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Cyprus, Greece, Turkey & Croatia - what are the rules?

Accurate as of 11th August 2020

You've managed to book your long awaited post-lockdown break - but what are the rules? The Green Motion team have compiled the entry requirements for some of our favourite summer holiday destinations.

For the most up to date information click here.

Always check the entry requirements of your destination country before travel as these are subject to change at very short notice.

Turkey

Entry to Turkey:

Since 12 June, the Turkish government has reopened its international land, sea and air borders. Scheduled passenger flights will resume on an individual country basis, subject to coordination with the Ministry of Health. Direct, scheduled passenger flights between Turkey and the UK resumed on 11 June.

All passengers, of all nationalities, who meet Turkish immigration rules are permitted entry to Turkey from 12 June.

You must wear a face mask at all times whilst in an airport, and for the duration of all flights, to and from Turkey.

Testing / screening on arrival:

All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks. Any passengers showing symptoms including high fever, coughing or respiratory difficulties will be will be required to undergo a PCR test (a swab test – see here for details) for coronavirus.

In the event that a test returns a positive result, you will be provided with medical treatment at a facility determined by the Ministry of Health or, if preferred, at a private medical facility in Turkey at your own expense.

Data collection:

You will need to complete a passenger locator form prior to arriving in Turkey. Details will be provided by your airline.

You will be asked to provide the residential address of where you will stay, within the borders of Turkey, and your contact information.

You may be asked by your airline to provide personal information regarding COVID-19 that may be shared with Ministry of Health and third countries when necessary. Anyone who knowingly provides false information may be prevented from travelling.

Greece

You must complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before your arrival in Greece. 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 the country.

Every traveller, including children, must have their details included on a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). If you’re travelling with others outside of your household, you should all complete your own form. If you’re travelling together as a household, the Greek authorities ask for you to complete one form with all adults and children included. You can add additional members of your household at the top of the form before you submit.

However, some airlines may require individual PLFs for every traveller over the age of 18 within the same household. You should check directly with your airline what you will need to show in order to be allowed boarding. Remember that you will need to complete PLFs at least 24 hours before your flight. This is a requirement whichever way you travel to Greece (including by ferry, road, rail or air). The form is in English.

Once you have completed the form, you will receive an email acknowledgement. In a separate email, you will also receive a QR code. This code is likely to be sent up to 24 hours before you travel, regardless of how early you fill in your form. When you receive your code, make sure you either print it, or can show it on your mobile phone.

If you are travelling by air to Greece, your airline will ask you to prove that you have completed the PLF form. You should print or show (e.g. on your phone) your email confirming submission of the form (or the QR code you have subsequently received). Failure to do so could result in you being refused boarding to the flight.

If you are travelling by ferry to Greece, the ferry operator will ask you to complete an additional form (‘Pre Boarding Information’), alongside your PLF. This additional form will be provided by the ferry operator, either via their website, or at booking offices: you should contact them directly if you need further information. Temperature checks may also be carried out before boarding; and it is obligatory to wear masks on all ferries, where capacity is limited to allow for social distancing.

On arrival in Greece by land, sea or air, you will need to show your QR code to the Greek authorities. Make sure you have either a printed copy of the code, or can show it on your phone. Failure to provide your PLF form/ QR code will result in a fine or you may be refused entry to Greece.

Testing and quarantine on arrival:

When you arrive in Greece, the Greek authorities will scan your QR code and may require you to undergo testing for coronavirus, as part of health screening. The Greek authorities’ instructions will differ according to whether you arrive by land, sea or air. Check the requirements that will apply to you on the PLF form page.

Any passenger entering Greece may be asked to undergo a test, but you are more likely to be asked if you have arrived from a country outside of the EU (including the UK), either directly or via indirect flights.

If you are required to take a test on arrival:

After testing you should practise social distancing and self-monitor for symptoms that could indicate COVID-19. The Greek authorities will contact you if you test positive and advise you on whether you need to self isolate or quarantine. Test results are expected to become available within 24 hours.

If your test result is positive, the Greek authorities are likely to ask you to self-isolate for 14 days. Depending on the nature of your accommodation (e.g. whether you’re staying in a hotel, or in a private property like a house or villa), you may be required to move to government-provided accommodation. If you’re asked to move, the costs of transfer and your new accommodation will be paid by the Greek authorities.


If you are not required to take a test on arrival, you will not be required to self-isolate.

You must comply with all instructions given by the Greek authorities. Failure to do so may result in you being refused permission to enter Greece and/or legal enforcement.

You should also be aware that if other passengers on your flight subsequently test positive, you may be subject to further quarantine/self isolation requirements. These will be mandatory and you should comply with the Greek authorities’ requirements.

Cyprus

As of 1 August 2020, the UK is in Cyprus’ Category B: this means that UK tourists are permitted to travel to Cyprus, but they need to provide a negative test on arrival, obtained within 72 hours before travel. On 31 July 2020 The Republic of Cyprus government announced that COVID-test results can be in the form of an email or SMS, but the test result itself and/or appointment letter must include the date and time when the test was taken. Children under 12 years old do not require a test in order to travel to Cyprus.

In the Republic of Cyprus, as of 31 July, the use of masks is compulsory in most indoor public spaces including supermarkets, bakeries, shops and malls, hospitals and other locations listed on the Cyprus government Press Information Office website. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a €300 fine.

In the north of Cyprus, most movement restrictions and other have now been lifted. Face masks must be worn in public at all times.

Croatia

Entry to Croatia:

On 11 May Croatia reopened its borders to visitors from the EU/EEA, and the UK.

There are regional restrictions on travel. If you are considering overland travel from Croatia to neighbouring countries, you are advised to consult the FCO travel advice for those countries before travelling.

Quarantine requirements:

There is currently no requirement to self-isolate on arrival in Croatia. Travellers are advised to check the latest situation with the Croatian authorities before starting a journey, as health requirements may change. It is mandatory for passengers to wear masks on public transport and taxis and in shops and other commercial premises.Screening on arrival:The Croatian government has introduced a new online entry form to expedite the entry of foreign visitors. You are advised to carry a copy of your accommodation booking or proof of ownership of holiday homes / boats when arriving in Croatia. If you are travelling to Croatia for business, you are advised to carry evidence of a business invitation or meetings.

Restrictions on travel may change at any time. You should check the latest regulations before travelling on the Croatian government website. British citizens are permitted to leave Croatia and it remains possible to return to the UK by air and road.

Always check the entry requirements of your destination country before travel as these are subject to change at very short notice.