Greece Travel Advice & Safety

Updated:24 November 2025

Still Valid:Yes

Latest update: The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) has started for all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area. You’ll need to register at borders and have your fingerprint and photo taken. There may be longer border queues.
Extreme temperatures and wildfires affect many areas of Greece during summer, including close to cities and tourist locations. Follow the advice of local authorities.

Quad bike and motorcycle accidents have caused serious injuries and deaths of tourists to Greece. You need specific travel insurance for quad biking as it’s excluded from many policies. Always read the details of your cover.

We advise:

Exercise normal safety precautions in Greece.

Advice Levels

Full Advice

Safety

Wildfires occur during the extended summer period, from June to September, including near cities and tourist locations, prompting evacuations. Fires can start with little warning and travel quickly. Fatalities have occurred. Avoid affected areas and follow the advice of local authorities.
Greece is in an active seismic zone and experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity, including near major tourist destinations such as the islands of Santorini and Crete. If you’re in the area, monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Petty crime and theft are serious issues in tourist areas and on buses and trains. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and slashing luggage to steal belongings are common. Pay close attention to your belongings.
Terrorist attacks have occurred at or near popular tourist areas in central Athens. Always be alert and take official warnings seriously.
Strikes, protests and demonstrations take place regularly and can turn violent. Rioting can break out with little warning. Violent clashes have occurred between supporters of rival sporting teams. Avoid affected areas, monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Be alert to the potential risks around food and drink spiking. Drink only at reputable venues.

Health

Heatwaves are frequent over the summer months. Drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, stay in air conditioning or shaded areas, and follow the advice of local authorities.
Dust storms occur, particularly during Spring.
Medications such as codeine are subject to special rules. Carry a prescription and a letter from your doctor.
Measles is common. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
The standard of medical care varies. Public hospitals are short on medical supplies and provide limited nursing care. Family or friends usually provide care.

Local Laws

Always carry an ID, such as a photocopy of your passport.
It’s illegal to take photos of military sites and personnel. It’s also illegal to smoke indoors.
You may have to do military service if you’re a male dual national. If you’re of Greek descent and born outside of Greece, even if you don’t think you’re a Greek national, get advice from the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate before you travel.
Same-sex relationships are legal, though attitudes vary throughout the country. Avoid public displays of affection, especially in rural areas. Attitudes are generally more accepting on Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini and Ios.

Travel

Greece is a part of the Schengen area which means you can enter Greece without a visa in some cases. In other situations, you’ll need a visa.
The new European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.
There may be long queues at border points when the new system starts. Allow plenty of time for transfers.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Greek embassy or Consulate for enquiries about your ability to enter Greece from your departure country.
Quad bike and motorcycle accidents have caused serious injuries and deaths of tourists in Greece. You need specific travel insurance for quad biking as it’s excluded from many policies. Always read the details of your cover.

Emergency Contact Number

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider
employer
airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 112.

For non-urgent criminal issues, contact local police at the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Tourist police

Are available 24/7 and can be contacted on 171.

The Tourist Police help with non-serious crimes and can provide police reports and certificates for theft of personal items and lost travel documents.

There are tourist police offices across Greece, including on major islands.

The main office is at 4 Dragatsaniou Street, Klafthmonos Square, in Central Athens and is open all year. Call (+30 210) 322 2230 or (+30 210) 322 2232.