Entry, Exit & Testing Requirements for Crete
Important Travel Information for Departures from the UK to Crete – 2021
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you on your Powder Byrne holiday to Crete.
As International Travel reopens we will be helping you prepare for your summer holiday and understand the latest requirements for travel for each member of your family group.
A key part of your preparations will be familiarising yourself with the latest requirements for travel from the UK Government and the travel requirements for your specific destination, including any required forms, documents, and evidence of a negative Coronavirus test or vaccination.
Getting ready for travel
Passports
*Important* – Please note that since the UK left the EU there are new requirements about passport validity for UK travellers to Europe.
In summary UK travellers to Europe need to have at least 3 months validity left on their passports and for the passport to be less than 10 years old (even if it has 3 months or more left)
Full details can be found here
Insurance
As we are unable to sell or provide advice about insurance for your holiday we strongly recommend that you secure adequate travel insurance to cover all elements, particularly in respect of unforeseen cancellation, medical emergency cover and any costs associated with failing a Covid-19 test either pre-travel or in your destination country prior to returning to the UK.
We are an introducer for MPI Brokers, who we have worked with for many years. Further information can be found here.
GHIC card
We strongly advise that you obtain a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This card lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Full details of this scheme and how to apply can be found here.
If you already have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.
FCDO advice and the UK government traffic light system
Check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for the country you’re visiting at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice ,which includes details of any entry requirements and local rules relating to coronavirus. You can sign up to receive country specific email alerts to get important updates. Please note information is likely to change regularly.
Check the Government’s traffic light list to find out what you need to do on your return journey to the UK. Details of the traffic light system can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/travel-abroad
**We have summarised the details of the FCDO advice for Crete, the UK traffic light system and testing requirements below and on pages 3- 7 for your reference. However, please note travel information can change regularly and at short notice and therefore we refer you to the UK and destination government pages for the very latest available information. **
Covid-19 Testing
A key requirement for international travel is testing.
The timing of the test and proof required varies by country, so it’s important to check the specific requirements for your destination before you travel as well as the requirements for your return to the UK.
Failure to provide the right type of test can result in being denied boarding, entry and/or substantial fines.
**NHS tests cannot be used for international travel. You cannot take an NHS test abroad with you to use on yourself before you return. You will need to use a private test provider.**
Many private facilities in the UK now offer testing services specifically designed for travellers, providing a quick turnaround time and a certificate that’s acceptable to overseas authorities and airlines. We do not have a specific partnership with any private testing suppliers. Your airline may have their own recommended suppliers.
Further information on where to find private test providers is on the government website – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-private-providers-of-coronavirus-testing
You may need to use different providers for testing depending on the specific testing requirements for entry to your destination country and what the government require on re-entry to your home country and in the days after return. It’s important that the provider can give you the certification needed and that they can provide tests that meet the minimum specificity needed for your destination country on arrival and your home country on return.
Testing costs will be paid for by yourselves and are not included in your holiday costs.
Please note that Powder Byrne cannot be held responsible for any costs associated with a delay to your travel arrangements due to a delay or errors in you receiving the required proof of a negative test result.
OUTBOUND TRAVEL – Testing and Entry Requirements for Crete
We have summarised below the current testing and entry requirements for Crete when travelling from the UK and included links to the relevant FCDO and destination government pages.
**Please note information can change at short notice and you should refer to the FCDO and destination government pages for the very latest published information. **
• Before you travel please pay particular attention to the Entry Rules to Greece in response to the coronavirus which can be found in full here.
• Travellers must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) no later than 11.59 PM of the day before arriving in Greece. Please click here for further guidance from the Greek government on the Passenger Locator Form and other entry rules.
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.
• Arrivals from the UK must provide either: proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece; proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory, undertaken within the 48 hour period before the scheduled flight; or proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations completed at least 14 days before travel (see Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status). Travellers with proof of either are exempted from the need to self-isolate on arrival to Greece.
Failure to provide proof of any of the above may result in your carrier not allowing you to travel and will likely result in the Greek authorities refusing you permission to enter Greece.
These requirements are compulsory for all travellers above the age of 12.
• In addition, arrivals into Greece may be required to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival.
• If you test positive on arrival in Greece, you (and those you are travelling with) will have to self-isolate in quarantine hotels provided by the Greek state for at least 10 days. The expenses of the accommodation in quarantine hotels are covered by the Greek state. Local authorities will be able to offer further advice on self-isolation requirements.
• You should also be aware that if other passengers on your flight, bus, train or ferry later 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.
INBOUND TRAVEL – testing and entry requirements on return to the UK
Check the Government’s traffic light list to find out what you need to do on your return journey to the UK. Details of the traffic light system can be found here.
The travel rules for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may vary so please ensure you check the relevant information. *
Below is a summary of the information for return to England:
BEFORE travel to ENGLAND from GREEN LIST territories and countries you must do the following:
• Take a Covid-19 Test (antigen test or PCR)
Full details can be found here
You must be able to provide a negative test result that meets or exceeds the minimum specificity level as stated by the UK Government.
** Children aged under 11 do not need to take a test**
It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they fulfil all of the testing requirements.
Clients should book their return tests to be taken before their departure to the UK, leaving good time to be able to receive their results for certain tests.
Your resort in Crete does offer a covid-19 testing facility on-site where guests can take tests before their departure. In order to secure these tests, clients must book online in advance using the following website link: https://doctornearyou.gr/
On the homepage, you will find options to ‘Book Appointments’ for Rapid Antigen Tests.
You may select ‘Book Appointment’ and a list of hotels and destinations in Greece will appear. Simply search for ‘Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel’ and follow the process to book and pay for your return tests appointment. NB you should select Elounda Peninsula hotel even if you are staying at the Porto Elounda hotel as this is currently where testing is taking place for the whole resort (The Peninsula hotel is just a short walk from Porto Elounda hotel.)
Please note that you will only be able to book an appointment through the online booking system in over two days’ time, therefore clients must book these well in advance. Some clients may even wish to book these before their arrival in the resort for peace of mind.
Please find below the Covid-19 test rates (per person, per test):
COVID-19 testing (rapid antigen) for travel purposes without Doctors examination from 30,00 €
COVID-19 pcr-test for travel purposes without Doctors examination from 60,00€
Payment is made through the online booking system.
Both of these testing options offered by the hotel in Crete (PCR and rapid antigen) meet the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details that the UK government currently requires for return to the UK.
You are also welcome to make your own independent arrangements for Covid-19 testing should you prefer.
• Book and Pay for a Day 2 Covid-19 test (PCR) – to be taken after arrival in England.
- Full details can be found here
**Note the test must be booked before your return to England.**
**Children aged 4 and under do not need to take this test.**
• Complete a Passenger Locator Form
- Full details can be found here
BEFORE travel to ENGLAND from AMBER LIST territories and countries you must:
• Take a Covid-19 Test (antigen test or PCR)
Full details can be found here
You must be able to provide a negative test result that meets or exceeds the minimum specificity level as stated by the UK Government.
** Children aged under 11 do not need to take a test**
It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they fulfil all of the testing requirements.
Clients should book their return tests to be taken before their departure to the UK, leaving good time to be able to receive their results for certain tests.
Your resort in Crete does offer a covid-19 testing facility on-site where guests can take tests before their departure. In order to secure these tests, clients must book online in advance using the following website link: https://doctornearyou.gr/
On the homepage, you will find options to ‘Book Appointments’ for Rapid Antigen Tests.
You may select ‘Book Appointment’ and a list of hotels and destinations in Greece will appear. Simply search for ‘Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel’ and follow the process to book and pay for your return tests appointment. NB you should select Elounda Peninsula hotel even if you are staying at the Porto Elounda hotel as this is currently where testing is taking place for the whole resort (The Peninsula hotel is just a short walk from Porto Elounda hotel.)
Please note that you will only be able to book an appointment through the online booking system in over two days’ time, therefore clients must book these well in advance. Some clients may even wish to book these before their arrival in the resort for peace of mind.
Please find below the Covid-19 test rates (per person, per test):
COVID-19 testing (rapid antigen) for travel purposes without Doctors examination from 30,00 €
COVID-19 pcr-test for travel purposes without Doctors examination from 60,00€
Payment is made through the online booking system.
Both of these testing options offered by the hotel in Crete (PCR and rapid antigen) meet the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details that the UK government currently requires for return to the UK.
You are also welcome to make your own independent arrangements for Covid-19 testing should you prefer.
• Book and Pay for Day 2 and Day 8 Covid-19 travel tests – to be taken after arrival in England. Full details can be found here
**Note the tests must be booked before your return to England.**
- Complete a Passenger Locator Form
- Full details can be found here
- Full details can be found here
- On arrival in England
On arrival in England you must:
• quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days
You may be able to end quarantine early if you pay for a private COVID-19 test through the Test to Release scheme.
NEW – From 19th July arrivals to England who have been fully vaccinated with an NHS administered vaccine in the UK (plus 14 days) will no longer have to take a day 8 test or self-isolate when returning from Amber list countries.
Children under the age of 18 will also not have to isolate when returning to England.
Adults and children aged 5 – 17rs will need to continue do a day 2 PCR. This must be booked before your return to England.