Entry regulations		Residence regulations		Additional information
No restrictions for people living with HIV.				HIV/STI testing for registered sex workers.

HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Greece

There are no specific entry or residence regulations for people with HIV/AIDS. No HIV test result is required when entering the country and there are no controls at the border. A known HIV infection will not lead to deportation or the termination of a person's stay.  

Foreigners intending to work in Greece are required to perform a health test, including tuberculosis and hepatitis B, but not HIV. Only sex workers are tested for sexually transmittable infections. The tests are mandatory. People with a positive test result are not allowed to work in this area of expertise. They are treated for free.

Antiretroviral medication can be carried, accompanied by a doctor’s certificate. Important: HIV medication is not sold in Greece, but distributed via HIV clinics in hospitals only. Foreigners who are not residents cannot access these drugs.

The Migration Law allows sero-positive individuals to extend an expiring visa for humanitarian reasons.

(Source: 1)

Authors note: The information above is accurate as of August 15, 2021

 

HIV treatment information for Greece

All Greek citizens and foreigners with a work permit are entitled to free HIV treatment. Greek citizens without means are also entitled to free HIV treatment. Doctors in HIV clinics usually provide HIV treatment to illegal foreigners in spite of the law.

A new law (4368/2016) and circulars have made access to medicines and healthcare easier for residents without social insurance and migrants.

(Source: 2)

 

HIV information / HIV NGOs in Greece

• Positive Voice
  13 Agion Anargiron Street
  10554 Athens
  Phone: +30 210 862 7572
  E-mail: [email protected]
  Web: https://positivevoice.gr

 

Global Criminalisation of HIV Transmission Scan

The Global Criminalisation Scan is an initiative of GNP+. It aims to collect and keep up to date information on national and state level laws criminalising the transmission of or exposure to HIV. It also aims to provide an easily accessible ‘clearing-house’ of resources, research, and initiatives on the subject and to provide a platform for advocacy initiatives.

Find out more about the scan and the criminalisation of HIV transmission legislation at http://criminalisation.gnpplus.net/.

 

Sources

1. Dr C. Botsi, Head HIV Division, Ministry of Health, Athens, via the Embassy of Greece, Berlin, March 3, 2008  
2. Apostolos Kalogiannis, July 16, 2021 (by e-mail)

 

updated: 8/15/2021
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