Greece’s Borders Remain Closed Until Nov. 8

Jerusalem, 26 October, 2020 (TPS) -- Athens, 26 October 2020 (MIA) – Greece has extended until November 8 the air, sea and land travel ban for neighboring countries, including North Macedonia, as well as the ban for third-country nationals, MIA’s Athens correspondent reports.

This is a 13-day extension of the previous two decisions which were in force until Sunday midnight.

The first decision refers to temporary restrictions imposed on land borders due to ‘preventive reasons to protect public health from the spread of Covid-19 in Greece, as well as a ban on entry of persons into Greek territory unless specific requirements are met’.

Tourists and foreign nationals not allowed to travel there can enter Greece by crossing the Promachonas border with Bulgaria after presenting upon entry a negative PCR test is done in the previous 72 hours.

As regards the other border crossings that are open, i.e. Kakavia and Krystallopigi to Albania, Evzoni (Bogorodica) to North Macedonia, Nymphaea to Bulgaria and Kipi to Turkey, entry into Greece is allowed only for certain categories and with a negative PCR test requirement in place.

These border crossings are open from 7 am to 11 pm. The ban does not apply to Greek nationals, persons holding a residence permit and persons living in Greece, transport of goods, entry of persons for absolutely necessary professional reasons, but also for the transit of ambulances that enter Greece from Kosovo via North Macedonia to hospitalize patients, members of the diplomatic, military or administrative staff of EU and EULEX member states in Kosovo.

The other decision foresees “temporary restriction of entering the country for all third-country nationals from any entry point to the country and by any way or any means, including air, maritime, rail and road connections, for preventive reasons for the protection of public health from the further spread of COVID-19 in the Greek territory.”

The decision does not apply to nationals of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore.

In addition, the restrictions of this decision do not include medical and nursing staff, long-term residents in EU or Schengen Agreement member states, members of government missions, members of diplomatic or consular authorities and missions, lorry drivers, which are entering for the transportation of commodities as well as the essential personnel for the transport and passengers in transit, students, people providing service to the elderly and people with disabilities, and seasonal agricultural workers.

The restriction of the previous decision applied for the period of October 13 until October 25, 2020. As of Monday, November 8, 2020, the new decisions published in the Official Gazette of Greece enter into force.