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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
