Current rule for max persons allowed in car - Greece

326682

I note the UK Gov advice for Greece is "Unless all passengers are members of the same family, a maximum of 3 persons are permitted to travel in a taxi or other private vehicle with up to 7 seats" but this appears to be at odds with information in Greece. There are reports that the number of passengers was increased back in July 2020. There is confusion over whether it refers to 3 passengers PLUS the driver where the passengers are not members of the same family. Does anyone know of way to qualify this officially? I have no wish to break a Covid rule in Greece.

Sandtree

One thing that Covid has highlighted is the problem with the loose use of language and there have been several times when slightly different wording has been used in different places which are contradictory, at least in certain circumstances... eg when the test to return to the UK was introduced some places on the UK Gov website said "within 3 days" where as others said "within 72 hours" which are similar things but not identical.

Personally I would trust the UK Government website unless you can find a Greek Government site that says otherwise... news sites are too full of speculation or press briefing loose language which isnt subsequently updated when the formal rules are published.

As to the UK wording... given its 3 people in a private car or taxi I would assume that the driver is one of the three in both scenarios. 

Westin

https://www.discovergreece.com/covid19-advice-for-travellers-greece  has lots of good information regarding current travel to Greece and any covid protocols in place.  It seems up to date.

I can not however see any mention of the restrictions you mention regarding travel by taxi.  

sheramber

According to https://www.sunvil.co.uk/blog/coronavirus-greece

This document contains the latest information about the protocols, preventative measures and changes adopted in Greece in response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Sunvil has offered holidays to Greece since 1975 and, we believe our knowledge of the country is unrivalled.

Whichever area of Greece you wish to visit, from Halkidiki in the north to the Mani peninsula in the south, from the Ionian islands in the west to the Dodecanese chain close to Turkey, we have selected destinations and properties full of charm, authenticity and character. Our desire is that you have a personal and enriching holiday experience.

Throughout the pandemic, we have closely monitored government guidance, regional policies and have maintained a continuous dialogue with our colleagues in Greece. Below we have highlighted the facts and guidelines relating to accommodation, shops and services. It is important to note that guidelines are being updated daily and you should contact us should you have any specific questions or concerns.

This document was updated on 02 September.

at you are familiar with the new rules for travel within Europe from 01 January 2021. A synopsis of the changes can be found in our dedicated blog.

Transportation

In addition to protocols for accommodation, the Ministry of Tourism in Greece has also established measures for the transportation of visitors. Sunvil and our local partners have adopted these measures and made the necessary plans for those travelling with us.

• A private taxi transfer can accommodate a maximum of 3 adult passengers (plus any minors) per vehicle. 
• A 7 seater transfer vehicle can accommodate a maximum of 5 adult passengers (plus any minors) per vehicle.
• A 9 seater transfer vehicle can accommodate a maximum of 7 adult passengers (plus any minors) per vehicle.
• At present bus/coach transfers will operate at 85% capacity. We believe this will be reduced in time.
• Boats (ferries) will travel at 50% capacity or 55% if the boat has cabins. Face masks must be worn indoors on the boat. All ferry passengers are required to complete a simple form to be handed to the crew on boarding. Temperature checks will take place. 
• Public transportation (blue buses, trolleys, metro, trains) will operate at 65% capacity, with compulsory use of face masks.

If a passenger refuses to wear a mask, the driver/crew has the right to deny embarkation/use of the vehicle, as a fine is imposed not only to the passenger but also to the driver.

Westin

Nice find @sheramber.  That should help settle the OP's mind.

326682

Thanks sharamba and Westin. The Sunvil Holidays document item on taxi transfer of 3 adult passengers plus driver certainly seems to suggest 4 persons are acceptable. As said above, careless wording of rules creates misunderstanding. The FCO website wording first says "passengers" and then "persons", clearly passengers are not the driver, but 3 persons might include a driver! Despite trawling Google and Greece Government websites the Sunvil statement is the closest I've got to a clarification.