There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance "},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Greece’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Greece set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Greek Embassy in the UK.
\n\nGreece follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Greece are different. If you are a touring creative, see details about the Uniform (Schengen) visa.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.
\n\nYou may also need to:
\n\nFor a longer stay, you must apply to the Greek authorities for a national visa.
\n\nIf you’re in Greece with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
\n\nRead about entry processes if you live in Greece.
\n\nThe European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
\n\nThis means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.
\n\nOn your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.
\n\nYou do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.
\n\nEES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.
\n\nIf you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.
\n\nYour digital EES record is valid for 3 years.
\n\nRead more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.
\n\nIf you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.
\n\nIf you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.
\n\nGreek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.
\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccines, see TravelHealthPro’s Greece guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Greece. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques at your point of entry into Greece if you are carrying a value of 10,000 euros or more. You will be asked to complete the relevant declaration forms provided to you by the Customs Authorities. You should request a certified copy of the declaration to keep with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. You can read further detail on the website of the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece.
\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
\n\nThere have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police.
\n\nRecent attacks include:
\n\nGreek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and Palestine.
\n\nThere is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens.
\n\nStay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThere are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice, that can cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders.
\n\nDemonstrations often take place around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. Political demonstrations may take place on certain dates:
\n\nSome demonstrations in the past have turned violent. Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and move away to the last known safe place. Security forces often use tear gas to break up demonstrations, which can harm your breathing and vision.
\n\nThefts of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Do not carry all your valuables in one place and keep a copy of your passport photo page somewhere safe.
\n\nWhen driving on holiday, keep your valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle at all times. Always park in a well-lit area or secure car park. Be alert to car crime.
\n\nTo reduce your personal risk, especially late at night and around clubs and bars:
\n\nUse pre-arranged transport or, where they are available taxi-hailing apps such as Uber or Free Now which supply licensed cabs.
\n\nReport anything that does not feel right to local authorities or hotel or club management.
\n\nThe majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to their race, but there have been some racially-motivated attacks, particularly in inner-city areas.
\n\nAlways carry your passport, to show to the police if they request identification. Police may not accept a copy.
\n\nThe Greek police will arrest you for any behaviour they find rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved. Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws.
\n\nThe courts are likely to impose a heavy fine or a prison sentence if they judge the behaviour to be illegal. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you miss flights because of an alcohol-related arrest.
\n\nIt is illegal to sell or provide alcohol to anyone under 18, any businesses found doing so can face large fines and possible closure. Bars and nightclubs are not allowed to admit or serve anyone under 18, even if accompanied by an adult. Expect age verification checks at points of sale.
\n\nIf a minor is harmed through excessive drinking, or underage intoxication is brought to the attention of local authorities, parents or other accompanying adults as well as those who supplied the alcohol could face legal consequences under general child protection laws.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.
\n\nAirports in Greece have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nBy law restaurants must provide an itemised bill. Make sure you get a receipt for any goods or services you buy.
\n\nOffensive items like pepper spray or knuckledusters are listed as weapons in Greece. A knife with a blade measuring 10cm or more counts as a weapon, and you need a special licence for any knife that is not made for domestic, professional, artistic or hunting use.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Greece, and civil unions between same-sex couples have been legal since 2015. The age of consent in Greece is 15, this applies to partners of both the same sex and opposite sex. Transgender people are able to change their legal gender. Anti-discrimination and hate speech laws apply to gender identity.
\n\nPublic attitudes towards same-sex couples vary throughout the country. Couples showing affection in public may be frowned on, especially in rural areas. Attitudes are generally more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nMen aged 19 and above, born to a Greek national, may have military service obligations, regardless of any other nationality they hold. The authorities can stop you leaving Greece until you complete military service.
\n\nIt is illegal to approach or take photos or videos of military installations, vehicles or buildings. The authorities will arrest and have prosecuted those doing so. Border areas are also militarily sensitive. If you visit such areas, do not take photos or videos.
\n\nTake extra care of your valuables at festivals or large concerts. Read the festivals in Europe travel checklist for more advice.
\n\nEvery year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Greece.
\n\nAlways supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.
\n\nTake care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach.
\n\nHidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water.
\n\nMany organised beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings. A red flag means you must not enter the water.
\n\nTake extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs.
\n\nSee further tips on ABTA’s swim safe pages and Water Safety on Holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nFollow local advice if jellyfish are present.
\n\nOnly book activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start:
\n\nFor more advice, see the website for Safe Water Sports, a non-profit organisation in Greece that aims to prevent accidents.
\n\nEvery year people suffer serious injury and even death due to accidents involving quad bikes. Make sure you get full instructions and training on their use. If you are not experienced with driving quad bikes proceed with caution as you will be sharing the roads with larger and faster vehicles.
\n\nTo help with costs incurred as a result of quad bike incidents you need specific travel insurance as quad biking is defined as an extreme sport and excluded on many policies. Always read the details of your insurance cover.
\n\nInsurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third-party cover. It’s likely the company will charge you for any damage to the rental vehicle, and you may face arrest if you do not pay.
\n\nCheck that you hold the correct driving license for the vehicle you are hiring. Provisional licenses are not valid in Greece for driving or hiring any type of vehicle. If you hire a moped, you need a valid driving licence with at least category A1 – ‘light motorcycle’. Choose a category in accordance with your driving licence and age. Category P, which is valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc, is not valid in Greece.
\n\nMake sure the vehicle is in good condition. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets before operating quad bikes and mopeds. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. If police stop you, they will fine you and take your licence.
\n\nTake extra care when planning a hike or walk, especially during higher temperatures than you are used to. Trails often lack shade and the quality of route markings can vary.
\n\nEnsure that you:
\n\nDo not light fires as it is both dangerous and illegal due to the high risk of wildfires.
\n\nMake sure your insurance covers you for extra costs such as mountain rescue service and helicopter evacuation.
\n\nIf an accident happens or if you become lost, call 112 for the emergency services.
\n\nGreece has introduced regulations prohibiting camping in tents and the parking of trailers, semi-trailers, camper vans and motorhomes at archaeological sites, seashores, beaches, edges of public forests and in general public areas. Ensure that you use licensed campsites to avoid fines.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Greece, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Greece guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Greece. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Greece. If you are tested and found to have more than two-thirds of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you could get a fine and possible imprisonment.
\n\nTraffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Local drivers regularly ignore speed limits, including in built-up areas.
\n\nWhen walking roadside, take care when crossing the road and if possible use a pedestrian crossing. Drivers do not always stop at crossings, even though they are supposed to. The green pedestrian crossing signal sometimes allows cars to turn right on to a crossing, so cross with caution.
\n\nGreece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, make sure your mobile phone is set to allow emergency alerts. For instructions on how to do this see:
\n\nThis will allow the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service alerts to reach you. Always keep your phone with you as you will receive alerts according to the location of your phone.
\n\nConsider preparing a grab bag with essentials such as:
\n\nFind out more from gov.uk on what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nAdverse weather conditions, including floods, can happen quickly. Register for Emergency alerts and follow ‘112 Greece’ on X for official updates.
\n\nThere is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.
\n\nWildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.
\n\nTo avoid starting wildfires:
\n\nCausing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.
\n\nBe cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:
\n\nFor further information, see the Greek Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection website (in English).
\n\nThere is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors in Greece. You should:
\n\nFor further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, please visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English) and to see, for anywhere in Greece, where your nearest assembly points are located in case of emergency you can visit mysafetyplan.gov.gr (map with text in Greek).
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Greece.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Greece. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines.
\n\nChanges to your routine when travelling, such as later nights, coping with heat and changes to your diet can have an impact on your medication. See the Summer Proof Your Health campaign for more information.
\n\nPharmacies across Greece stock a good supply of medicines, but there are strict rules around dispensing certain medicines, including antibiotics. Bring prescription medicines with you and carry a letter from your doctor stating the quantity required during your stay. Keep the medication in the original container with the prescription label. The name on the prescription must match the name on your passport.
\n\nPrescriptions for uninsured individuals are only dispensed from:
\n\nIf you need to take controlled medicines in Greece, contact the Organisation Against Drugs (OKANA).
\n\nFor more information, contact the Greek National Organisation of Medicines.
\n\nTelephone: 0030 213 2040 395 or 0030 213 2040 285 between 1pm and 2pm on weekdays.
\n\nEmail: clearance@eof.gr
\n\nTreatment and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands. The standards of nursing and aftercare, particularly in the state sector, is not to the usual standard of the UK. The public ambulance service is basic. There are serious shortages of ambulances on some islands.
\n\nIf you are uninsured, you may not be able to get medical treatment or diagnostic tests from private doctors in Greece, only from public hospitals and primary healthcare centres.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Greece where some staff will speak English. On some Greek islands, local staff in bars or airports may direct you to private first aid or medical centres rather than to the public hospital.
\n\nThere is also information if you’re hospitalised in Greece.
\n\nTo get medically necessary state healthcare in Greece, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
\n\nThe NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
\n\nA GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
\n\nRead guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Greece.
\n\nRead Mental health support for British nationals in Greece. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nCalling 999 from a UK mobile in Greece will automatically transfer you to the Greek emergency services.
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Greece on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
\n\n","slug":"getting-help","title":"Getting help"}],"reviewed_at":"2026-08-11T09:17:58Z","updated_at":"2026-08-11T09:17:58Z"},"document_type":"travel_advice","first_published_at":"2013-03-15T00:00:00+00:00","links":{"available_translations":[{"api_path":"/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/greece","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/greece","base_path":"/foreign-travel-advice/greece","content_id":"c5018a34-3aaa-40e4-b90f-cf73539a0978","document_type":"travel_advice","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-08-11T09:17:58Z","schema_name":"travel_advice","title":"Greece travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece","withdrawn":false}],"ordered_related_items":[{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","base_path":"/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","content_id":"dd34d3a4-56bd-4cf5-b821-d76f9d997153","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2025-09-24T10:41:27Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/brexit-guidance","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/brexit-guidance","base_path":"/government/collections/brexit-guidance","content_id":"479cd15b-680f-4fbe-bc64-55058879957e","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2023-04-05T08:09:16Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Travel or do business in Europe: Brexit guidance","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/brexit-guidance","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","base_path":"/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","content_id":"aad65646-964d-4f68-ac22-5bc6c8281336","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2022-08-30T23:00:00Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Support for British nationals abroad","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","base_path":"/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","content_id":"5d8baf93-7631-11e4-a3cb-005056011aef","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-06-05T15:27:25Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"Foreign travel checklist","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/world/greece","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/world/greece","base_path":"/world/greece","content_id":"93fa4844-9b94-4a59-b42e-6b828f278508","description":"Services if you're visiting, studying, working or living in Greece. Includes information about trading with and doing business in the UK and Greece, and your rights after the UK’s exit from the EU.","details":{"internal_name":"UK help and services in Greece","notes_for_editors":"","visible_to_departmental_editors":false},"document_type":"taxon","links":{},"locale":"en","phase":"live","public_updated_at":"2020-02-28T16:09:23Z","schema_name":"taxon","title":"UK help and services in Greece","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/world/greece","withdrawn":false}],"organisations":[{"analytics_identifier":"D1315","api_path":"/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","base_path":"/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","content_id":"f9fcf3fe-2751-4dca-97ca-becaeceb4b26","details":{"acronym":"FCDO","brand":"foreign-commonwealth-development-office","default_news_image":{"high_resolution_url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de4e90e0710be0354d7/s960_fcdo-main-building.jpg","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de48fa8f5490aff83b4/s300_fcdo-main-building.jpg"},"logo":{"crest":"single-identity","formatted_title":"Foreign, Commonwealth