Fines of 500 euros were imposed to flights passengers who arrived at Heraklio airport on Crete without to have previously filled up the “Passengers Locator Form” (PLF).
According to local media, ekriti, it was mainly passengers from Germany who strongly protested saying that they did not have any information about the PLF and that was now called to pay such a significant amount of money.
They were not informed about the PLF form neither by the travel agent nor at the departure airport, they said.
State broadcaster ERT TV reported also on Thursday morning about the case of a Greek passenger who had to pay 300 euros upon her arrival at Herakleio airport. The woman was a list-minute passenger who filled up the form less than 24 hours before the check-in.
Greece requires from travellers to the country to fill up the PLF form adding essential data that include also their accommodation address in Greece. The form has to be filled op 24 hours prior to check-in.
An algorithm evaluates the data and sends a QR code to the passenger. According to this code, health teams at entry gates decide who will have to undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
Flight passengers at Heraklio airport were not the only ones to be frustrated, though.
Some travellers at Promachonas border-crossing with Bulgaria were shocked to find out that they cannot enter into Greece because they did not have the mandatory “negative Covid-19 test” to show to Greek authorities.
Tourists from Austria, Romania and Poland were turned away, had to change their holiday plans and enjoy the beaches of Bulgaria, media reported.
Greece decided to impose the mandatory “negative test” since July 15, 2020, due to increased infections detected among tourists arriving via Promachonas.
Open TV reported that the test requirement has the effect that tourists cancelled their vacations in Greece due to the cost.
German and Austrian news and foreign ministries informed citizens.. it’s not asked too much to read as a tourist.
an Austrian
Hmm. When Germans accidentally break the rules, you can be sure that the entire system is mismanaged. Anyway, they will be able to sue the Greek government for its poor administration and lack of due process in enforcing large fines. If there was no formal communication with these tourists about the requirements, then it is not legitimate to expect them to know. All booked tourists should have been contacted directly by the Greek Embassy in each country.
LOL
Agree with that, but perhaps “ignorantia legis non excusat” is part of the law in Greece as it is in the UK (well, in England & Wales anyway).
Unless they are illiterate and cannot read or use Google translate, they have no excuse fro not complying with the well advertised requirements before attempting to board a plane for Greece. The Greek government announce procedures and any changes regularly.
I visited Heraklion 10 days ago. We were informed about the plf by the airline per email, a couple of weeks before the flight. Then at the airport while checking in and before we entered the plane. We heard about it on the German news too. I believe is more than enough information.
Nonsense!! The German Govt should be informing their own travel companies and people via the Media!!