Before you go to Greece
Tips, advice and essential travel information you should know
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) replaced 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 in Greece
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.