Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country because of the war find refuge in many European countries, including Greece. The Greek state offers a wide range of assistance to Ukrainian refugees, ensuring their basic needs and helping them adapt to new living conditions. However, in order to take advantage of the opportunities provided, refugees must be familiar with the specifics of entry, temporary stay and receiving social assistance. IA “FACT” examined in detail all aspects of the stay of Ukrainian refugees in Greece.
Conditions of entry for Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens who hold old-type passports (without biometric data) or who have expired documents also have the right to enter Greece through all checkpoints. At the same time, the Greek police issues them a special service certificate that allows them to stay in the country for no more than 90 days. During this time, they can apply for temporary protection.
Refugees traveling with children are required to provide proof of marital status, such as a birth certificate. If there are no such documents, it is necessary to fill out an official application in which to indicate the name, surname, gender and date of birth of the children. This procedure provides legal registration of the family.
When entering a private vehicle, the driver must have a valid driver’s license. Greece provides a number of benefits for Ukrainian cars: they are exempt from paying for the use of highways, and they also have the right to unhindered movement for six months from the moment of entry. To do this, it is necessary to submit relevant information at customs and receive a receipt indicating the date of entry into the country.
If the owner of the vehicle did not issue a “green card” before leaving Ukraine, insurance is provided free of charge only for the first 30 days. After this period, it is necessary to purchase an insurance policy through a Ukrainian or Greek insurance office, or to obtain temporary Greek license plates.
Ukrainians who plan to leave Greece for Bulgaria, but do not have biometric passports, should consult the Bulgarian consulate in advance to clarify the requirements for entry.
Housing, public health and education
For those arriving via the land borders of Greece and planning a short stay, hospitality centers are available, for example in the Klidi area. Those who wish to stay for a longer period can apply through a special platform on the website of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum (https://migration.gov.gr/accomodation-ukraine/).
When applying, you need to attach a photo of the passport page with personal data and a stamp on entry to Greece, as well as indicate the date from which accommodation is required. After that, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum provides accommodation in hospitality centers located in Serres (Northern Greece) or Eleusis (Attica region).
Ukrainian refugees have the right to free access to public hospitals and medical centers, including mental health and physical rehabilitation facilities. For this, they do not need to have a social security number (AMKA). It is enough to present a passport or an official document issued by the police.
Free psychosocial support is also available to Ukrainians. For example, the Company for Regional Development and Mental Health (EPAPSY), in cooperation with UNHCR, provides consultations in Ukrainian and Russian. The hotline is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 at (+30) 6936514117.
In addition, the Ministry of Health of Greece organized a special hotline staffed by Ukrainian psychologists. Her number is 10306 (choose option 4). The line is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 21:00.
For medical and psychological assistance in Athens, you can contact the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) clinic, located at 133, Athens.
Refugees are also offered the services of the Metadrasi organization, which provides assistance with housing, legal issues, food and language learning.
Children from Ukraine can enroll in public schools in Greece. For this purpose, the Ministry of Education has created a special website available in Ukrainian.
Temporary protection
Temporary protection in Greece is granted according to the decision of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Certificates expiring on March 4, 2024, are automatically extended for another year, until March 4, 2025. This status gives the right to residence, access to the labor market, medical care and social security.
An application for temporary protection can be submitted through the pre-registration platform on the website of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Refugees are then given an appointment for registration at one of the regional offices located in Athens, Alimos, Thessaloniki, Patras or Heraklion.
To move to offices, Ukrainians have the right to receive free return tickets on KTEL buses.
Child protection and the risks of human trafficking
Minors traveling alone or unaccompanied by parents can contact the Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s National Response Mechanism. They are sheltered in emergency hospitality centers and assisted with custody and identification.
The Greek authorities warn about the risks of human trafficking. In case of suspicion, contact the A21 hotline at number 1109.
Destinations for entry into Canada, USA and other non-EU countries
Ukrainian refugees in Greece may consider moving to countries outside the European Union, such as Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom. However, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Greece is not involved in sending refugees to these countries. Decisions on admission and entry are made exclusively by the relevant national authorities of the country of destination.
For Ukrainians affected by the war who wish to move to Canada, information on procedures and requirements can be found on the website of the Canadian Embassy. It is noted that Canada offers special support programs for those seeking asylum due to the armed conflict in Ukraine.
Citizens of Ukraine who are planning to move to the UK can get visa support by using the relevant services. Further information and resources can be found by following the links provided on official UK government pages.
Detailed information on the possibilities of resettlement to other countries outside the European Union is available on official resources and in consultation centers that cooperate with international organizations. Refugees are advised to carefully check the conditions of entry, document requirements and specifics of each country’s migration programs.
Therefore, the process of moving to third countries remains within the competence of the relevant national authorities. Ukrainian refugees in Greece should contact the official institutions or consulates of the chosen country for detailed information and to start the resettlement procedure.
As you can see, Greece provides Ukrainian refugees with support, including temporary protection, access to housing, medical and educational services. Despite the difficulties of adaptation, such as the language barrier and bureaucratic challenges, the conditions provided contribute to the safe stay of refugees in the country.
