Before you travel to Greece

Passport & visa requirements for Greece

Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with embassies or consulates well in advance of travelling.

Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

EU nationals may stay as visitors for a period of three months. For longer stays, you will need to apply to the appropriate office for a residence permit.

British nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 3 months for travellers holding a passport endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen. In all other cases, a visa is required. Greek Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7221 6467 Greek Embassy in London British Embassy in Athens, Greece +30 (210) 727 2600

Greek Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 6767 2545

US citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required and you should allow at least two weeks for processing prior to leaving the USA. Greek Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 6673169

Canadians must hold a valid passport for entry to Greece. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months. Greek Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 2386271

Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months. Greek Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +612 62733011

New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months. Greek Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +644 4737 7756

South Africans must have a valid passport and a visa for travel to Greece. Greek Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +2712 437352

Passport/Visa Note: Visitors are advised to hold a return or onward ticket and proof of financial means.

Extra Health Precautions & Vaccinations

Greece has a reciprocal agreement with the British National Health Service to provide the same basic medical service as to Greek NI contributors. It is strongly advised that you take out adequate medical and travel insurance.

There are many Public and Private Hospitals and Medical Centres of varying standards. Doctors and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands. The standards of nursing and after care, particularly in the public health sector lag behind what is normally acceptable in Britain. The Public Ambulance Service, which will normally respond to any accident, is rudimentary. There are severe shortages of ambulances on some islands.

Note: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will replace the E111 in 2005.

An extra note of caution on road safety in Greece. Greece has a very high incidence of road traffic accidents and motorists visiting Greece and those hiring vehicles locally should be extra cautious. Please be extra, extra cautious if hiring motorcycles, scooters, mopeds or quad bikes. You will often see Greek riders not wearing crash helmets and may conclude that they are not compulsory. This is not the case - Greek law requires you to wear a crash helmet on a scooter, moped or motorcycle. Failure to wear a crash helmet might invalidate your travel insurance if you are involved in an accident.

Currency

The Euro (€) is the official currency in Greece. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels, Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are Euro travellers' cheques, particularly in major tourist destinations.

General Advice

Be aware that some areas near the borders are militarily sensitive and should be avoided. Mainland Greece and most of the Greek islands popular with tourists are in seismically active zones, and earth tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do occur.

Travel Advice for All Countries

Ensure that your passport and/or visa is valid and in good condition.
Obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance with an appropriate level of cover.
Make copies of your passport, visa and insurance policy and leave them with someone at home along with an itinerary and contact number.
Familiarise yourself with your destination and its local laws and customs.
Ensure you have sufficient funds for your stay.
Check if vaccinations are required at least 6 weeks prior to travel.