I am going to write a new post shortly once the situation becomes clearer regarding travel to Paxos, but this is the current travel advice from the UK and Greek Governments.
Travel Advice from the UK Government
This is the latest guidance from the UK Government – source – https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece
“Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home. You must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.
Check the rules that apply to you in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
If you intend to travel to the UK from abroad, including UK nationals returning home, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure. If you do not comply (and you do not have a valid exemption) your airline or carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival.
Before you return to the UK you must provide your journey and contact details. You must self-isolate when you enter the UK from any foreign country except Ireland, unless you have a valid exemption.
When you enter England from abroad (except Ireland), you must follow the new requirements for quarantining and taking additional COVID-19 tests. For those travelling from a country on the banned travel list you will be required to quarantine in a hotel. Different rules apply for arrivals into England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
If you are legally permitted to travel abroad, check our advice on your country of destination. Some other countries have closed borders, and may further restrict movement or bring in new rules including testing requirements with little warning.”
Travel Advice from the Greek Government
This is what the Greek Government are saying – source https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/greece/
“Ireland has adopted the EU Recommendation on a coordinated approach to travel restrictions in the context of COVID-19, known as the EU traffic lights approach. Based on this, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will publish a combined indicator map each week which will show COVID-19 risk levels across the EU and EEA. Regions will be green, orange, red or grey, on the basis of agreed criteria. In line with the EU Recommendation, there will be no entry restrictions on passengers travelling from green regions. Further information is available on the Re-Open Europa website.
Our TravelWise app has been suspended to take account of the new EU system. We apologise for this inconvenience. Updated information will continue to be provided on this website.
Overview
COVID-19 Status
Travel to Greece from Ireland
Urgent Update
Greece has extended its lockdown measures until Sunday 28 February..
Travel between districts is Greece will not be allowed during this time and an SMS to the Greek authorities will be required explaining the reason any time you are outside the home. Individuals unable to send an SMS must fill out a form by hand and carry at all times.
There is also a curfew in place between the hours of 21.00 and 05.00 countrywide and between 18.00 and 05.00 in the Attica region, including Athens, at weekends.
Those entering Greece by air or by land must present negative results of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival and may also be asked to take a COVID-19 test upon entry. In addition, completing a PLF form at least 24 hours prior to arrival continues to be a requirement prior to entry.
All passengers entering Greece on flights from any foreign country (including EU member states) up until the 22 February must self-isolate at home for seven days after arrival.
Information about the new EU Recommendation (‘traffic lights’ system) which applies to EU / EEA countries is available here. Anyone considering travel to Greece should check the latest information from the local authorities regarding requirements for international passengers arriving in the country.
Information about restrictions on passengers entering Greece from green, orange, red and grey regions under the new EU Recommendation (‘traffic lights’ system) which applies to EU / EEA countries is available here.
Entry from EU+ countries is allowed without restrictions, with the exception of passengers coming from – or having stayed, in the 14 days prior to arrival – in a country that is classified as “high risk” of COVID-19 infection.
Passengers arriving from “high risk” countries will be required to provide a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece.
An updated list of countries and territories for which a negative PCR test is required upon entry is available at https://travel.gov.gr
There are special measures in place in Greece to try to contain COVID-19. In particular, all passengers arriving into Greece from any place of origin must complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) online at least 24 hours before entering the country. Failure to complete the PLF is an offence, and you will not be permitted to enter Greece without it.
On the basis of the PLF, the Greek authorities will decide if you need to take a COVID-19 test on arrival in Greece. For full information on this process, see here.
If you are selected for a test and test positive, you will be subject to 14 days’ quarantine, for which you may be required by the Greek authorities to move to a designated quarantine facility. This period cannot be shortened if your planned flight departs before the end of your quarantine. Quarantine requirements are not waived on production of a negative COVID-19 test conducted by another facility.
Travel from Greece to Ireland
All passengers arriving into Ireland are required to have a negative / ‘not detected’ result from a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Ireland. Passengers will be asked to present evidence of their negative/‘not detected’ result before boarding their airplane or ferry, and will be required to produce this evidence to Immigration Officers on arrival at points of entry to the State. Children aged six and under are exempt from this requirement.
This is a mandatory requirement. Passengers will be asked to present evidence of their negative/‘not detected’ result before boarding their airplane or ferry and will be denied boarding if they cannot produce such evidence.
From 4 February 2021, a legal requirement to quarantine has been introduced for all those travelling to Ireland with very limited exceptions.
A legal requirement to quarantine applies to all passengers arriving in Ireland from 4 February 2021 (with very limited exceptions). For further information on arriving in Ireland from abroad, please visit the website of the Irish Government (www.gov.ie) or the Health Service Executive (HSE) www.hse.ie
Security Status
High Degree of Caution
Security Status Last Updated: 21 October 2020 to take effect from 00.00 on 22 October 2020
COVID-19
In addition to the PLF requirements, some additional measures remain in place. Wearing facemasks is mandatory on public transport, workplaces, taxis, medical facilities, indoor public spaces and places where social distancing is not possible. You must carry ID at all times. Those who do not follow these measures may be fined or arrested.
Additional advice and information on COVID-19 can be found via the following links:
Greek Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Greek Ministry for Civil Protection
Protocols for arrival in Greece
Emergency assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
You can contact the emergency services in Greece by dialling 112. Specific emergency numbers are:
Police: 100
Ambulance: 166
Covid 19 helpline (24 Hr): 1135
Our tips for Safe Travels:
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities.
- Get a European Health Insurance Card
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
- Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.”
So not good at the moment but hopefully the situation will improve and we will be able to plan trips to our favourite Greek Island again.
Stay safe