Panas rambles in a blog
Bear in mind that Greece is currently on the UK’s amber list for travel, meaning that passengers from Greece have to self-isolate at home for 10 days on arrival back in the UK.
What vaccination proof do I need to travel to Greece?
Greece is open to fully vaccinated Brits, so visitors need to prove that they’ve had both doses of an approved jab at least 14 days before travel. The type of proof varies based on which nation of the UK you’re a resident in:
- England: citizens can prove their status using the NHS app, or a written letter. You can’t get proof of vaccine from your GP. Instead, you should request it by phoning 119
- Scotland: download a vaccination status letter from the NHS Inform patient portal, or request it by post via the Freephone Covid Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565
- Wales: request a certificate by calling 0300 303 5667. Note that it can take up to ten working days for a certificate to arrive. The Welsh Government is currently in talks with the UK government to allow Welsh citizens to use the NHS app for proof of travel
- Northern Ireland: the Northern Ireland Executive is currently developing a vaccine certification programme for its citizens.
You can’t use your appointment letters as proof of vaccination. You must either use a written letter from the NHS, or a digital product such as the app.
What vaccinations does Greece accept?
Greece is open to anyone who has had one of the vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This includes the four vaccines approved for use in the UK: BioNTech and Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.Do I still need a test before entering Greece?
No. If you’ve had both doses of an approved vaccine, you won’t need to produce a negative test result. Note that arrivals may be asked to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival. This is determined at random, based on the QR code on the back of your PLF. If you’re selected, you will need to isolate until the results come in: this can be up to 24 hours. If you test positive, you and your party will need to isolate for at least 10 days in an approved quarantine hotel. The cost of this is covered by the Greek state.Are there other travel restrictions in place?
Yes. Although Greece is open to vaccinated visitors, there are a few extra preparations. In addition to bringing your proof of vaccination – or negative test result – you will also have to:
- Fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before travel. You need to do this before you enter and again before you leave the country
- Wear a face mask while on a plane, bus, train or ferry travelling to, from or around Greece. You also need to keep your mask on at the airport
- Comply with all instructions given by the Greek authorities.
Do I need to quarantine when I get back to the UK?
Yes. Greece is currently on the amber list for travel, which means that there are travel restrictions in place upon your return. Before you come back from your trip to Greece you should:
- Take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of your flight, even if you’re vaccinated
- You need to make two COVID-19 tests, once you arrive in the UK. One will be on Day 2 and the other one on Day 8 after your arrival
- Complete a passenger locator form (PLF).
Once you arrive in the UK, you will need to:
- Quarantine at home or in your accommodation for 10 days.
- Take a COVID-19 test on or before day two, and again on or after day eight.
- If you live in England, there’s the option to end quarantine on or after day five through the Test to Release scheme.
Note that the UK’s traffic light system is reviewed every three weeks. Greece could be moved to the green or red list, depending on case levels. You can keep up with the latest status via the FCDO’s official website.
