The coronavirus epidemic has forced the governments of many countries to impose restrictions on entry, to take measures to strengthen sanitary control. Greece is one of the ten countries most frequently visited by Russians. Consider the established rules for entering Greece in 2021, the package of documents required to visit the country.
Do Russians need a visa to Greece in 2021
Greece is accepting tourist visa applications. The centers operate in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities. Basically, class C visas are issued, with a stay of 90 days to six months. To visit Greece you need a Schengen visa. If it was opened to any other EU country, it will be possible to enter Greece as well.
Before the pandemic, it was possible to submit documents electronically, now it is necessary to personally visit the visa center. The passport must have 2 blank pages, and its validity must last at least 3 months after the expected date of return from Greece.
Algorithm of actions for obtaining a visa:
- Fill out an electronic application form on the website ru-gr.gvcworld.eu... You can download the form on the specified website and submit the completed application form with the rest of the package of documents.
- Take 2 photos on a white background, face facing the camera, size 3.5 × 4 cm.
- Take out health insurance with coverage for at least 30,000 euros from any insurance company.
- Make a photocopy of the internal passport - all completed pages.
- Prepare documents confirming the purpose of your stay in Greece: tickets with a return date, invitation, hotel reservation, hotel reservation, etc.
- Indicate and confirm the route. For example, you can attach a photocopy of the ticket, purchased tickets.
- Show a document that guarantees financial solvency: a certificate from the place of work with a specified salary, a bank account or a letter of guarantee from a financially independent person.
For minor children, the written consent of not one, but both parents is required.
Are the borders of Greece open for Russians in 2021 today?
The latest news was the message of Tatyana Golikova, deputy prime minister of the headquarters for the fight against coronavirus, that air flights between Russia and Greece will resume from June 18 of this year. Initially, charter flights were planned, but negotiations are underway to restore regular flights.
Today there are flights from Moscow to Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Araxos, Zakynthos, Corfu and Rhodes. In addition, you can fly to Thessaloniki from regional airports: Rostov-on-Don, Mineralnye Vody, Samara, Krasnodar, Kazan.
Entry restrictions and regulations due to coronavirus in 2021
Basic rules for entering Greece:
- When boarding, it is necessary to present a document confirming that the person is healthy: a PCR test (done 72 hours before the flight), a vaccination certificate or a certificate that the person has been ill and has antibodies. For children, these rules are mandatory from the age of 6.
- It is necessary to comply with all sanitary standards, wear a mask, including during the flight, maintain a distance.
- Immediately before the flight, 24 hours before departure, fill out the Passenger Locator Form on the website travel.gov.gr, indicate passport, contact information, address during their stay in the country.
- Then you need to get a QR code that you need to provide at the border. It serves as a voucher for your hotel stay.
It is recommended that all documents be translated into English.
New rules for entering Greece
The Digital Green Pass is planned to be put into operation. Upon arrival, despite the presence of a document confirming that the person is healthy, additional random testing can be carried out at the airport. The result will be ready in 15 minutes.
If a person is found to be ill, they will be sent for observation. For this, Greece has allocated 35 hotels with an enhanced sanitary regime.
Rules for vaccinated tourists - are there any differences
Tourist attractions, archaeological sites, shops, pharmacies, restaurants are open in Greece, but the sanitary standards prescribed for the Greeks should be observed. Wear masks in public places, keep a distance, do not get together in groups of more than 3 people. An exception is if members of the same family are together. Without a mask, you can only be in the open areas of cafes and restaurants.
The Sputnik V vaccine is included in the list of officially recognized drugs in Greece.
Rules for the return of Russian tourists to Russia from Greece in 2021
It is necessary to follow certain rules before returning to the Russian Federation by all means of transport.
Entry rules from Greece to Russia in 2021:
- On the website of the State Services (www.gosuslugi.ru/394604/1) you need to fill out a special form before leaving.
- After that, when the data is processed, a QR code in pdf format will be sent to the mail and to your personal account.
- At the sanitary control point, you need to present the QR code in electronic (on a smartphone) or in printed form.
Upon arrival, a PCR test must be taken within 3 days. Within four days, the result must be uploaded to the State Services website (www.gosuslugi.ru/400705/1). Until the test results are received, you must be in self-isolation.
If a person has a certificate of vaccination or a certificate that he has been ill and has antibodies, this information must be reflected on the State Services website.
The fact that air flights from Russia to Greece have been resumed in conditions when the pandemic has not yet been completely defeated, pleases tourists. Compliance with restrictive sanitary standards is necessary in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Compliance with the simple rules of entry and exit is an element of insurance, primarily for the traveler himself.
