Greece Travel Advice

Threat level: Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Greece

Greece allows travellers from the UK to enter Greece for non-essential travel but the country has been added to the 'amber' list of countries that may pose a risk of contracting COVID-19. For this reason, when returning to the UK, travellers must quarantine at home for 10 days and take a pre-departure test, plus PCR test on day 2 and 8 (with the option to take a test on day 5 to be released before). Before travelling to Greece, travellers must fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before landing that contains a QR code that must be printed or available on a mobile phone. When arriving in Greece, travellers must either present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 72 hours before flying or a certificate of vaccination that shows they have received two doses of an EU-approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to travelling. On arrival, travellers will have to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test.

Face masks are compulsory indoors in public places and on public transport.

See our healthcare section to find out about preventive measures to follow to avoid contracting the disease.

There has been an increase in the number of public strikes in Greece. The main disruptions have been to regional airports, domestic flights and railway services. When flying to the Greek Islands, make sure to contact your airline for further advice in case of any strikes that have prevented planes from landing in Greece.

Greece is still facing a huge financial burden on the economy that has placed a substantial constraint on budgets and capacities. As a result, there is a limit on the number of cash withdrawals in Greece. Before you travel, make sure you have enough euros in case of any emergencies.

After President Erdogan declared that Turkey would no longer prevent migrants and refugees from crossing over to EU countries, thousands of migrants have headed to Turkey's border with Greece resulting in protests and violent clashes between migrants and greek security forces. Be vigilant and avoid demonstrations if you are travelling in areas close to the border.

Intelligent Protection International Limited provides Security and Bodyguard Services in Greece for its clients. For more information about these services, please visit our page: Bodyguard Services in Greece.

For specific security threat information with regards to Athens, see our: Athens Travel Advice.

On the 25th of May 2017, an explosion involving ex-interim PM Lucas Papademou happened. The incident took place near Athens's Patission Street. It is understood that the explosion took place when he opened a letter in his car. Papademou is said to have injuries to his hands and legs.

Greece has been one of the countries affected by the current migrant crisis that has seen a dramatic increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering main destinations of Lesvos, Kos and Samos in the main Greek Islands. At present, the current situation is not a major threat to travellers who wish to visit Greece, but it is advised to remain cautious.

The threat of terrorism is high across Europe and although the risks in Greece are relatively low, it is still advised to remain vigilant; especially when attending sporting events or other public festivities. There have been a few potential threats in Greece, with bomb attacks by extreme right militant groups targeted at the Greek state and diplomatic interests, in areas such as Athens and Thessaloniki.

In January 2017, a police officer was wounded in central Athens in a shootout with members of the group 'Anarchists', outside the offices to the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Party.

Previously there has been unrest, including demonstrations in Greece and Athens, in particular Syntagma Square outside the country's parliament, Omonia and Exarchia. It is possible that visitors to the country may get drawn into events and great care should be taken when visiting the country.

Over the years, there have been a number of football-related incidents, some involving tourists. It is advisable to stay away from crowds on match days and seek local advice where possible. However, stadiums are mainly located away from touristic areas.

Attire and behaviour deemed to be of a respectable level, may need to be noted outside tourist hotspots; less tolerant locations do exists, therefore caution is advised, especially in the rural areas.

Greece is a very historic country that relies on tourism for much of its income. There is a general concern about pick-pockets and muggings in holiday resorts, but this is at a level that is similar in comparison to the likes of the south of France.

After the controversial closure of the Balkan’s borders, migrant routes have halted within Greece. There has been a recent international deal between Greece, Turkey and the EU. For every Syrian refugee which has been returned to Turkey from Greece, Turkey will transfer one Syrian refugee to the EU. However with policy favouring heritage of Syrian migrants, alongside political and administrative difficulties undermining this operation; it is felt that further confrontations and tensions may rise in the area.

When travelling by car in an EU country, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.

Many drivers in Greece are erratic and aggressive in nature, making it one of the most dangerous countries in Europe to drive in with one of EU's highest road fatality rates. You should be wary of this when travelling and drive defensively. It is recommended that you avoid congested areas or driving during peak hours, as the situation on the roads can be dangerous.

Greece is renowned for many young adults hiring scooters, mopeds and quadbikes and have been linked to many serious accidents. Failure to wear a crash helmet may invalidate your insurance if involved in an accident and is required under Greek law. If you hire any of these vehicles, be extremely careful when driving on the roads.

Greece is currently experiencing a sovereign debt crisis which has been ongoing since 2009, triggered by the turmoil of the Greek Recession. On June 30th 2015, Greece became the first developed country to fail to make an IMF loan repayment.

Due to this, the amount of cash you can withdraw from a cashpoint machine is limited to €600 on a daily basis and €5000 a month.

Earthquakes are a regular occurence in Greece, with the country seeing regular magnitude 2-5 earthquakes occuring. 1953 saw a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that killed an estimated 800 people. The last large earthquake that resulted in many deaths was the 1999 Athens quake that killed more that 140 people.

During the summer months, forest fires can occur in Greece. 74 People were reported to have been killed in 2018 by forest fires. It is recommended to monitor local news prior and during your visit, check out safety procedures in your hotel or on the Internet and follow the advice of local authorities.

General emergency: 112
Police emergency: 100
Tourist Police: 171
Special Violent Crime Squad: 1014
Ambulance emergency: 166
SOS Doctors (SOS ΙΑΤΡΟΙ: 1016
Coast Guard: 108
Fire emergency: 199

Visitors Police Help Office: 4 Dragatsaniou Street, Klafthmonos Square, Central Athens open: 0730-2200 Contact numbers; +30 210 3222230 and + 30 210 3222232

Official languages: Greek
Religion: Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)
Currency: Euro (subject to change)
Time now in Athens:

U.S. Embassy Athens
91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue,
10160 Athens,
Greece
Telephone: +30 210 7212951
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +30 210 7294444.
Email: athensconsul@state.gov

British Embassy Athens
1 Ploutarchou Street,
10675 Athens,
Greece
Telephone: +30 210 7272 600
Email: consular.athens@fco.gov.uk
Email: information.athens@fco.gov.uk

Travellers from EU countries or countries part of the Visa Waiver Program, including the USA, do not require visas. Nationals from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia holding biometric passports, are also exempt from the visa requirement.

As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Greece whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Greece. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

COVID-19 cases have been reported in Greece. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection against the disease is through preventive measures such as applying good hygiene practices, self-isolating, maintaining social distance, avoiding unnecessary travel and public gatherings.

It is advised that visitors to Greece are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

In general, medical facilities are much better on the mainland than on the islands. Make sure to take out necessary health and travel insurance in order to cover any costs incurred overseas.

It is advised to EU citizens when travelling to Greece, to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but please note that for some medical assistance, you may still have to pay.

One death caused by West Nile Virus was reported in 2014 by the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, but there have been no reports of further cases since.