Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is a general threat from terrorism, which has been on the increase.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  Calling 999 from a UK mobile in Greece will also automatically transfer you to the Greek emergency services.
  
  
• Visitors should expect regular strikes and demonstrations throughout Greece during March and April. Strikes and demonstrations are sometimes called at short notice and can cause disruption to public transport in and out of Greece (including air travel). See the Local Travel section of this advice for dates of major pre-planned strikes.
  
  
• Following a landslide at Tempi on 17 December 2009, part of the Athens-Thessaloniki road has been closed.  The road is not expected ro re-open until after Easter.
  
  
• Motorists can expect some traffic disruption on major roads in central and northern Greece due to road blockades by farmers and others.
  
  
• Around three million British people visit Greece every year (Source: Civil Aviation Authority).  Most visits are trouble-free but you should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK.  885 British nationals required consular assistance in Greece in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (118 cases); hospitalisations (433 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (237 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (441 cases)If you need to contact the emergency services in Greece call 112.
  
  
• You should maintain high standards of public behaviour in Greece.  The Greek police will not accept rowdy or indecent behaviour, especially where excessive alcohol consumption is involved.  Greek courts impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.
  

Safety and security

Terrorism  

There is a general threat from domestic terrorism, which has been on the increase in recent months. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. On 9 January, a bomb exploded outside the Greek parliament in the centre of Athens. There are no reports of casualties.

There is a history of domestic terrorism in Greece.  High profile British interests in Greece should remain vigilant and regularly review their security measures.  Attacks have involved the use of explosive devices against Greek institutions and commercial interests.  Latterly, some attacks have included the use of automatic weapons against police personnel and their facilities. Commercial and media establishments have also been targeted, and up-market shopping areas are seen as legitimate targets.

Domestic anarchist groups remain active and the number and scale of attacks have increased since the shooting of a Greek teenager in December 2008, and the serious riots that followed. A memorial service and rallies were held on 6 December to mark this anniversary. Attacks have involved the use of explosive devices against Greek institutions and commercial interests.  On 9 January, a bomb exploded outside the Greek parliament in the centre of Athens.  Latterly, some attacks have included the use of automatic weapons against police personnel and their facilities. Commercial and media establishments have also been targeted, and up-market shopping areas are seen by the anarchists as legitimate targets.

There have been reports of an attack against a police station in the Athens suburb of Agla Paraskevi around 22:00 on 27 October. Six police officers have been reported as having been injured.

 For more general information see our Terrorism abroad page.

Crime  

Most visits to Greece are trouble-free, but you should be aware that the tourist season attracts an increase in incidents of theft of wallets, handbags etc. particularly in areas and events where crowds gather.  You should leave valuables in safe custody at your hotel or apartment.

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults and rape, are generally infrequent in Greece.  However, this is not the case in some holiday resorts frequented by large numbers of youth tourists.  In 2008 Greece was one of the countries with the highest number of cases reported to our Consular staff of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence. In some of these cases those alleged to have carried out these offences were also British Nationals. In many cases excessive consumption of alcohol by either the victim or the offender preceded the incident.  For more general information see our Rape and sexual assault abroad page. 

You are therefore advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.  If you are going to drink, know your limit.  Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.  We advise lone visitors, in particular, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time.  For more general information see our Victims of crime abroad page.

Political Situation

Greece Country Profile

Greece is a stable democracy, however, public protests are a standard feature of Greek political life. You should take precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, which have the potential to turn violent and are often quelled with tear gas.

Local Travel


Major Pre-Planned strikes:

Regular strikes and demonstrations are likely to take place throughout Greece during March and April. Strikes and demonstrations are sometimes called at short notice and can cause disruption to public transport in and out of Greece (including air travel).

Major pre-planned strikes, which are likely to cause significant disruption, will be listed here.

11 March

• General strike for 24 hours (001-2400)

• Public sector, public service agencies, local authorities, media, school teachers, university professors (throughout Greece)

• Factory workers, construction workers, ship and docks employees (throughout Greece)

• Banks

• Hospital staff (Athens & Piraeus)

• Lawyers (Athens & Piraeus)

• Buses, tram, suburban railway and air traffic controllers (Athens)

• Pireaus-Kifissia metro line will run 1000-1600, other metro lines TBC

• Greek railways (throughout Greece)

  15-17 March

• Public Power Corporation

  18 March

• Gas station owners

Generally there are no local travel restrictions, but you should be aware that certain areas near the Greek borders are militarily sensitive.  Although these areas can be visited without any problems, do not take photographs or make notes near military or official installations.  In addition, travellers should seek permission before photographing individuals.

Road Travel

In 2008 there were 1,559 road deaths in Greece (source: DfT).  This equates to 13.9 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 4.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2008.

You are advised not to hire motorcycles, scooters, mopeds or quad bikes, as accidents involving these forms of transport are common and can often result in very serious or even fatal injury.  You should check that your travel insurance covers you for the relevant activity (for more advice see travel insurance) and you should note that failure to wear a crash helmet might invalidate your travel insurance if you are involved in an accident.   If you intend to hire a moped you should be aware that you would require a valid driving licence with at least category A1 - 'light motorcycle` for this purpose.  Category P, which is valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc is not valid in Greece.  Greek law requires you to wear a crash helmet on a scooter, moped or motorcycle. You may be arrested if you do not.  You should be aware that when hiring a vehicle, hire companies will often demand your passport as a form of security. You are advised not to hand over your passport under any circumstance. You should also check any waiver which will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged.   Quad bike riders require a full-face helmet (or non-full-face helmet plus goggles) under Greek law.  Road insurance and a motorcycle licence are also mandatory. 

For more general information see our Driving abroad page.

Air travel  

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Greece.  For more details about this see Airline security.

Local laws and customs

Greek people are renowned for their hospitality.  The Greek police are used to dealing with large numbers of foreign tourists, especially on the islands and do so in a low-key way.

Indecent behaviour, including mooning, is not tolerated.  The police have made it clear that they will not hesitate to arrest those who do it.  You should be aware that the courts impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently. You should bear in mind that some fancy dress costumes may offend the local Greek authorities and be considered as contravening decency laws.

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind, nor bring drugs – including “class C” drugs – from the UK.  Possession of even small quantities can lead to long terms of imprisonment.  You should also know your alcohol limits as your travel insurance may in some cases not cover you after excessive drinking.

The plant Khat is an illegal narcotic in Greece.  You will be arrested and detained with the possibility of a prison sentence if you are caught trying to take Khat into Greece. Driving any vehicle whilst over the legal drinking limit is heavily penalised and can result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment.

If you are seeking employment in bars or night clubs in Greece, you are required to have a health certificate/licence issue by the local authorities.  Failure to have such a certificate is punishable by a fine and or imprisonment.

In common with many countries there is a requirement in Greece to be able to identify yourself.  A passport or document with a photograph on it should be carried at all times.

In order to comply with Greek law, you should ensure that you obtain a receipt for goods purchased.  If you purchase pirate CDs or DVDs in Greece you could be imprisoned.

You should not purchase any offensive weapons whilst on holiday. This includes items such as knuckledusters or knives with a blade length of 10cm or above.

From 1 July 2009, it is illegal to smoke in hospitals, schools, vehicles and all public places. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to €500.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.

Entry requirements

Visas  

Visas are not required to enter Greece. You need a passport or a National Identity Card (see the website of the Identity and Passport Service (IPS)) to enter Greece.  As a British passport holder or National Identity Card holder you may stay as a visitor for three months. For longer stays, you will need to apply to the appropriate office for a residence permit.

Passport validity

Non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals travelling to Greece must have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the period of their intended stay or expiry date of their visa.   Nationals of the EEA are exempt from the above regulation but must have a passport valid for the period of their intended stay.

Travelling with children  

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Greek Embassy in London.

Health

The Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control ( KEEPLPNO ) has released guidance in English about their pandemic planning. Travellers should be aware that should they contract swine flu when overseas, they may be subject to quarantine and treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Greek National Health system provides a basic medical service to Greek nationals and it has a reciprocal agreement with the British National Health Service. There are many public and private Hospitals and Medical Centres in Greece, all of varying standards. Doctors and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands.  The standards of nursing and after care, particularly in the public health sector lag behind what is normally acceptable in the UK.  The Public Ambulance Service, which will normally respond to any accident, is rudimentary.  There are severe shortages of ambulances on some islands.

The Form E111 is no longer valid.  You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals.  It also does not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.  For more general information see our EHIC page.
 
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 11,000 adults aged 15 or over in Greece were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Greece and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see our Travel health, Swine Flu pages and the UK Department of Health website. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.

Natural disasters

Earthquakes

Mainland Greece and most of the Greek islands popular with British tourists are in seismically active zones, and earth tremors are common.  Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do occur.

Forest Fires

Forest fires are very common during Greece’s hot and dry summers. Outbreaks are occurring regularly and, although these are being quickly brought under control by the Greek Fire Service and travel has not been disrupted, it is important to be aware of the potential outbreaks and remain alert. In particular, please take care when visiting or driving through woodland and forest areas; ensure that cigarette ends are properly extinguished and disposed of carefully, do not light barbecues and do not leave any rubbish, particularly empty bottles, behind.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see our Travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE
 

Money

The currency of Greece is the Euro.   Sine 15 July 2007 new legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU apply in all Member States.  Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc.  This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU nor to those travelling within the EU.