Vaccinated visitors to Greece will no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before entering the country from March 15.
The announcement was made in a statement published by the country’s Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias.
The statement reads: “On a recommendation by the Experts’ Committee of the Ministry of Health, as of March 15 2022 the completion of the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) which was required by all visitors for entrance to Greece is repealed.
“The revocation of the PLF simplifies the entrance procedure for travellers, passing the emphasis on vaccination certificate checks.
“In addition to that, adopting new health protocols for tourism enterprises puts Greece ahead of the competition. As always, we are ready to welcome our visitors safely.”
The announcement comes after an influential Conservative MP revealed the PLF requirement for arrivals into England could be scrapped by Easter.
Speaking at a Business Travel Association (BTA) conference in London on March 3, chair of the Transport Select Committee of MPs Huw Merriman said: “I’m pretty confident we’ll get the Passenger Locator Form [PLF] dropped by Easter.”
The Greek government has also recommended raising the capacity of tourist buses from 85% to 100% starting from tomorrow (Saturday, March 5), but other precautionary measures including the use of face masks will remain in place.
Greece opened its borders to visitors in a “safe and attainable manner” on May 14 last year, but anyone entering the country has been required to complete a PLF before entry.
People visiting Greece before March 14 will still need to complete a PLF until the new rules come into force.
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice to say: “If you arrive in Greece before or on March 14 2022, you must complete an online passenger locator form (PLF) before arriving in Greece.
“The form is in English, and is required whichever way you travel to Greece (including by ferry, road, rail or air).
“Failure to do so in advance may result in your carrier not allowing you to travel, a 500 Euro fine on arrival or the Greek authorities not allowing you to enter or re-enter the country.”
Source: Travelweekly.co.uk