As per the Notice on Airline Boarding Requirements for Certificates of Negative Nucleic Acid and Anti-Body Blood Tests Results issued on November 2, starting from November 8, 2020, all Chinese and foreign passengers who are to fly from Greece to China will be required to take nucleic acid and IgM anti-body blood tests within 48 hours prior to their departure and only those who test negative will be allowed to board the plane. The following Q&As are for your reference:

Q1. What do I need to do before boarding?

A1. Take the Nucleic Acid and Anti-Body Blood Tests test and upload the testing certificates via http://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ (scan the QR Code below to redirect to the link). If the certificates are eligible, you will receive a QR code with the "HDC" mark. When boarding the flight, please follow the procedures for inspection by relevant airlines.

Q2. Where should I take the tests?

A2. Take the two required tests at a medical institution designated by Chinese Embassy in Greece. Recently we have updated the list of designated clinics that offer Covid-19 nucleic acid test and IgM anti-body blood test service. 24 of these clinics offer both tests service, and 7 of which only offer nucleic acid (PCR) test service. The two tests can be completed in one or two clinics in the list. Appointments are required.

Kindly note: Please provide the clinics with your ID documents and agree to let them send your test reports to Chinese Embassy at hsm67b@gmail.com. All designated clinics will issue reports that meet the embassy's requirement after learning that your test certificate is used for boarding flight to China. Test reports with no passport number or photo, or issued by clinics that are not on the list will not be certified by the Embassy.

Q3. When should I take the tests?

A3. The sample collection is requested to take place within 48 hours prior to the boarding. For example, if your collection date is December 17, the approved Health Declaration Form will be valid through December 19. You are advised to upload your negative certificates at least 12 hours before the boarding time.

Q4. What if I fly to China via connecting flights?

A4. If you are flying to China via connecting flights you will need to take the tests a second time and apply for the QR code with "HDC" mark from the Chinese Embassy/Consulates in the transit country. If boarding requirements are not met, there will be a risk of getting stranded or even being sent to the departure point.

If you are flying from other countries to China, please avoid transiting via Athens. Currently, there is only one flight per week from Greece to China, of which the entry point is Beijing. According to regulations of Beijing, only Greek citizens and Chinese who live in Greece can take the direct flight to Beijing.

If you are flying from Greece to China via other countries, as quick tests are not available in many transit airports, to avoid being stranded, and reduce transmission risks during long-haul international traveling, it is suggested to take a direct flight after completing the required tests locally. The Embassy of China in Greece in principle will no longer accept application for QR code with "HDC" mark of those passengers that start their journey in Greece and travel to China via other countries.

Q5. Do children need to be tested?

A5. A child under 5 years old does not need to take the tests or apply for the certify HDF if he or she is to fly to China on a direct flight and his or her accompanying parent(s) meet(s) the requirement of boarding.

Q6. After getting the QR code with "HDC" mark, what else should I be aware of?

A6. Please stay quarantined at home and take personal protection to avoid infection before boarding. if you find yourself have symptoms of Covid-19 like fever, cough, please follow the Greek government guidelines to get medical care and reschedule your trip to China.

For further information or questions, please contact the Consular Office of Chinese Embassy in Greece.

Tel: 210-6723282(9:00a.m.-12:00 a.m. Monday to Friday), Fax: 210-6718839

Email:krinon2a@gmail.com/hsm67b@gmail.com(for Health Declaration Form)