What you need to know if planning a trip from Australia to Greece soon

After almost two years of an Australian travel ban standing in the way, the trip to Greece is possible again. Are you on top of the pandemic-travel checklist?

plane view

Source: SBS Greek/Zoe Thomaidou

If waiting for Greek summer to reunite with family seems too far away, here’s the baseline of covid-related requirements (current as of 23 January 2022) to ensure you’re flight-ready before booking that long overdue ticket.

Since 1 November 2021, fully vaccinated Australians against COVID-19 are not required to apply for exemption to depart Australia, as was previously the case.

Have your covid documentation ready to present at check-in

  • Your International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC). You can access it via MyGov.
  • Your negative COVID-19 PCR test (as per airline and or destination requirement). PCR testing for overseas travelling differs to routine PCR testing in that it is booked at a private clinic or at the airport and the traveller bears the cost (price can range from around $80 to $150 depending on the provider). 
  • Your Passenger Locator Form (PLF): Required for all travellers heading to Greece. You can find it on After filling out the form, you receive a confirmation via email with a QR code that you will be asked to present at the check in of your flight departing from Australia. 

At the airport

It might sound self-explanatory for some, but in any case know that a face mask requirement applies in all airport areas, regardless of state/territory. 

International travellers are advised to arrive at the airport four (4) hours before their scheduled flight, instead of three (3) as previously recommended due to extra checks at the airport. 

Returning to Australia

Ensure you carry with you proof of: 

  • Your Australia Travel Declaration that has been filled out at least 72 hours prior to your return flight to Australia. You can find it .
  • Your International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC)
  • Your negative COVID-19 test result. Make sure your test meets the requirements outlined on the Department of Health website Note that as of 23 January, the Australian government accepts more test types as evidence of an inbound international traveller's negative COVID-19 result. These include rapid antigen tests (RATs) as long as they are taken under the supervision of a medical practitioner, within 24 hours of the flight’s scheduled departure time. However, as the official advice notes "travellers are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure they meet the requirements of the airline they are travelling with and any countries they transit through," meaning you might need to take that PCR test regardless.
Upon entering Australia, you are required to undertake a COVID-19 test (PCR or rapid accepted) within 24 hours of arrival and self-isolate until you receive a negative result.  

Each state and territory set their own requirements for international arrivals, such as travel permits and quarantine arrangements. Check what applies for the state or territory you'll be flying in to

* Travel requirements for Australians are subject to change. Make sure you are aware of current regulations before travelling. Visit


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3 min read
Published 21 January 2022 4:32pm
Updated 23 January 2022 6:27pm
By Zoe Thomaidou

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