Orientation briefing in Greece

Greece won independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830 and became a kingdom. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and other anti-communist and communist rebels. The communists were defeated in 1949, and Greece joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a military coup forced the king to flee the country. The ensuing military dictatorship collapsed in 1974, and Greece abolished the monarchy to become a parliamentary republic.

In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. From 2009 until 2019, Greece suffered a severe economic crisis due to nearly a decade of chronic overspending and structural rigidities. Beginning in 2010, Greece entered three bailout agreements -- the first two with the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the IMF; and the third in 2015 with the European Stability Mechanism -- worth in total about $300 billion. The Greek Government formally exited the third bailout in 2018, and Greece's economy has since improved significantly. In 2022, the country finalized its early repayment to the IMF and graduated on schedule from the EU's enhanced surveillance framework.

Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and Palestine.

There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens.

Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Winter weather in Greece

Greece can experience severe weather over the winter period, including storms which can lead to flash flooding. For further advice, see the ‘Extreme weather and natural disasters’ section on the Safety and security page.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

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.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Greece

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police.

Recent attacks include: 

• on 1 July 2026, three improvised incendiary device attacks against the residential properties of Greek political figures killed one person, with four others being injured

Protests and demonstrations

Political protests

Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and Palestine.

There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens.

Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Strikes and demonstrations

There 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. 

Demonstrations often take place around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. Political demonstrations may take place on certain dates: 

• 1 May (Labour Day)
• 17 November (anniversary of when student protests against a military dictatorship were put down violently – ‘Polytechnio’)
• 6 December (anniversary of the shooting of 15-year-old student Alexandros Grigoropoulos)

Some 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.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Thefts 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.

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

To reduce your personal risk, especially late at night and around clubs and bars: 

• 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 do not get spiked
• do not let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
• do not give a drunk person more alcohol
• see TravelAware ‘Stick with your mates’ for tips and advice

Use pre-arranged transport or, where they are available taxi-hailing apps such as Uber or Free Now which supply licensed cabs.

Report anything that does not feel right to local authorities or hotel or club management.    

Racially-motivated attacks

The majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to their race, but there have been some racially-motivated attacks, particularly in inner-city areas.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry your passport, to show to the police if they request identification. Police may not accept a copy.

 Public offences

The 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.

The 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.

Alcohol laws and underage drinking

It 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. 

If 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.

Illegal drugs

Illegal 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.

Airports in Greece have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Buying goods or services

By law restaurants must provide an itemised bill. Make sure you get a receipt for any goods or services you buy.   

Carrying weapons

Offensive 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.       

LGBT+ travellers

Same-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.

Public 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.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Military service

Men 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.

Using cameras or approaching sensitive locations

It 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.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Music festivals

Take extra care of your valuables at festivals or large concerts. Read the festivals in Europe travel checklist for more advice.

Swimming and water sports safety

Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Greece.

Swimming pools 

Always supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present. 

Beaches 

Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach.  

Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water. 

Many 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.  

Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs. 

See further tips on ABTA’s swim safe pages and Water Safety on Holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.  

Follow local advice if jellyfish are present.

Water sports

Only book activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start:

• make sure the paperwork is completed
• ask for a safety demonstration
• make sure you know how to call for help

For more advice, see the website for Safe Water Sports, a non-profit organisation in Greece that aims to prevent accidents.

Quad (ATV) biking and mopeds

Every 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.  

To 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. 

Insurance 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. 

Check 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. 

Make 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.

Hiking and exploring nature

Take 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.

Ensure that you:

• plan your route beforehand, and consider your limitations in distance and difficulty
• check weather forecasts and avoid hiking during the peak hours of sun; pack a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water
• wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain and consider taking a map, GPS and a fully charged phone
• avoid hiking alone if you can, and always tell someone where you are going and the route you will take

Do not light fires as it is both dangerous and illegal due to the high risk of wildfires.

Make sure your insurance covers you for extra costs such as mountain rescue service and helicopter evacuation. 

If an accident happens or if you become lost, call 112 for the emergency services.

Camping and Motorhome travel

Greece 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.

Transport risks

Road travel

If 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.

You 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.  

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. 

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. 

Drink-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. 

Driving conditions

Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Local drivers regularly ignore speed limits, including in built-up areas.

Pedestrian crossings

When 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.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Emergency alerts and preparedness

Greece 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:

• for iPhones go to Settings > Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option at the bottom
• for Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
• for Samsung devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option

This 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.

Consider preparing a grab bag with essentials such as:

• passports/ID cards
• mobile phones and device chargers
• money and bank cards
• insurance and other important documents
• essential medicine and prescription details

Find out more from gov.uk on what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

Adverse weather conditions, including floods, can happen quickly. Register for Emergency alerts and follow ‘112 Greece’ on X for official updates.

Wildfires

There 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.

Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.

To avoid starting wildfires:

• leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires
• make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
• do not light barbecues

Causing 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.

Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:

• follow @112Greece for official updates
• 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

For further information, see the Greek Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection website (in English).

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors in Greece. You should:

• familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake
• follow advice given by the local authorities
• call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger

For 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).

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Greece
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Greece. 

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Greece. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.  

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines.

Changes 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.

Pharmacies 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.

Prescriptions for uninsured individuals are only dispensed from:

• pharmacies at hospitals
• pharmacies registered with the National Organisations for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY)

If you need to take controlled medicines in Greece, contact the Organisation Against Drugs (OKANA).

For more information, contact the Greek National Organisation of Medicines.

Telephone: 0030 213 2040 395 or 0030 213 2040 285 between 1pm and 2pm on weekdays.

Email: [email protected]

Healthcare in Greece  

Treatment 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.

If 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.

FCDO 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.

There is also information if you’re hospitalised in Greece.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Greece, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

Read guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Greece.

Travel and mental health

Read Mental health support for British nationals in Greece. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.