Temporary Importation of Cars by Tourists

The vehicle registration document and proof of ownership is required. Travelers should at all times be able to prove to the authorities when the vehicle was brought into Greece. To qualify for a second period of tax free circulation: either both the vehicle and the owner should be out of Greece for at least 185 days or while the owner is away, the vehicle can remain at a sealed area designated by the Customs authority.

The entitlement to circulate a vehicle on foreign plates is strictly personal, consequently only the wife/husband or children may use the car in addition to the owner. After the expiry of the period granted by the customs authorities, the person concerned will be required to either:

• re-export the car,
  
  
• seal it with the customs for a period of at least 6 months (but no more than 24 months) after which time, provided the owner can show that he/she has been out of Greece for at least 6 months during this time, another 6 month circulation period may be granted, or
  
  
• clear it through customs.

Failure to conform to the provisions of Greek Law as above may result in the Greek Customs imposing fines for each extra day after the expired period. Such fines can be very steep and the vehicle may be confiscated. Under such circumstances, the vehicle will not be released to the owner unless he agrees to clear it through customs or export it from Greece. Further advice can be obtained from the Directorate for the Supervision and Control of Cars (DIPEA): Akti Kondyli 32, Piraeus 185 10, Tel 210 462 3615, 210 462 6325 and 210 462 7325.