Greece announced on Thursday the easing of travel restrictions by abolishing a requirement by vaccinated international travelers to fill in a detailed passenger form.
The Passenger Locator Form (PLF) was introduced as part of the measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The measure will take effect as of March 15, Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said in a statement, adding that the decision was taken after a recommendation of the panel of experts advising the government on the pandemic.
The PLF had to be completed online at least 48 hours before entering the country and included information such as the country they came from and the address of their stay during their holiday, as well as the duration of previous stays in other countries.
Abolition of passenger form “simplifies travel to Greece”
“The abolition of the PLF simplifies the entry process for travelers, shifting the emphasis on the vaccination certificates,” Kikilias said.
“In addition, the adoption of new health protocols for tourism companies places Greece ahead of the competition. Once again, we are ready to welcome our guests safely.”
The panel also recommended increasing the capacity of tour buses from 85% to 100%, beginning on March 5, with the remaining protection measures – natural ventilation and mask use – remaining in place.
The PLF was introduced in the summer of 2020 as a way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and allow for contact tracing for tourists who test positive while on holidays.
Face masks in public places no longer required in Greece
Starting on Saturday, the use of face masks will no longer be required in outdoor spaces in Greece.
Previously, according to coronavirus restrictions, Greeks were required to wear masks outdoors, even in areas without crowds.
The outdoor mask mandate ended after Greece’s special committee of epidemiologists and public health experts advised that it was no longer necessary.
Although no longer required, the use of face masks will still be recommended for those with underlying conditions and when one is in an outdoor location with dense crowds.
Currently, Greeks are still required to wear masks indoors. In supermarkets and on public transportation, people must wear either an N95 (or equivalent) mask or two surgical masks.
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