Greece - Passports and Visas, Currency, Electrical, Airports and City guide

Before You Go

Greek Entry Requirements for US Citizens: Passport required but no visa for stays of 3 months. AIDS test required for performing artists & students on scholarships; US tests not accepted. Contact: Embassy of Greece, 2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 20008. (202) 939-5800, or consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, LAX, New Orleans, NYC, or SFO. Dual Nationality: US citizens also considered Greek citizens subject to compulsory military service & other aspects of Greek law. Ask embassy or consulate to determine status. Dual nationality may hamper US efforts to provide protection abroad

Greek Entry Requirements for EU Citizens: Greece is part of the EU. Passport or Identity card required. No visa requirement for EU citizens.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated travel advisory for visitors to Greece. Updated 7^th November 2002.

For current updates visit The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Greece is generally a safe country but visitors should be aware that the tourist season attracts an increase in incidents of theft of wallets, handbags etc. particularly in areas and events where crowds gather. Passports and other valuables should be left in safe custody at the hotel or apartment.

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults and rape, are infrequent. However there have been incidents of sexual assault and rape on some Greek Islands. Visitors are therefore advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. We strongly advise lone visitors, especially, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time.

TERRORISM

A member of the staff of the British Embassy in Athens was shot and killed by the November 17 terrorist organisation on 8 June 2000. The Greek authorities have made a major breakthrough against the N17 organisation recently. Anarchist groups remain active although their actions are primarily directed against the Greek State and against international, diplomatic and commercial interests. They have rarely operated outside Athens and never on the Greek islands. Nevertheless visitors should be aware and take sensible precautions regarding safety and security.

LOCAL TRAVEL

Generally there are no local travel restrictions, but visitors should be aware that certain areas near the Greek borders are militarily sensitive, and should be avoided.

ROAD TRAVEL

British motorists visiting Greece and those hiring vehicles locally should be extra cautious in view of the very high incidence of road traffic accidents.

Visitors are strongly advised not to hire motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, as accidents involving these forms of transport are common and can often result in very serious or even fatal injury.

Travellers to Greece intending to hire a moped should be aware that they will require a valid driving licence with at least category A1 - 'light motorcycle` for this purpose. Category P, which is valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc is a National category only and not sufficient for use abroad.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Whilst the people of Greece are renown for their hospitality and the Greek police are used to dealing with large numbers of foreign tourists, especially on the islands, indecent behaviour, including mooning, is not tolerated and the police have made clear that they will not hesitate to arrest.

Visitors should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities can lead to long terms of imprisonment.

Driving any vehicle whilst over the legal drinking limit is heavily penalised and can result in stiff fines and/or imprisonment.

Visitors seeking employment in bars or night clubs should be aware that they are required to have a Health certificate/license issued by the local authorities to work in such establishments. Failure to have such a certificate is punishable by a fine and or imprisonment.

Do not take photographs or make notes near military or official installations. Seek permission before photographing individuals.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Greece is a member of the European Union, and as such British nationals do not require visas to enter Greece, and may stay as visitors for a period of three months. For longer stays, application should be made to the appropriate office for a residence permit.

HEALTH

The Greece National system provides a basic medical service to Greek NI contributors, and has a reciprocal agreement with the British National Health Service. British nationals are strongly advised to obtain a Form E111 from their local Post Office before coming on holiday, in addition to taking out adequate holiday insurance.

There are numerous 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.

NATURAL DISASTERS

Mainland Greece and most of the Greek islands popular with British tourists are in seismically active zones, and earth tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but can and do occur. The last major earthquake was in September 1999 and caused considerable damage and a number of casualties in Athens and surrounding areas.

THE EURO

Health: US medical insurance not always valid outside USA. Suppliment medical insurance, with specific overseas coverage, useful.

Crime& Security: Relatively low crime rate, but increasing crime directed against tourists, including pick pocketing, purse-snatching, luggage theft & mugging at popular tourist areas. Recent incidents have involved personal injury to victims. Be cautious, even in daytime, especially when walking alone. Civil disorder rare. Several active terrorist groups, including "17 November", which at times has targeted US government & commercial interests. Unauthorized purchase or removal of antiquities, including pieces of archaeological sites, is forbidden. Penalties range from large fines to prison terms. Penalties for possession, use & trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Those arrested may spend up to 18 months in pre-trial confinement.

Money: Euro notes and coins were introduced in Greece for all transactions from 1 January 2002. This means that bills and change will be given in Euros. Cash machines will dispense Euro notes only. Credit cards and debit cards will work as normal. Euro notes and coins obtained in one country can be used throughout the Euro area. Check Universal Currency Converter. Any amount of foreign currency over US$ 200 or equivalent must by law be declared at customs entry point. Banking hours: each bank has own but if you bank in mornings, all certain to be open from Monday to Friday, 08:00-13:00.

Weather: Coldest month: January - av. low 44F (6C), while warmest month, July - av. high 92F (33C). Today's weather in Athens.

Advice & Tips for Greece:

Road Safety: Drive defensively as Greece has highest fatal traffic accident rate in Europe. Heavy traffic & rough terrain on islands make motorbikes especially dangerous. Owners of rental motorbikes not required to carry insurance; renter liable for damages caused to rental vehicle & property of 3rd parties. International driver's license required.

Electricity & Voltage: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 2-pin European plugs standard. To use US purchased electric powered equipment, bring converter and adapter.

Public Holidays: Jan 01 & 06; Mar 02 & 25; Apr 17 & 19; Apr 20; May 01; June 07; Aug 15; Oct 28; & Dec 25-26.

Greek National Tourist Offices in USA:

645 Fifth Ave. New York, N.Y. 10022 
(212) 421 5777 Fax:(212) 826 6940.  E-mail: gnto@orama.com.

168 Nort Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601 312/782-1084.  Fax.312/782-1091

Suite 2198 611 West Sixth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 213/626-6696.  Fax: 213/489-9744.

Greek National Tourist Offices in the UK.

Greek National Tourism Organisation

4 Conduit Street
London
W1S 2DJ

Or visit their website

Airports

By Taxi: Taxis shuttle from both terminals to Athens & Piraeus in 30 - 45 mins. Fare downtown 25 Euros max. Luggage over 10 kgs add 1 Euro Ride time 20 mins. 

By Car: To downtown 12 miles / 20 kms.

By Airport Bus: To/from West Airport Terminal via Olympic bus departing from 96 Syngrou Av. Every half hour. Also express bus to/from East Terminal & Sytagma Square. (Serving all foreign carriers).

By Public Bus: Bus via #121 bus from Vass. Olgas Av. 

Info Tel #: Call Your Airline or 969-9530.

Terminal 2 West: Olympic Airways, Domestic & International.
Terminal 3 East: International airlines except:
Terminal 4 East: El Al

Unauthorized purchase or removal of antiquities, including pieces of archaeological sites, is forbidden.

Greece in southeast Europe on Mediterranean. Mainland consists of following regions:

Central Greece, Peloponnese, Thessaly (east/central), Epirus (west), Macedonia (north/northwest) & Thrace (northwest). Euboea, 2nd largest Greek island, lying to east of central region, also considered part of mainland region. Peloponnese peninsula separated from northern mainland by Isthmus of Corinth.

Northern mainland dissected by high mountains (such as Pindus) that extend south towards landscape of fertile plains, pine-forested uplands & craggy, scrub-covered foothills.

Islands account for 1/5 land area of country. Majority thickly clustered in Aegean between Greek & Turkish coasts.

Ionian Islands are exception; scattered along west coast in Ionian Sea. Aegean archipelago includes Dodecanese, lying off Turkish coast, of which Rhodes best known; Northeast Aegean group, including Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios, Samos & Ikaria; Sporades, off central mainland; & Cyclades, 39 islands - only 24 inhabited. 

Crete,  largest island, not included in any formal island grouping.

Eating Out in Greece

Greek restaurant & taverna food very simple, rarely involving sauces but with full use of local olive oil & charcoal grills. Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), Moussaka, Kebabs & Avgolemono (soup) found everywhere. Taramasalata & variety of seafood dishes, especially squid (Kalamari) or octopus, excellent. Salads with local cheese (Fetta) & fresh olive oil. Olives cheap & plentiful.

All restaurants have standard menu including availability & price of each dish.
Many restaurants also serve international dishes. Hours normally Noon-3 pm for lunch & 9 pm -midnight for dinner.

Tipping: In restaurants, rather confusing, but customary to leave some extra change for waiter & more for busboy. If not added to bill, give 10%-15%. Generally, menus in restaurants show prices with tip on one side & without tip on other. If unsure, ask. For taxis, round up fare to nearest Euro.

Entertainment & Night Life in Athens

 Greek nightlife centred in main towns & resorts with concerts & discos.

Nightclubs featuring Greek Bouzouki music extremely popular.

Casinos:  Mont Parnes Casino in Athens, Corfu Casino in Corfu & Casino at Grand Hotel Astir in Rhodes.

Greek  'Good Buys' include lace, jewellery, metalwork, pottery, garments & knitwear, furs, rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Regional specialities include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery from Skiros, Crete, Rhodes and the Ionian Islands, fur from Kastoria, alabaster from Crete & flokati rugs from Epirus region.

Athens - centre for luxury goods & local handicrafts. Flea markets in Monastiraki & Plaka, below Acropolis, all crowded in high season.

Unauthorized purchase or removal of antiquities, including pieces of archaeological sites, is forbidden.

Greece top highlights and attractions

• Delos Island
• Delphi and the Oracle
• Knossos, Crete
• Meteora and the hilltop monasteries
• Passports and Visas, Currency, Electrical, Airports and City guide
• Sailing the Greek Islands