As of Friday, August 1, Greece has officially implemented a new online system for declaring cash at all customs points across the country. This digital platform is now available at every customs office and all 42 entry and exit points, including land borders, international airports, and seaports, fully replacing the previous manual paper-based process.
At all these locations, travelers and transporters will have access to computers for submitting their cash declarations electronically. Customs officials will be available to assist with the submission if needed.
Greece processes approximately 5,000 cash declarations each year, with 4,866 declarations submitted in 2024 alone. According to a directive from Georgios Pitsilis, the head of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue, the only exception allowing handwritten declarations is when the electronic system is temporarily unavailable.
Who must declare cash?
The declaration obligation applies to all individuals or entities transporting cash amounts equal to or exceeding €10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) when entering or leaving the European Union.
The new system also mandates electronic submission for on-the-spot declarations made by customs officers in cases where violations are detected, replacing previous handwritten forms.
What counts as cash?
The term “cash” under the regulation includes:
- Physical currency (euros or equivalent foreign currencies)
- Negotiable bearer instruments
- Highly liquid assets used as stores of value, such as:
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- Coins containing at least 90% gold
- Gold bars, ingots, or nuggets with a purity of at least 99.5%
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This move is expected to enhance efficiency, increase transparency, and facilitate compliance with cash control regulations across Greece’s borders
