Time is counting down as thousands of travelers prepare to make short escapes from the city during the Pentecost weekend. With the holiday falling on Monday, June 1st this year, thousands of families are planning trips to popular destinations, while rising temperatures boost the exodus from urban centers. However, toll costs represent a significant factor in every trip’s budget. What many don’t know is that specific categories of citizens can enjoy free passage through toll stations, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
Who qualifies for free toll passage
The possibility of free passage through toll stations applies to specific groups of citizens who meet special criteria. Categories exempt from toll payments include permanent residents of certain areas, unemployed drivers, people with disabilities, and government service vehicles.
Specifically, citizens who can avoid paying tolls during the Pentecost weekend include:
- Permanent residents of specific municipalities adjacent to toll stations (mainly on Egnatia Highway and vertical axes). Applications are submitted electronically, and once approved, the vehicle passes through local tolls without charge.
- Unemployed drivers with valid unemployment cards, provided the vehicle is registered in their name and they drive it themselves.
- People with disabilities or vehicles serving them, with a disability parking permit (or special war disability ID, where applicable).
- Government and diplomatic authority vehicles.
Required documents and application process
To secure free passage through tolls during the Pentecost weekend or any other period, you must follow a specific procedure and provide appropriate documentation. The gov.gr electronic platform serves as the central point for submitting applications for permanent residents.
Service access is through the following path:
Home → Ministries → Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport → Infrastructure and Transport → Permanent resident passage through tolls
Required documents that must be submitted digitally include the applicant’s police identity card, recent tax office clearance certificate confirming permanent residence, and the vehicle registration or registrations for vehicles requesting exemption.
For the unemployed, a valid unemployment card is additionally required, while for people with disabilities, a disability parking permit is necessary.
Note that exemptions are not uniform across all highways in the country.
How to get information about exemptions per highway
Unemployed or disabled beneficiaries must check the relevant websites of each highway to see if free passage is available. Each management company, such as Attiki Odos, Egnatia Odos, GEFYRA S.A., or Nea Odos, applies its own terms and conditions.
Before starting your Pentecost weekend trip, it’s recommended to check in advance if you meet the requirements and carry all necessary documents. This way you’ll avoid delays at toll stations and enjoy your trip with greater comfort and savings. Early preparation ensures smooth passage and significant money savings, especially for families planning long-distance travel.
