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.
  
  
• SkyEurope Airlines announced on 1 September the cancellation of all its European flights for the foreseeable future due to bankruptcy. Travellers who booked directly with the airline are unlikely to get a refund and should make enquiries with alternative carriers. Travellers who booked with a credit card may be able to get a refund at a later date, but should in the meantime make enquiries with other carriers. Travellers who booked through a Tour Operator should contact them to make alternative flight arrangements.  A number of airlines (British Airways, Olympic, Aegean and Easy jet) offer flights to various London airports from Athens.
  

• 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.
  
  
• The Metro line which connects the Airport to central Athens is currently suspended because of major engineering works. Express buses to central Athens and Piraeus leave at regular intervals on a 24 hour basis from outside the Arrivals area.
  
  
• We 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.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel insurance for more details.