Italy travel advice

Summary update

• Still current at:
  14 January 2016
• Updated:
  4 January 2016
• Latest update: Summary – removal of advice about increased security around New Year’s celebrations in Rome

Approximately 3 million British nationals visit Italy every year. Most visits are trouble-free.
Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. You should avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches.
If you are visiting a ski resort you should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and  familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations. See Winter Sports
If you’re planning to visit Rome for the Holy Year of Mercy (8 December 2015 to 20 November 2016) see this information and advice issued by the British Embassy in Rome.
There is a general threat from terrorism. See Terrorism
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

 

Travel Summary

• The Italian island of Sardinia has been suffering from wildfires after a intense heat wave over the past week. Italian Civil Protection authorities have advised that the fires are now under control and there is no threat to tourists. If you require further information you can contact the Civil Protection authorities on 0039 0706066504 who will be happy to advise. Your tour operator should also be able to advise.
  
• There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Italy. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Public Health Agency of Italy - Ministero della Salute - on their website http://www.ministerosalute.it/index.jsp and also in country by telephone: 1500. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk
  
• L'Aquila, in the Abruzzo Region (58 Kilometres north east of Rome) was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale on Monday 6 April 2009. The earthquake has caused widespread damage to buildings in the area and latest reports state that over 270 people have died and up to 28,000 are homeless. The area has also experienced a number of aftershocks. The Italian Civil Protection Agency is working flat out to assist people in the area. The Italian government has asked people not to travel to L'Aquila and we would advise British nationals to stay away from the area until further notice.
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There continue to be isolated cases of domestic terrorism in Italy by extreme left-wing and secessionist groups, which are aimed primarily at official Italian targets. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
• There is currently a risk of unannounced wildcat strikes by municipal transport workers in cities across Italy. See the Local Travel section of this advice for dates of major pre-planned strikes.
  
• The Honorary Consulate in Trieste closed in October 2007. The British Consulate in Venice now assumes consular services for the province of Trieste.
  
• Around 3.5 million British tourists visit Italy every year (Source: Ministry of Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities as theft, bag snatching and breaking into cars is common. 332 British nationals required consular assistance in Italy in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (103 cases); hospitalisations (114 cases); and dealing with arrests, for a variety of offences (47 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (715 cases). If you need to contact the emergency services in Italy call 112.
  
• Visitors to ski resorts should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before they travel and should make themselves aware of local skiing laws and regulations throughout their visit. See the General (Skiing) section of this travel advice for more details.
  
• 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.

Safety and security

Terrorism
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. In 2004, the Italian Government announced that the risk of an international terrorist attack in Italy had increased. At the request of the British Embassy, the Italian authorities have increased security around British interests. The Italian authorities also have more general additional security measures in place including Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa airports. Surveillance has been raised on railway stations and metros.

In recent years the Italian authorities have carried out numerous arrests of extremists in Italy, which have disrupted a number of terrorist networks. But there continue to be isolated cases of domestic terrorism. Typically, incidents have been aimed at official Italian targets, mainly in the form of small bombs and incendiary devices, and carried out by extreme left-wing and secessionist groups.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Levels of crime are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime in the big city centres. Take care on public transport and in crowded areas where pickpockets and bag snatchers may be operating. In Rome, take particular care around the main railway station, Termini, on the number 64 bus, which goes to and from St Peter's Square, and when unloading your baggage from airport/city coaches. Also take care in and around railway stations in other large Italian cities. Be particularly wary of groups of children who may try to distract your attention whilst trying to steal from you. Passports, credit cards, travel tickets and cash should not be carried together in handbags or pockets. Only carry with you what you need for the day. Consider making use of safety deposit facilities in hotels.

In 2007 our Consular staff were aware of a number of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence in Italy.

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. For more general information see Rape, Sexual Assault and Assault.

Cars, at rest stops and motorway service stations are targets for robbers. You should treat with caution offers of help if you find yourself with a flat tyre, particularly on the motorway from Naples to Salerno, as sometimes the tyre will have been punctured deliberately.

Always lock your vehicle and never leave valuables in the vehicle even if you will only be away for a short time or are nearby. There have been a number of cases of cars containing luggage, or of luggage left in cars being stolen. You should avoid leaving luggage in cars overnight or for any length of time.

Be vigilant when travelling on sleepers/night trains. Thieves sometimes operate on trains in Italy and may take the opportunity, during the night, to rob sleeping travellers. Theft can also take place on trains during the day. Do not leave bags containing valuables unattended.

During August there has been a spate of thefts of tenders from large yachts in the Gulf of Naples and in particular in the waters around Sorrento, Capri and Positano. Owners and crew of vessels are advised to ensure that their tenders are well secured at night.

Police in Europe have issued warnings that counterfeit Euro notes are in circulation on the continent. You should take reasonable precautions to ensure that any notes received from sources other than banks and legitimate Bureau de Change are genuine.

As a new measure to reduce the burden on police officers, some ordinary policing activities in Italian cities will be carried out by soldiers from the beginning of August 2008.
Scams
Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists. These scams can pose great financial loss to victims. If you receive an e-mail purporting to be from HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) offering a tax refund on provision of your bank details you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Italy Country Profile

Holy See Country Profile

Local Travel

If you need a taxi, travel in only officially licensed taxis. These will have a taxi sign on the roof. Also ensure that the meter in the taxi has been restarted before commencing your journey.

There is a continuing risk of strikes by a range of workers’ organisations in Italy, particularly in the transport sector. You should be aware that other strikes could be called at little or no notice. Major strikes, which are likely to cause significant disruption, will be listed here.

Because of heightened security at ports and other sensitive areas, delays at security check-points may occur. You should plan your travel accordingly.

If travelling on public transport, you should note that tickets need to be endorsed in a ticket machine before starting a journey. The machines are usually positioned at the entrance to platforms in railway stations, in the entrance hall to metro stations and on board buses and trams. Officials patrol all means of public transport and will issue an on the spot fine of Euros 50 to 60 if you do not hold an endorsed ticket.

Road Travel

If you wish to drive in Italy you must have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents. If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you then written permission from the registered owner may also be requested.

Travellers driving in Italy should be aware that private cars and hire cars are not permitted to enter the historic centre of many Italian cities without an official pass. If your hotel is in the centre of one of the cities concerned, you can purchase a pass from most car hire companies. However, this pass will not be valid for entering the centre of any other city and you are advised to make use of out-of-centre car parks and public transport. The boundaries of historic centres are usually marked with the letters ZTL in black on a yellow background. You are advised not to pass this sign as your registration number is likely to be caught on telecamera and notice of a fine - or fines if you cross more than one ZTL zone - could be sent to your home address.

You should be aware that any fines notified to a person at the time of a traffic offence must be paid or appealed against within 60 days of receipt. When it is not possible for a person to be notified immediately in person at the time of an offence, the current edition of the Italian Highway Code states that under Italian Law the authorities have up to 360 days from when the offender is identified in which to send the notice of a fine to those resident outside Italy. For those who are resident in Italy the fine must be sent within 150 days.

In 2007 there were 5,215 road deaths in Italy (source: DfT). This equates to 8.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

Since July 2007 on-the-spot fines' for minor traffic offences have been in operation. These may range typically between €150 - 250. You are advised to stick to the rules of the road, and/or have enough cash if you have to pay a fine. Failure to do so may seriously inconvenience your visit.

You must use dipped headlights during the day while travelling on motorways and major roads outside cities. There are also strict rules on drink driving. The limit for alcohol in the bloodstream is now 0.5 grams per litre. The use of mobile telephones in cars is prohibited unless they are fitted with speaker devices or used with headphones.

You should carry at least one reflective safety jacket in your vehicle and wear it when standing with, inspecting or repairing your vehicle if you are on a public highway.

If you rent a car in Italy, you should check the rental insurance terms carefully. Some policies will not cover an accident that does not include a third party eg a collision with a wall. Certain provisions in policies, such as fire and theft, might not apply for all regions of Italy.

Further advice on driving outside the UK can be obtained from motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC.

Road hauliers

Trucks over 7.5 tonnes (75 quintali) are not allowed on Italian roads, including motorways, on Sundays from 07:00 until midnight, local time. These restrictions do not apply to those trucks already granted an exception, such as those carrying perishable goods and petrol supplies.

Both the Mont Blanc and Frejus road tunnels, linking Italy and France, are open but the restrictions introduced following the fires in 1999 and 2005 respectively continue to be applied to HGVs. These can be summarised as follows:

Mont Blanc: height restricted to 4.7m; minimum speed 50 km/h; maximum speed 70 km/h. Consult: www.tunnelmb.com or by telephone on number 00 33 (0)45 05 55 500.

Fréjus: Vehicles of more than 3.5 tonnes are subject to 1-hour alternate traffic flows starting at 08:00 leaving Italy. Special regulations apply to vehicles carrying dangerous loads. Details can be obtained from: http://www.tunneldufrejus.com.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Sea Travel

The passenger safety certificates of two roll-on/roll-off ferries (the Campania and the Sicilia) operating on the Naples/Palermo route were not renewed by the UK because inspectors judged that the ferries did not fully comply with their interpretation of certain requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The ferries continue to operate but are no longer under the UK flag. We have no information about other vessels on this or other routes to Sicily.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Air Travel

There is currently a risk of cancellation of Alitalia flights and/or unannounced strikes by Alitalia staff across Italy. You are advised to contact your local travel agent or airport for advice before travelling.

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 Italy. For more details about this see Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

In the cities of Venice and Florence, you should observe public notices about conduct. You may be fined if you drop litter. It is also an offence to sit on steps/courtyards or to eat and drink in the immediate vicinity of the main churches and public buildings in Florence.

Italian authorities are engaged in a major effort to stamp out the illegal production and sale of counterfeit goods. Illegal traders operate on the streets of all major Italian cities, particularly tourist cities like Florence and Rome. You are advised not to buy from illegal street traders: if you do so you run the risk of being stopped by the local police and incurring a large fine.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

You do not need a visa to enter Italy but as a British national you will need to have a valid passport.

Passport validity

Please ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Italy.

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 Italian Embassy.

Health

There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Italy. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Public Health Agency of Italy - Ministero della Salute - on their website http://www.ministerosalute.it/index.jsp (in Italian only) and also in country by telephone: 1500. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

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 Italian nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. For more general information see EHIC.

Since September 2007 there has been an outbreak of Chikungunya Virus in the Ravenna area of Emilia Romagna; the virus is transmitted by mosquitos. The local authority is carrying out a disinfestation programme.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 150,000 adults aged 15 or over in Italy were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.4% 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 HIV/AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Italy 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 check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general information see Travel Health.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The Italian government confirmed on 11 February 2006 that the H5N1 form of Avian Influenza had been found in six migratory swans in Sicily and southern Italy. The Italian government has confirmed that urgent biosecurity measures have already been implemented in accordance with EU legislation. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian & Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Natural disasters

Volcanoes
There continues to be low-intensity volcanic activity on the island of Stromboli. Further information on Stromboli and other volcanoes around the world can be found at: http://www.stromboli.net.

Earthquakes

Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line. Minor tremors and earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence.
L'Aquila, in the Abruzzo Region (58 Kilometres north east of Rome) was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale at about 03.30 local time on Monday 6 April 2009. The earthquake has caused widespread damage to buildings in the area and latest reports state that over 260 people have died and up to 28,000 are homeless. The Italian emergency services and Civil Protection Agency are working flat out to assist people in the area. We have been advised that there are no reports of British casualties or deaths so far, but the Embassy is continuing to monitor the situation closely. The Italian government has asked people not to travel to L'Aquila and we would advise British nationals to stay away from the area until further notice.

Major Earthquakes on 31 October and 1 November 2002, affected the Abruzzo, Molise and Puglia regions of southern Italy. The epicentre of the worst tremor was near Campobasso in Molise. Further tremors in this region cannot be ruled out.

Flooding
Visitors to Venice should note that parts of Venice are liable to flooding at certain times of year, especially in late autumn and early spring.

General

Insurance

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. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see How We Can Help.

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 can be found here.

Money

Since 15 June 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.

Restaurants
The Municipality of Rome recalls the most important rules of the Code of Consumption for restaurants:
-Show a readable menu even outside the restaurant
-Charge for bread only if the customer expressly requests it
-Specify the prices of each course before the customers makes an order
-Show the wine list with relative prices
-Release a tax receipt specifying relative prices details
-In Lazio the 'cover charge' (coperto) is free

Skiing
If you are planning a skiing holiday it is advisable to contact the Italian State Tourist Board for advice on safety and weather conditions before travelling. They can be contacted at:

1 Princes Street
London W1R 9AY
Tel: 020 7 355 1557/1439

You should be aware that off-piste skiing is highly dangerous. All safety instructions should be followed meticulously given the dangers of avalanches in some areas. Italy has introduced a law forcing skiers and snowboarders to carry tracking equipment if going off-piste. The law also obliges under-14s to wear a helmet and there are plans for snowboarders to be banned from certain slopes.

Further information can be obtained at the following websites:

http://www.goski.com/italy.htm
http://www.avalanches.org

You are reminded that the currency in Italy is the Euro. Further information can be obtained from Money Matters and the Euro.

The British Consulate, Venice has relocated to:

British Consulate,
Piazzale Donatori di Sangue 2/5
Venice-Mestre
30171

Tel: (0039) 041 5055990 or (0039) 041 5069389
Fax: (0039) 041 950254

Ireland travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Ireland. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Departments of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk .
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend you carry an acceptable form of photo-identification for travel between the UK and Ireland.
  
  
• The currency in Ireland is the Euro.
  
  
• Around 3.8 million British tourists visit Ireland each year (Source: Failte Ireland – National Tourism Development Authority). 134 British nationals required consular assistance in Ireland in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (24 cases); hospitalisations (12 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (52 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (493 cases). Most incidents occur in the Dublin area. If you need to contact the emergency services in Ireland call 112.
  
  
• 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. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Most visitors to Ireland enjoy a trouble-free time and experience no difficulties during their stay. The capital, Dublin, is a bustling city and tends to be the centre for nightlife and shopping, attracting a lot of people. The Dublin shopping centre is very busy especially at weekends. Take normal, sensible precautions to avoid personal attacks, bag snatching and pick pocketing. Try to avoid carrying valuables and large sums of money.

You should make sure that vehicles are properly secured, and where possible park in secure parking lots. Do not leave valuables such as handbags or mobile phones in your car.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Ireland Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

In 2007 there were 338 road deaths in Ireland (source: DfT). This equates to 7.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007

Most road signs in Ireland are metric measurements.

Do not drink and drive over the legal drinking limit. You may be heavily penalised or even imprisoned. Since July 2006, the Garda Traffic Corps has been empowered to conduct random breath-tests on drivers. Holding and using a mobile phone whilst driving is also banned.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

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 Ireland. For more details about this see Airline Security

Local laws and customs

It is now illegal to smoke in places of employment in Ireland. This covers pubs and restaurants. Do not be tempted to light up.

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities can lead to long terms of imprisonment. Do not offer to carry parcels or luggage for any other person when entering or leaving Ireland.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Ireland, along with the UK, is a member of the Common Travel Area. This means that British Citizens do not require a passport to visit Ireland. However, Irish immigration officers will check the IDs of all passengers arriving by air from the UK and most airlines will not carry passengers to and from Ireland unless they have seen satisfactory photographic ID before boarding. Travellers to Ireland are therefore strongly advised to take their British passports with them.

Other than passports, some carriers may accept other types of photographic ID. For their acceptability, please consult your carrier before travelling. Take care to read any advice they may give when booking tickets on the Internet.

Health

There are confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Ireland. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Departments of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

If you need a doctor you may be asked to pay for the consultation there and then. You should ensure that you have sufficient medical insurance to cover this.

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 Irish 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 EHIC.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 5,500 adults aged 15 or over in Ireland 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 HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Ireland 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 Travel Health.

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. You should ensure that you have sufficient medical insurance to cover your stay in Ireland. If you need a doctor you may be asked to pay for the consultation there and then. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

The Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS) can also offer support and practical assistance to victims of crime. This includes liaison with travel companies and financial institutions and, in emergency situations, arranging accommodation, meals and transport. The service is free and Ireland-wide. The ITAS recommends you report any incident in person to the nearest Garda (Police) Station who will then contact the organisation.

ITAS can be contacted at:
Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS)
1a Grand Canal Street Lower, Dublin 2,
www.itas.ie. info@itas.ie Tel: +353 (0)1-6610562
Open Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 18:00, Sun & Public Holidays: 12:00 - 18:00.

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 can be found here.

Money

Check before you travel that your bank cash card can be used in ATM machines in Ireland.

Remember that the currency in Ireland is the Euro.

On 15 June 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.

Iceland travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus - Swine Flu in Iceland (source: Chief Epidemiologist in Iceland). You can check for updates on the number of cases at the Directorate of Health website at: www.influensa.is . The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk .
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Around 70,000 British tourists visit Iceland every year (Source: Statistics Iceland). Most visits to Iceland are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Iceland in 2008 was for replacing lost and stolen passports. Petty crime does occur, you should take normal, common sense precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime, do not leave valuables unattended.
  
  
• Our Embassy has advised that there has been no change to the exchange regulations for foreign travellers. Icelandic krona are available through banks and cash machines in Iceland.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling and, if appropriate, that this includes cover for adventure activities. 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.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There are a few safety concerns in Iceland you should be aware of, including the dangers of petty theft and anti-social behaviour, particularly around bars where people gather late at night, on weekends in downtown Reykjavik. Sensible precautions should be observed and you should not leave valuables lying around.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Iceland Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

You should ensure that you have arranged appropriate vehicle insurance cover prior to travelling. A valid UK, or other EU/EEA driving licence is sufficient for driving in Iceland. There is no need for an International Driving Permit.

In 2008 there were 12 road deaths in Iceland (source: Umferðastofa).

Distances between towns can be great, roads narrow and winding, and speed limits low. Driving takes longer than you think. Particular care needs to be taken on gravel and loose surfaces. Driving conditions may be hazardous and roads impassable, especially in winter. Winter tyres are mandatory from approximately 1 November to 14 April (exact dates can vary year on year). You should keep dipped headlights on at all times and observe speed limits, which are, in general, lower than in the UK. Fines for exceeding the speed limit are high.

Many highland tracks only open for a short part of the summer. If you intend to drive to the highland, or remoter regions of the country, you should always check first with the Icelandic Road Administration (Vegagerdin) before departure: Tel: +354 522 1000. Vegagerdin provides up to date information on all roads in the country and will also advise you on forecasted weather conditions and on off-road driving, which is strictly controlled. You should remain alert to the possibility of rapidly changing weather patterns, including river levels, which can change dramatically even within the same day.

Drink/drive laws are strictly enforced.

Take care to read the small print on car rental agreements to ensure that you fully understand which damages are and which damages are not covered by the Excess or Damage Waiver.

For more general information see How to Drive in Iceland and Driving Abroad.

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 Iceland. For more details about this see Airline Security.

Local laws and customs

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities or soft drugs can lead to heavy fines and/or imprisonment. The use and/or importation of khat/qat (legal in the UK) is prohibited in Iceland.

Alcohol limits for drivers are far stricter than UK levels. Submission to a breathalyser test is mandatory. Penalties for driving under the influence are severe.

Smoking in restaurants, bars, public transport and public buildings is prohibited. Anyone caught smoking will initially be asked to leave the premises. Failure to do so will result in arrest and a fine.

You are not required to carry your passport with you at all times in Iceland, but it is sensible to keep some form of ID on you and ensure that next of kin details are entered into the back of your passport.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

Holders of valid UK passports endorsed British Citizen, British National Overseas and British Overseas Territory Citizen do not require visas for stays of up to three months. In all other cases (e.g.British Overseas Citizen) holders will require a valid Schengen visa to enter Iceland. Iceland is a member country of the EEA, which entitles British Citizens to work or reside in Iceland, providing they obtain a Residence/Work Permit from the Directorate of Immigration.

If you wish to stay more than three months in Iceland, you should contact the Directorate of Immigration, Útlendingastofnun, Skogarhlid 6, 105 Reykjavík. Tel 510-5400.

Passport validity

Three months passport validity is normally required for those intending to visit Iceland.

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 Embassy of Iceland in London.

Health

There are confirmed humans case of the H1N1 virus - Swine Flu in Iceland (source: Chief Epidemiologist in Iceland). You can check for updates on the number of cases at the Directorate of Health website at: www.influensa.is. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

Healthcare facilities in Iceland are of a high western standard. However, the distances between facilities can be great and whilst most towns have a health centre or basic hospital, serious cases generally necessitate ambulance/air transfer to hospital in either Reykjavik or Akureyri.

Under the terms of the EEA Regulation, British nationals are covered for emergency treatment whilst visiting Iceland. 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 Icelandic 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 EHIC.

Midges can be a problem to summer visitors in countryside areas close to lakes and rivers.

To obtain emergency medical assistance in Iceland, dial 112.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that less than 500 adults aged 15 or over in Iceland 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 HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Iceland 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 Travel Health.

General

Insurance

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. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

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 can be found here.

Money

Our Embassy has advised that there has been no change to the exchange regulations for foreign travellers. Icelandic krona are available through banks and cash machines in Iceland.

Iceland is very expensive – be prepared to spend plenty of money, especially if you intend to eat and drink in restaurants and bars. Credit cards are widely used. Hotel accommodation in Iceland is often fully booked for the summer period. If you visit on flight only tickets you should ensure that all your accommodation has been reserved before departure. The British Embassy cannot assist in finding accommodation for those without bookings.

Hungary travel advice

Travel Summary

• The Hungarian Authorities have removed the epidemic alert at the airport on the grounds that they consider new cases are no longer predominantly caused by foreign travel. The rising number of confirmed cases is caused by domestic, in-country transmission.
  
  

• There are confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Hungary (source: Chief Medical Officer (CMO)). There are reports of confirmed and suspected Swine Flu infection in countries neighbouring Hungary. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk. See the Health section of this advice for more details.
  
  

• 20,000 British nationals are expected at this year's Sziget Music Festival in Budapest. Most visitors will enjoy a trouble-free and fun stay. The most common problems that British visitors to Sziget have encountered in the past have been lost and stolen passports and arrests for drug offences. The Embassy website has practical advice about staying safe at the festival www.ukinhungary.fco.gov.uk .
  
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  

• Around 400,000 British nationals visit Hungary each year (source: Hungarian Central Statistics Office). Most visits are trouble free. 203 British nationals required consular assistance in Hungary in the period 01 April 2006 – 31 March 2007. The main types of incident for which they required consular assistance were for replacing lost or stolen passports (109 cases); dealing with deaths (8 cases); and hospitalisations (9 cases); and dealing with arrests, for a variety of reasons (6 cases). If you need to contact the emergency services in Hungary call 112.
  
  
• We recommend you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

You should take sensible precautions against the sort of risks (such as petty crime) common in Western Europe.

If you intend to attend any of the summer music festivals which takes place annually in Hungary, including the Sziget Festival which takes place each August in Budapest, you should take care of your personal belongings, and keep your valuables with you. In previous years there have been numerous cases of passports being lost or stolen at festivals, and a passport is required by anyone leaving Hungary.

You can be charged exorbitant prices in certain bars, clubs and restaurants in Budapest. This happens in a number of establishments near the large hotels in the business district (V district) of central Pest but problems occur elsewhere in the city as well.

Common scams include adding a 20,000 HUF (£60) surcharge per drink to the final bill or charging up to 100,000 HUF (£300) for a meal. Individuals who have been unable to settle their bills have frequently been accompanied by the establishment’s security guards to a cash machine and made to withdraw funds under threats of violence.

Some taxi drivers are accomplices in these frauds. They often recommend certain bars, clubs and restaurants to passengers – they receive a commission to do so, and the money is then recovered by these establishments charging extortionate prices. You should never ask a taxi driver to recommend a bar or club. If a driver offers to take you to one, or you are approached on the street with an invitation to enter a club, you should treat that advice with extreme caution. As a general rule it is better to phone for a taxi from one of the reputable local companies (your hotel can advise). You should also be careful in establishments where menus do not properly display prices. Even when prices appear to be properly displayed, if you have any doubts about a bar, restaurant or club– do not go in.

Bag snatching and pick-pocketing are common in Budapest in particular. Be particularly careful on busy public transport, in train stations, markets and other places frequented by tourists.

If you travel by overnight train you should, if possible, travel accompanied and you should secure your compartment from the inside.

Theft of and from, vehicles is common.

Do not carry large amounts of cash. Do not use street money changers.

You should take extra care when receiving bank notes as some banknotes that are no longer valid are still in circulation. We have received a very small number of reports of some taxi drivers deliberately passing these notes to tourists - as well as notes from neighbouring countries that are not valid here. Be aware especially when paying with a 10000 or a 20000 bank note.

For information on valid Hungarian bank notes please refer to the link below.

http://english.mnb.hu/engine.aspx?page=mnben_notes

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Hungary Country Profile

There are occasional political demonstrations against the Government in Budapest and elsewhere in the country. These tend to take place on or close to important national holidays with a political relevance - such as 15 March (anniversary of 1848 Revolution) and 23 October (anniversary of 1956 Anti-Soviet Uprising). There have been some cases where generally peaceful political demonstrations ended in violence. As a precaution, you should avoid all political demonstrations.

Local travel

If you intend to visit gay venues in Hungary, please be aware that there were two petrol bomb attacks on gay venues in Budapest, on 27 June and 3 July 2008, and participants in the Gay Pride march on 5 July 2008 were attacked by violent far-right protesters. General advice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travellers can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website at: LGBT travellers.

Road Travel

In 2007 there were 1,232 road deaths in Hungary (source: DfT). This equates to 12.2 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

It is illegal to drive having consumed any alcohol.

The use of headlights is compulsory on roads outside towns even in daytime.

Vehicles using the Hungarian motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7 need to be in possession of a motorway vignette, obtainable at petrol stations and post offices. Motorway toll can also be paid online http://www.ppo.hu.

In winter, equip your car for severe conditions.

For more general information see Driving Abroad. You will also find some useful information at: http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/AA_Hungary.pdf

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 Hungary. For more details about this see Airline Security.

Public transport in Budapest

Foreign visitors to Budapest are often caught out by the ticket system in Budapest, and fined by ticket inspectors. You should follow the passenger information notices, which are usually printed in English. Make sure you validate your ticket before starting your journey (i.e. before you get to the platform if travelling by Metro; and immediately after boarding buses, trams or trolley buses). You should keep your ticket until the end of your journey and show it to inspectors on request. Please note that you have to validate another ticket every time you change lines.

You should also note that a special ticket is required for use on the night service network.

For more information on ticket conditions and prices, visit the website of the Budapest Transport Authority.

Local laws and customs

Carry your passport or photo-driving licence at all times. You must be able to show some form of identity if requested, e.g.: by the police. A photocopy is not acceptable.

Hungarian laws on the possession and use of drugs are strict.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

British citizens do not require visas to enter Hungary but you must have a valid British passport. If you intend to stay more than 90 days, you must register with the nearest regional Immigration Office. For further information, contact the Consular Section of the Hungarian Embassy, London.

Passports

British citizens must have a valid passport to enter Hungary, but there is no requirement for the passport to be valid beyond the date of entry. If your passport is lost or stolen in Hungary, you will need to replace it before you leave the country (the Hungarian Border Guard will not usually accept a police report in place of a stolen passport, as is the practice in other European countries). You should therefore be sure to safeguard your passport during your stay.

Haulage vehicles

Drivers of large haulage vehicles transiting Hungary should ensure they have full vehicle documentation. International loads must be supported by a TIR carnet providing a full inventory of the goods being carried. There is a requirement to leave a financial bond with the Hungarian customs when transiting Hungary with a cargo. The financial bond, minus an administration fee is returned on leaving the country. If you are planning to transit Hungary with consignments of humanitarian aid as relief following a disaster or medical aid you should contact the Hungarian Embassy in London in advance to obtain documentation waiving this requirement.

Fines

Entry into Hungary can be barred if you have failed to pay a previous fine in Hungary. You should contact the Hungarian Embassy in London for guidance on paying any outstanding fines before you next enter Hungary.

Health

The Hungarian Authorities have removed the epidemic alert at the airport on the grounds that they consider new cases are no longer predominantly caused by foreign travel. The rising number of confirmed cases is caused by domestic, in-country transmission.

The Hungarian government is making increasing efforts to inform and educate the wider public on hygiene standards and liaison with GP’s. Vaccine production to provide government stocks has begun.

There are confirmed cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Hungary (source: Chief Medical Officer (CMO)). There are reports of confirmed and suspected Swine Flu infection in countries neighbouring Hungary. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

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 Hungarian 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 EHIC.

Before you travel you are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations and other measures to prevent tick-related medical problems (such as tick-borne encephalitis), especially if you will be visiting forested, grassy or lake-side areas.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 3,300 adults aged 15 or over in Hungary were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% 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 HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Hungary 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 Travel Health.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

In January 2007, the Hungarian authorities confirmed the existence of the H5N1 (Avian Influenza) virus strain in five dead geese in south-east Hungary. Similar cases were also reported in 2006. The Hungarian authorities have announced that strict biosecurity measures are being enforced in accordance with EU legislation. Please see Health section for further information. No human infections or deaths have been reported. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

General

Insurance

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

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

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 can be found here.

Customs Regulations

Travellers entering the UK from European Union countries do not normally pay any UK tax or duty on excise goods they have bought tax and duty paid in EU countries for own use. But there are special rules for cigarettes and some other tobacco products from some EU countries.

The UK is maintaining limits on the amount of cigarettes and some tobacco products that travellers are able to bring in to the UK for own use from nine European Union Member States (including Hungary), without paying UK duty. Anyone who is carrying more than the limits on entering the UK should pay UK duty on those goods by entering the Customs red channel or by using the red point telephone. If travellers enter the Customs blue channel with more than the limits, then all of their tobacco may be seized.

All travellers who are:

a) entering or travelling via Hungary from outside the EU; or

b) leaving Hungary to travel to Austria, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, France and Ireland; or

c) travelling to or via Hungary from Bulgaria or Romania

are allowed to carry a maximum of 200 cigarettes duty-free (providing the travellers are over 17 years of age). In Hungary, anyone exceeding this limit is likely to have their cigarettes confiscated, and could be fined or have their vehicle seized. You should check the customs regulations before entering or leaving Hungary on the following websites:

EUROPA - Travelling within the EU

EUROPA - Entering the EU

Hungarian Customs and Finance Guard

or by contacting the Hungarian Customs and Finance Guard as follows:

Postal Address: 1450 Budapest, Pf. 109, Hungary

Phone: +36-1-456-9500

Fax: +36-1-456-9525

E-mail: vam.info@mail.vpop.hu

Money

Since 15 June 2007 new legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU applies 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.

Since early 2008 there have been reports that some newer types of debit or credit cards issued in the UK do not work in certain cash machines in Hungary. The British Embassy in Budapest understands the Hungarian banks are working on a solution. In the meantime if you encounter this problem you should try a cash machine at a different bank, as only certain cash machines appear to be affected.

Greece travel advice

Travel Summary

• 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.
  

• The Greek Government have confirmed a number of cases of Swine Flu in Greece. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their locations through the World Health Organisation (WHO) website at: www.who.int. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk. Information on the Greek National Influenza Pandemic Plan can be found on the website for the Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control (KEEPLPNO) on www.keel.org.gr
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from anarchist-related domestic terrorism, which has been on the increase in recent months. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

There is a history of domestic terrorism in Greece. High profile British interests in Greece should remain vigilant and regularly review their security measures. No attacks have been directed against British tourists, nor have tourist areas been affected.

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. Primarily, these 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 by the anarchists as legitimate targets. The most recent incidents involved an explosion on 2 September outside the Athens stock exchange which is reported to have caused one slight injury, and another at a Government building in Thessaloniki with no casualties.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

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 2007 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 Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

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 Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Greece Country Profile

Greece is a stable democracy, however, public protests are a standard feature of Greek political life. General elections will be held in Greece on 4 October. You should take sensible 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

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 2007 there were 1,580 road deaths in Greece (source: DfT). This equates to 14.4 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007

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 Driving Abroad.

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 Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are not required to enter Greece. As a British passport 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

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

The Greek Government have confirmed a number of cases of Swine Flu in Greece. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their locations through the World Health Organisation (WHO) website at: www.who.int. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

The Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control (KEELPNO) has also 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. Information can be found on their website: www.keel.org.gr

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 EHIC.

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 HIV and AIDS.

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 Travel Health.

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 Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.

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 can be found here.

Money

You are reminded that 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.