restrictions difficult. Before passengers can board their plane, they need to have their test results in hand.
If you plan to fly nonstop from the East Coast to New York, you're looking at about 10 hours in the air. If you have to take a connecting flight to an international gateway, you could be starting your journey as early as 18 to 24 hours before you reach the destination.
The Mediterranean destination has been experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has confirmed five cases of the Omicron variant in Greece.
Since July, visitors and residents are required to provide either a vaccination certificate, proof of recent recovery or a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter indoor public venues or take long-distance public transportation.
You can visit gr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information.
