Greece ex-pats face 100 Euros fines every month if they refuse Covid jabs - New rules explained

EXPATS living in Greece are facing new fines if they fall into a certain category and choose not to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

What are the latest rules and who is impacted?

Expats living in Greece now face the same vaccination rules as all citizens and residents of the county. The rules were imposed at the beginning of the month and will see the over 60s who refuse the jab slapped with monthly rolling fines.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told ministers the fines will be imposed by tax authorities and used to help fund “Greek hospitals fighting the pandemic”.

The Greek PM said: “It is not a punishment. I would say it is a health fee.”

The rules were announced as worries over the Omicron variant mount in the country.

What are the new vaccine rules?

According to the Greek government, all over the 60s must get their COVID-19 vaccines or face a fine.

Fines will be €100 for every month they do not receive their vaccine.

These fines will be withdrawn when a person receives their inoculation.

Mr Mitsotakis admitted the new rules are likely to be unpopular, but said they will “will save lives”.

New Rules to Travel to Greece

Greece will soon require that all international travellers present a negative PCR test in order to enter the country.

Previously, arrivals who could prove full vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 were not required to take a test.

But under the new rules, which come into effect from 6 am local time on 19 December, even double-jabbed travellers – including those from other EU countries – over the age of 12 must comply with the testing mandate.

The restrictions stipulate that a negative PCR result from a test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival in Greece is required.

The Greek Health Ministry said the stricter measures were part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.