The cradle of democracy, Greece offers an array of delights for enthusiasts of culture, not to mention serving as a paradise for those who adore basking in the sun's warmth.
Fires
Extreme temperatures are affecting many areas of Greece. There are active wildfires across Greece, including in populated areas on the mainland and a number of islands. The ‘state of emergency’ in Rhodes, declared by the Greek authorities on 26 July, has now been lifted.
Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. There are active wildfires affecting parts of Greece.
You should:
- take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas
- make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
- not light barbecues
Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence in Greece even if unintentional. If you see a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112.
If you are due to travel to an area that might be affected by wildfires, contact your travel operator or accommodation provider before you travel to check that it is not currently impacted. Make sure you have appropriate insurance.
If you are in or near areas affected by wildfires
Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires. You should:
- follow the guidance of the emergency services
- call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
- contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK.
- enable the “Emergency Alerts” option to receive the Greek government’s emergency alerts. For:
- iPhones go to Settings > Notification. Enable the “Emergency Alerts” option at the bottom.
- Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
- Samsung Devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications. Enable the “Emergency Alerts” option
- read the Greek Government’s protection guidelines in the event of a forest fire.
- register via the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service (in Greek)
The Greek government has set up a Crisis Management Unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign visitors from Rhodes due to the ongoing forest fires. Contact them for advice on:
- +30 210 368 1730
- +30 210 368 1259
- +30 210 368 1350
Terrorism in Greece
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.
There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police. British nationals aren’t normally considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by foreigners.
Strikes and demonstrations
There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice that can cause disruption to public transport (including air travel and ports), as well as road networks and borders. Political demonstrations can also occur frequently.
Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities. Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. If you do find yourself unexpectedly near a demonstration, 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.
Demonstrations take place regularly around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. Nationwide strikes and protests can occur at any time and may disrupt road, air, and sea travel and cause delays or diversions at border crossings.
Theft
Theft of passports, wallets and handbags is common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Don’t carry all your valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe. Maintain the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK.
When 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.
Sexual assault
Sexual assaults and personal attacks may occur in Greece. This includes attacks on foreign visitors in tourist areas and cities.
We recommend that all travellers follow this advice:
- save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easier to find at the end of the night
- set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with others in your group
- keep an eye on each other’s drinks to make sure they don’t get spiked
- don’t let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
- don’t give a drunk person more alcohol
You should immediately report anything you see that doesn’t feel right to local authorities or hospitality management.
Personal ID
Carry a copy of your passport or other photographic ID which confirms British nationality at all times, this is a legal requirement.
Race
The majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to race, but there have been some racially motivated attacks, particularly in inner-city areas.
Public offences
The Greek police won’t accept behaviour they find rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved, this behaviour may be illegal. The police will make arrests and the courts are likely to give heavy fines or prison sentences if you behave indecently.
Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws. Your travel insurance may not cover you after drinking.
Drugs
Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence. Alcohol, drugs and the use of nitrous oxide can make you less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. Nitrous oxide is illegal to buy or sell for recreational use in Greece. You can be arrested or fined if found in possession.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual relations are 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.
Public attitudes towards same-sex sexual activity vary throughout the country; showing affection in public by same-sex couples may be frowned upon, especially in rural areas. Attitudes are generally much more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands, particularly on Lesvos, Mykonos and Skiathos.
Using cameras or approaching sensitive locations
It is illegal to approach or take photos or videos of military installations, vehicles or buildings at any time. The Greek authorities will arrest and possibly prosecute anyone doing so. Certain border areas are also militarily sensitive. Although you can visit these areas, you should avoid taking photos or video footage.
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Greece see your local Road and Traffic association.
Make sure any vehicle you hire is in good condition and check that you’re insured. When renting mopeds or quad bikes, insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third-party insurance, which only covers the cost of damage to another vehicle. Any damage sustained to the rental vehicle in many cases may need to be paid for by you, or you may face arrest if you do not pay and the hire company decide to press charges.
Licences and permits
The birthplace of democracy, Greece has everything a culture vulture could want (not to mention it is heaven for the sun worshippers).
Fires
Extreme temperatures are affecting many areas of Greece. There are active wildfires across Greece, including in populated areas on the mainland and a number of islands. The ‘state of emergency’ in Rhodes, declared by the Greek authorities on 26 July, has now been lifted.
Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. There are active wildfires affecting parts of Greece.
You should:
- take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas
- make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
- not light barbecues
Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence in Greece even if unintentional. If you see a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112.
If you are due to travel to an area that might be affected by wildfires, contact your travel operator or accommodation provider before you travel to check that it is not currently impacted. Make sure you have appropriate insurance.
If you are in or near areas affected by wildfires
Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires. You should:
- follow the guidance of the emergency services
- call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
- contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK.
- enable the “Emergency Alerts” option to receive the Greek government’s emergency alerts. For:
- iPhones go to Settings > Notification. Enable the “Emergency Alerts” option at the bottom.
- For Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
- Samsung Devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications. Enable the “Emergency Alerts” option
- read the Greek Government’s protection guidelines in the event of a forest fire.
- register via the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service (in Greek)
The Greek government has set up a Crisis Management Unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign visitors from Rhodes due to the ongoing forest fires. Contact them for advice on:
- +30 210 368 1730
- +30 210 368 1259
- +30 210 368 1350
Terrorism in Greece
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.
There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police. British nationals aren’t normally considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by foreigners.
Strikes and demonstrations
There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice that can cause disruption to public transport (including air travel and ports), as well as road networks and borders. Political demonstrations can also occur frequently.
Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities. Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. If you do find yourself unexpectedly near a demonstration, 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.
Demonstrations take place regularly around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. Nationwide strikes and protests can occur at any time and may disrupt road, air, and sea travel and cause delays or diversions at border crossings.
Theft
Theft of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Don’t carry all your valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe. Maintain the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK.
When 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.
Sexual assault
Sexual assaults and personal attacks may occur in Greece. This includes attacks on foreign visitors in tourist areas and cities.
We recommend that all travellers follow this advice:
- save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easier to find at the end of the night
- set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with others in your group
- keep an eye on each other’s drinks to make sure they don’t get spiked
- don’t let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
- don’t give a drunk person more alcohol
You should immediately report anything you see that doesn’t feel right to local authorities or hospitality management.
Personal ID
Carry a copy of your passport or other photographic ID which confirms British nationality at all times, this is a legal requirement.
Race
The majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to race, but there have been some racially motivated attacks, particularly in inner-city areas.
Public offences
The Greek police won’t accept behaviour they find rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved, this behaviour may be illegal. The police will make arrests and the courts are likely to give heavy fines or prison sentences if you behave indecently.
Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws. Your travel insurance may not cover you after drinking.
Drugs
Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence. Alcohol, drugs and the use of nitrous oxide can make you less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. Nitrous oxide is illegal to buy or sell for recreational use in Greece. You can be arrested or fined if found in possession.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual relations are 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.
Public attitudes towards same-sex sexual activity vary throughout the country; showing affection in public by same-sex couples may be frowned upon, especially in rural areas. Attitudes are generally much more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands, particularly on Lesvos, Mykonos and Skiathos.
Using cameras or approaching sensitive locations
It is illegal to approach or take photos or videos of military installations, vehicles or buildings at any time. The Greek authorities will arrest and possibly prosecute anyone doing so. Certain border areas are also militarily sensitive. Although you can visit these areas, you should avoid taking photos or video footage.
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Greece, see information from your local roads and traffic authority.
Make sure any vehicle you hire is in good condition and check that you’re insured. When renting mopeds or quad bikes, insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third-party insurance, which only covers the cost of damage to another vehicle. Any damage sustained to the rental vehicle in many cases may need to be paid for by you, or you may face arrest if you do not pay and the hire company decide to press charges.
Licences and permits
Greece recognizes the national licensing system of some countries as equivalent to the Greek system. In November 2021, the law was changed to recognize the American, Canadian, United Kingdom, and Australian licenses as equivalent to a Greek license.
Earthquakes
Greece can experience earthquakes and earth tremors. You should:
- familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake
- follow the advice given by the local authorities
The Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, and reports on incidents.
Earthquakes
Greece can experience earthquakes and earth tremors. You should:
- familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake
- follow the advice given by the local authorities
The Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, and reports on incidents.
