Entry regulations		Residence regulations		Additional information
No restrictions for people with HIV/AIDS.				HIV/STI testing for 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 HIV-positive individuals to extend an expiring visa for humanitarian reasons.

(Source: 1)

 

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. 

(Source: 2) 

 

HIV information / HIV NGOs in Greece

• Positive Voice
  39 Menandrou Street
  10437 Athens
  Phone: +30 210 523 4651
  E-mail: positivevoice.gr@gmail.com
  Contact person: Jiannis Paimpas
   
• Synthesis HIV/AIDS Awareness
  Derigny 18, 10434 Pl. Viktorias, Athens
  Phone: 210 86 111 44, 210 86 19 852
  Fax: 210 88 11 342
  E-mail: info@hiv.gr
  Web: www.hiv.gr and www.10percent.gr
  Contact person: Leo Kalovyrnas
   
• Centre for Life
  Dioharous 9, 11528 Ilisia
  Phone: 210 72 94 747, 210 72 57 617, 210 72 33 84
  Fax: 210 70 40 425
  Contact person: Lela Bombou
   
• ACT-UP Hellas
  Nikitara 8-10, 10 678, Athens
  Phone: 210 33 05 500
  Fax: 210 33 05 500
  E-mail: actup@otenet.gr
  Contact person: Chrysoula Botsi

(Source: 2)

 

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/.

 

Key HIV resources for Greece

1. Dr C. Botsi, Head HIV Division, Ministry of Health, Athens, via the Embassy of Greece, Berlin, March 3, 2008
2. Synthesis, Leo Kalovyrnas, August 5, 2007 (by e-mail)

 

updated: 11/10/2009
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