COVID-19: LOCK DOWN IN CYPRUS

On 31st March, the Cypriot government has reinforced the “lock-down” implemented on 24th March to prohibit unnecessary movement, given the spread of COVID-19. This measure provides for some exceptions defined in this document (in English, starting on page 2). The new measures are listed in this document.

Anyone travelling must be in the possession of an identity document or passport, as well as a document justifying the reason of the travel. The implementation modalities of this decision is further defined in a Decree from the Ministry of Public Health.

On 2nd March, the Cypriot government announced an extension until 18th April of the ban of commercial flights to and from Cyprus. 

In case of emergency, Belgians in Cyprus can contact the Embassy or local authorities for assistance.

COVID-19: LOCK DOWN IN GREECE

Since 23rd of March, the Greek government has implemented a "lock down" to ban all unnecessary movement in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. The "lock down" was extended until 27th April. This measure provides for a few exceptions.

Any person leaving home is required to hold an identity document or passport, as well as a document justifying the reason of the movement. Two types of forms are available (Form A for work movement and Form B for all other movements) . Please find the guidelines for citizens below (free translation):

Guidelines for citizens

Citizens are only allowed to leave their homes to meet their needs which cannot be arranged in another way, for the following movements :

1. to and from work during working hours

2. to the pharmacy or doctor's visit upon his advise

3. to shops that sell products for basic needs (supermarket, mini market) and where home delivery is not possible.

4. to the bank, if electronic transaction is not possible.

5. to provide assistance to people in need.

6. to a ceremony (e.g. funeral, wedding, baptism), under legal conditions or the movement of divorced or separated parents who are required to ensure communication between parents and children,  according to the applicable rules.

7. Outdoor sports or trips with a pet with one or two persons, in the latter case the mandatory 1.5m distance must be respected.

With regard to travel to and from work during working hours, a permanent movement certificate (type A) is available and it is issued at the sole responsibility of the person signing, the employer or, in the case of a legal person, by his legal representative or, in the case of a freelance professional or self-employed person, himself.

For all other movements, the individual movement certificate is used (type B), and is signed by the person concerned on his / her own responsibility. The certificate must contain the name, date of birth, home address and departure time of the citizen, as well as the specific reason for the movement.

Before each movement, citizens must have their ID or passport together with a completed certificate of movement (printed or handwritten) or a confirmation SMS to be presented in the event of a check.

How is the movement certificate issued?

Fixed certificate for movement (Type A)

For the permanent travel certificate (Type A) to and from work, the following certificate is required. This must be filled in with date, time and signature.

• Certificate of transfer of employee in Greek (PDF)

• Certificate of employee displacement in Greek (DOCX)

• Certificate of transfer of employee with translation (DOCX)

Individual movements (Type B)

For individual trips (Type B), there are 3 options: SMS, printed and completed travel certificate, or a handwritten travel certificate.

1. Send SMS

You can send a free text message from your mobile phone to the number 13033.

The message should look like this:

X space first name last name and address. Instead of X, write the reason of your movement with a number (1-6) corresponding to one of the reasons below:

1. pharmacy or doctor's visit upon advise

2. for shopping products for basic needs (supermarket, mini market) where home delivery is not possible.

3. for going to the bank, if an electronic transaction is not possible.

4. for providing assistance to persons in need.

5. for attending a ceremony (e.g, funeral, marriage, baptism), under legal conditions or the movement of divorced or remote parents necessary to ensure communication between parents and children, according to the applicable rules.

6. Outdoor sports or trips with a pet with one or two persons, in the latter case the mandatory 1.5m distance is respected.

You will receive the following answer:

Movement of X space first name and surname, address.

2. Complete the form

Alternatively, you can download, fill out and use one of the forms below, depending on the situation:

• Certificate for exceptional displacement of citizens in Greek (PDF)

• Certificate for exceptional displacement of citizens in Greek (DOCX)

• Certificate for exceptional displacement of citizens in Greek with translation (DOCX)

3. Handwritten certificate

The handwritten certificate must contain the following information:
-First name and last name
-Address of residence
-Reason for relocation that falls under the permitted categories and address of your destination above
-Date, hour, signatur

INFORMATION REGARDING THE CORONA VIRUS

Countries worldwide are taking steps to contain the corona virus and to stop the pandemic. So many countries are taking quarantine measures or closing their borders that normal passage across borders cannot be guaranteed. The risk for Belgian citizens to get blocked is so high that it is not advised to travel abroad.

Those currently traveling in Greece are requested to contact their tour operator or airline to return to Belgium as soon as possible and register on the website www.travellersonline.diplomatie.be

 In case of emergency, those involved should report to the Embassy or contact the local authorities for assistance.

Because of the preventive measures taken by the Belgian and Greek governments to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the Embassy of Belgium in Athens will only receive personally in urgent cases, by appointment only between 10 am and 12 noon until further notice.

 We remain available by phone: (+30) 210 36 17 886 as well as by e-mail: athens@diplobel.fed.be