Greece

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police and ambulance

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)
• Terrorist groups have carried out attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises, and the police. 

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations, domestic strikes, and work stoppages are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. Violent anarchist groups have joined public demonstrations to clash with police and vandalize public and private property.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Stay informed by following the U.S. Embassy website and enroll in STEP to receive alerts from the U.S. embassy.
• Large demonstrations can occur on short notice and may cause widescale disruption to transportation networks, including roads, buses, trains, ferries, and air travel.
• Some demonstrations take place on specific dates. Notable ones include February 28, to honor the victims of the 2023 Tempe train derailment; May 1 for Labor Day; November 17, which commemorates the 1973 student uprising at Athens Polytechnic University; and December 6, marking the 2008 police shooting of a 15-year-old student.
• Demonstrators often gather in areas like Polytechnic University, Exarchia, Omonia, and Syntagma Squares in Athens. In Thessaloniki, they meet at Aristotle Square, Aristotle University, and Kamara.
• Strikes in the transportation sector can disrupt traffic, public transport, taxis, seaports, and airports. Always confirm domestic and international flights before going to the airport.

Crime

• Crimes against tourists, such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching, occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation, especially the metro. A common tactic is 1 person causes a commotion on the metro, or pushes travelers to distract them, while another snatches their belongings.
• Thieves also seek out and break into cars and lodging accommodations to steal passports, valuables, and luggage.

Safety tips:

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave bags unattended, especially on public transportation or in vehicles.
• Avoid standing near bus or train doors. Thieves often strike as the doors open, then disappear into the crowd.
• Use alcohol in moderation and remain in control.
• Be discreet when discussing plans and organizing belongings upon arrival.
• Protect yourself and your money by using well-lit ATMs.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Scams are common in Greece. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112. You can contact the U.S. Embassy at +30-210-721-2951.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• Dial 197 to reach a 24-hour SOS hotline for victims of violence. Most of the operators speak English.
• Review more information on Victims of Crime. 

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Use of drones may be restricted or prohibited in some areas.  Check with local authorities.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Safety rules are generally enforced, but inspections of equipment and facilities can be irregular.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Water sports and swimming safety

Always book water sports activities through a licensed center. Before you begin:

• Complete all required paperwork.
• Request a safety demonstration.
• Learn how to call for help in an emergency.
• Pay attention to warning signs and beach flags.
• Follow lifeguard instructions and seek local advice if jellyfish or sea urchins are present.
• For further guidance, visit the Safe Water Sports website, a Greek non-profit dedicated to accident prevention.

Quad biking and mopeds

• Quad biking poses a significant risk of serious injury or death. You must have specific travel insurance that covers quad biking, as many policies exclude it as an extreme sport. Review your insurance details carefully.
• Rental companies typically offer only third-party insurance. You are likely responsible for any damage to the vehicle. Failure to pay may result in arrest.
• Inspect the vehicle’s condition before use. Both drivers and passengers must wear helmets when operating quad bikes or mopeds. Not wearing a helmet may invalidate your insurance. Police will fine you and confiscate your license if you are stopped without a helmet.

Hiking and exploring nature

Plan your hikes carefully, especially in hot weather. Many trails lack shade and may have poor signage. Take these precautions:

• Plan your route in advance and consider your fitness level.
• Check the weather forecast and avoid hiking during peak sun hours. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• Wear sturdy footwear and consider carrying a map, GPS, and a fully charged phone.
• Hike with others when possible and always inform someone of your plans and route.
• Ensure your insurance covers additional costs such as mountain rescue or helicopter evacuation.
• Do not light fires. It is dangerous and illegal due to the high wildfire risk.
• Dial 112 for emergency services, if you have an accident or become lost.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Marijuana is illegal in Greece.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may lead to arrest.
• Unauthorized photography or recording of local law enforcement, military personnel or installations is prohibited and may lead to arrest.
• Mace or pepper-spray canisters are illegal in Greece. These items will be confiscated, and police may arrest or detain you.
• Always carry some form of identification and a copy of your passport biographic page. Police may request identification. Failure to do so can lead to questioning.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Greek antiquities

• Customs authorities strictly regulate the export of Greek antiquities, including rocks from archaeology sites.
• Do not remove anything, no matter how small, from these sites.
• Do not purchase protected antiquities. Carry receipts for any purchases that may appear to be antiquities.

Military service for dual nationals

• Greek males between 19 and 45 are required to perform military service.
• If the Greek government considers you to be a Greek citizen, you may be required to fulfill this obligation whether or not you consider yourself Greek or possess a U.S. or third country’s passport.
• Authorities can prevent you from leaving Greece until you complete your military obligations. Contact the Greek embassy or nearest Greek consulate with questions.
• Generally, required military service will not affect your U.S. citizenship, but contact the U.S. Embassy Athens if you have questions. 

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Greece.
• Same-sex marriage has been legal in Greece since 2024.
• Gay and lesbian individuals in Greece are protected by anti-discrimination laws. However, social discrimination based on sexual orientation persists in Greece, particularly in more rural areas.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Greece prior to traveling.

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Greece Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. However, response times may vary due to traffic conditions, remoteness of location, and the volume of emergencies.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Greece. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available throughout Greece. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• Most public medical facilities in Greece offer adequate care, although service quality and hospital appearance may differ from the United States.
• Some private hospitals provide care comparable to U.S. standards.
• Many doctors in Greece have been trained in the United States or in Europe.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Hospitals and doctors may require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 

Medical tourism and elective surgery

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.

• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Greece.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Greece.  
• Although Greece has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies.
• If you plan to undergo surgery in Greece, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Prescription medications

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Greek embassy or consulate in the United States
• For the customs office at Athens International Airport dial +30-210-3542126.
• Check with the National Organization for Medicines by email at  relation@eof.gr, their website www.eof.gr,  or dial +30-213-204-0000 to ensure the medication is legal in Greece.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• Surrogacy is highly regulated in Greece and available only for heterosexual couples or single women with a prior court order. If you are considering traveling to Greece to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Greece via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities and/or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking, especially in major cities and on larger islands.
• On more arid islands where water is imported or desalinated, visitors may prefer to use bottled water.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Greece.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Road conditions and safety

• Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the European Union. Traffic can be busy, fast, and chaotic. Local drivers regularly ignore speed limits.
• Exercise extreme caution, both as a driver and as a pedestrian.
• Drive defensively.
• Expect heavy traffic, obscured traffic signs, and vehicles traveling at high speeds.
• Driving at night in inclement weather and on mountain roads can be dangerous.
• Check for motorbikes between lanes and on either side of you.
• Do not rely on lane markings. On many 2-lane highways, slower traffic will drive on the shoulder, and cars will pass straddling the center double-yellow line.
• Small motorbike and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rental firms frequently carry no insurance and require customers to cover the cost of all damages to their vehicles. Your insurance company may not cover two-wheel or ATV rentals.
• Visit the Greek National Tourism Organization for more helpful tips. 

Traffic laws 

• Short-term Car Rentals: Greek law requires that visitors carry a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Review your insurance coverage before renting. Insurance companies may require that you have both your valid U.S. license and an international driver’s permit (IDP) for coverage in Greece.
• The Embassy does not issue IDPs. You must obtain your IDP in the United States from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Contact AAA directly to inquire about their mail in option that will allow you to apply from abroad. It will likely take days or weeks.
• Talking or texting on a mobile phone while driving is illegal. The police check phone records when investigating accidents.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, and police conduct random alcohol testing.
• A Greek license is required if you stay more than 185 days in Greece. Contact the Regional Office of Transportation and Communications for more information.
• Local law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis are widely available and generally safe.  Most taxis accept credit cards, especially when ordered through local or international ride-share apps.  

Public and commercial transportation

• On metro and public bus systems, validate a purchased ticket at the turnstile before boarding, or pay your fare directly by credit card.
• Inspectors randomly check for tickets or credit card fare payments. Failure to pay or absence of a validated ticket could result in a fine up to 60 times the basic fare.
• Visit the website of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Greece should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Greece imposes a Recreational and Daily Tour Cruise Ships Fee on all private and professional leisure ships with a total length of over 7 meters in Greek territorial waters, regardless of flag.

Weather conditions

Greece has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. It has mild, wet winters. Coastal areas are warmer. Mountainous regions experience cooler temperatures all year.

Wildfires

Hot, dry summer conditions and strong winds cause frequent forest fires, especially in southern and island regions from April to October. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Greece, even if unintentional.

To avoid starting wildfires:

• leave no litter
• make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
• do not light barbecues

Monitor the Daily Fire Risk Map, indicating fire danger levels by region.

• Dial 112 for emergency services, if you see a fire.

Earthquakes

Greece lies on active seismic zones, and moderate to strong earthquakes occur. For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes and what to do during and after one, please visit Ready.gov or the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection.

Flooding

Heavy rainfall leads to flash floods, especially in urban areas and regions with poor drainage systems. This is most common from October to February.

Heatwaves

Prolonged high temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. This leads to health warnings, closures of iconic sites like the Acropolis, and increased wildfire danger.

• Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are major concerns during extreme heat and can lead to confusion, impaired judgement, and death.
• Authorities advise staying hydrated, avoiding peak sun hours between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Seek shade or air conditioning.

Safety tips

• Monitor the local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Dial 210-335-9900 to contact the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, which responds to emergencies. Operators speak English.
• Monitor the U.S. Embassy Athens’ website.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.