Greece closes its borders to non-EU citizens as of 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, head of Civil Protection and Deputy Minister for Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias announced on Tuesday afternoon. For Greeks, EU-citizens and especially those coming from UK, 14-day quarantine is highly recommended. The measures aims to contain prevention of spread of coronavirus in the country
“Citizens of non-EU countries will not be allowed to enter our country from 6am tomorrow, except for an absolutely necessary condition related exclusively to emergency work or family,” Hardalias said.
He recommended that those who already have come to Greece from abroad for holidays, “to limit to absolute necessary their movement.”
Those in “voluntary quarantine” can leave the country before that time of 14 days expires.
With regards to Greek nationals and citizens form EU-member states, Hardalias said that they could enter the country, however, he recommends a voluntary quarantine for 14 days.
He especially advised the “house isolation” for those coming from the UK. “We consider them as if they have already come in contact with the virus,” he said in a press conference broadcast live on state ERT TV.
The Deputy Minister also announced that private sailing boats (yachts etc) are not allowed to enter Greece from abroad.
According to official data on Tuesday, 5 people have died and 387 cases have been confirmed in Greece since the coronavirus outbreak.
More on coronavirus in Greece including measures here.
