New Rules Issued for Travelers to Greek Islands

As of July 5, all travelers who wish to visit the Greek islands will have to show either proof of coronavirus vaccination or recovery from the virus; proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure; or a negative rapid test that must have been conducted 42 hours before setting out on their journey.

The new ruling was announced at a Thursday press conference by Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias.

Additionally, all those who are 12 years of age or older are advised to take a self-test before their return trip, according to Hardalias.

The minister added that officials are still reviewing how best to address cross-regional travel on the Greek mainland at the present time.

The new measures regarding islands were announced after a meeting of the Greek Health Ministry’s committee of experts on the course of the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID vaccine passport is not mandatory travel document to Greek  Islands

Greece recently instituted their “Green passport,” a document that shows the bearer’s coronavirus status, whether vaccinated or not, along with proofs of immunity or negative testing.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Health, it was revealed that for the passport to be issued, those obtaining it must hold a Greek identity card that contains the holder’s details in Latin characters, or a general traveling passport.

The EU Digital Passport can be obtained by Greek citizens as long as they provide proof that they meet one of the following statements:

• They have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 with all required doses
• They have recovered from the virus
• They have obtained a negative COVID-19 test result
• Moreover, all persons obtaining the passport need to provide their personal Taxisnet passwords and their Social Security number.

Greece has emphasized that the passport’s validity confirmation is carried out only at specific entry checkpoints through a special system developed by the EU.

“This certificate is not a mandatory travel document. Scientific data on COVID-19 vaccination, diagnosis, and recovery continue to evolve, also taking into account new variants of the virus. Before travelling, check the applicable public health measures and the relevant restrictions that apply to your destination,” the Ministry’s statement reads.

Greek health authorities had earlier on Thursday announced that there were 761 new cases of coronavirus and four deaths associated with the virus in the past 24 hours.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic, including all those who have recovered from the virus, is now 423,185, with 12,710 citizens who died with the virus since the beginning of the outbreak.

A total of 189 patients throughout Greece remain intubated in intensive care units while 2,689 have been discharged from the ICU.