It’s true that the bebaiosi does not have an expiration date; it only has an issuance date and does not explain anywhere that it is good for one year. Therefore, officials in other countries have no way of knowing Greece’s laws or how to interpret the document.

There are only two ways to possibly fix this:

1) Because you are in Greece, you can go to the municipality (dimos office) where his bebaiosi was issued and tell them the situation, ask them to make a copy of the correct law pertaining to the bebaiosi’s “expiration” after one year from issuance and/or draft a letter with your brother’s name to explain this. They should have a copy of his bebaiosi on file in a binder or be able to send for his folder.

Because the letter will be in Greek, you would need to take it to the Translation Office in Athens and have it officially translated for Ghanian officials. You can then send it directly to your brother.

2) Alternatively, you could involve the Ghanian Embassy and ask them to help. Embassy officials are not required to intervene pertaining to issues with its citizens and Greek laws, but your brother’s case involves Ghanian officials and therefore qualifies under their jurisdiction.

However, my impression is this would add an extra layer of bureaucracy and delay the process in #1, and time is something that your brother does not have as he may lose his job. And if he loses his job, he will lose his permit.

I’m sorry that your first comment was because your brother is in trouble. But in any case, thank you for your kind words and I hope you’ll stop in again.

My question is my brother left about a month ago for our home country (Ghana) after the law was made that those with bebaiosi can travel ’til the end of December 31 2010. He already applied for his residence permit and is waiting for his sticker. Still waiting for his sticker he decided to go with his bebaiosi to his mother`s funeral and return a month later.

On his bebaiosi there is no expiry date so on his way back, his passport together with his bebaiosi was seized by immigration officers in Ghana saying that there is no expiry date on his bebaiosi, so they will never allow him to go back.

He is confused now and all explanation to let him come back has proved futile and all that they are saying is they need a document that shows that there is no expiry date on the bebaiosi.

Please, can you do anything about this for me. This happened only three days ago. Please help because he needs to come back and start his work. If there is any letter that can be sent to him to prove to Ghanian immigration officers which can allow him to return to Greece safely. Counting on your co-operation. Thank you.

There’s no way you could apply for another visa.

http://athens.usembassy.gov/ac_pets.html

It is not as strict as the UK. I also recommend calling the airline you choose, as each has its own rules and fees. Thank you for saying hello and look forward to having you stop in again.

The reason I am writing to you, and I am sorry this is a bit off-topic, but I was searching on your site about this specific topic is not found anywhere. We are moving to Greece with our beloved pet. I been trying to get some info about bringing our Suzi with us, but there is no much info in the net about bringing dogs to Greece. I know is crazy, but I just can’t leave behind my dog here in Miami. Are Greek laws as strict as they are in England about pets? The Greek consulate here has not been of much help either.
Thank you so much, and a virtual big hug from Florida .

In the past, the bebaiosi didn’t look so official and couldn’t be mistaken for a permit. It used to be a irregularly cut, badly photocopied, handwritten document with a stapled photo. Some passport control officials in other countries wondered if it was real or if I’d made it myself.