Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations and strikes in Athens are a common occurrence due to austerity measures imposed by the government. Demonstrations and marches occur primarily in the centre of Athens, in Syntagma Square and in front of the Parliament building. There is heightened potential for demonstrations due to Greece's financial situation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and stay away from areas where they can occur, as they may turn violent without notice. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
 
Demonstrations and strikes affecting public health services and transportation services, such as flights, trains, buses, taxi, metro, ferries and cruise ships, are usually announced in advance through local media. However, road closures may occur with short notice, particularly in Athens. Strike action could disrupt airport, ferry and rail operations and may make access to airports and seaports difficult. Contact your travel provider to check the status of your departure and allow plenty of time to make your way to the airport or seaport.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, schools, places of worship and airports and other transportation hubs. Exercise caution if attending sporting events, religious holiday celebrations and other public festivities. Remain vigilant at all times, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

There have been periodic bomb attacks by anarchists and ultra-leftist militant groups against the Greek state, Greek institutions and Western commercial and diplomatic interests on the mainland, including in Athens and Thessaloniki. Several bomb and arson attacks have occurred in urban areas. To enhance public safety, police officers patrol subway stations, bus terminals and other public places. There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Greece. Exercise normal security precautions.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and luggage theft, occurs in tourist areas and on public transportation, including the trains to and from Athens International Airport. In Athens, do not walk in the Monastiraki and Omonia districts or, after dark, around the Larissa and Peloponissos railway/bus stations. Avoid secluded areas, parks and down-market bars and restaurants. Remain vigilant at all times.

Fraud

To avoid being a victim of fraud, use automated banking machines (ABMs) located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN and check any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

See Overseas Fraud for more information on scams abroad.

Woman's safety

Women should not accept rides from strangers or casual acquaintances. There have been reports of sexual assaults against foreigners, particularly on the islands.

See Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information for Canadian women.

Road safety

The traffic fatality rate in Greece is among the highest in the European Union (EU). Poor driving standards, aggressive drivers, difficult terrain and heavy traffic create hazards.

Driving motorbikes, scooters and mopeds is particularly dangerous, especially on the islands.

Small, unlicensed rental agencies (especially on the islands) do not always offer vehicles that comply with up-to-date safety standards. Read the rental contract carefully.

In the event of an accident, wait for police to arrive; an accident insurance claim may not be valid without a police report.

Public transportation and ferries

Public transportation is reliable. Metered taxis are widely available; however, there are fixed rates for transportation to and from Athens International Airport.

Accidents have occurred due to poor safety standards on regional buses and ferries. Use reputable bus and ferry operators.

Ferries between mainland Greece and its islands meet European safety standards.

Consult the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s Visit Greece by sea for additional information on travel by ferry.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

General safety information

Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your travel documents are up to date and that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence and avoid carrying large sums of cash on your person.

Tourist facilities are widely available.

Some border areas are militarily sensitive and should be avoided, including the north-northwest zone.

There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Greek authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Canadians of Macedonian ancestry have encountered difficulties when travelling to or through Greece. Any such difficulty should be reported to the Embassy of Canada to Greece in Athens.

Greek border officials will not place an entry stamp on a Canadian passport if the birth place of the bearer is indicated as Macedonia. If this applies to you, you will be required to fill out a separate form, which will be stamped for entry. This form must be kept along with your passport for the duration of your stay, including if travelling to other countries within the Schengen area.

Passport

Greece is a Schengen area country. Upon arrival, Canadians are required to present a passport that must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the Schengen area. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*

Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*

Work visa: Required

Student visa: Required

* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to remain in Greece for more than 90 days. Contact the Embassy of Greece in Canada prior to travel to obtain the necessary visas. In cases where an over stay becomes necessary (for example, for a serious medical reason), you may be granted an extension of stay from the Greek aliens police; apply at least 15 days before your three-month visa has expired.

Schengen area

Canadians do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa prior to travel. For more information, see Schengen area.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical care is usually adequate but varies widely; facilities are generally much better on the mainland than on the islands. Medical evacuation to a mainland hospital may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury. Make sure you have travel health insurance that covers all medical expenses for illness or injury (including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation).

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Canada and Greece are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Greece to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Greek authorities.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Greece. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Greek citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Greek passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Canadians with dual citizenship or who are eligible for Greek citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Greek law. Canadians should obtain a document certifying their status from the Embassy of Greece prior to travel.

Identification

You must carry adequate photo identification, such as a passport or residency permit, at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Illegal activities

Local authorities will impose severe penalties on individuals who engage in indecent behaviour, such as indecent exposure, especially when excessive alcohol consumption is involved.

Photography of military installations and personnel is prohibited. Offenders could be arrested and have their equipment confiscated. Ask permission before photographing individuals.

Driving

You must carry a valid Canadian driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit. Failure to carry these permits will result in heavy fines in the event of an accident.

Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.24 percent. Impaired drivers could face immediate detention and convicted offenders can expect fines and jail sentences.

Carrying an illegal alien in your vehicle, even without your knowledge, is a criminal offence. It is not advisable to travel with a hitchhiker.

Drivers must obtain insurance coverage.

A helmet is a legal requirement for the operator and passenger on a motorcycle or scooter. Non-compliance could result in stiff fines.

Additional information regarding road safety can be found on the European Commission’s Mobility and Transport website.

Exports

Exporting antiquities and archaeological items from Greece is subject to strict customs regulations. Contact the Embassy of Greece to Canada in Ottawa for specific information.

Money

The currency of Greece is the euro (EUR).

Credit cards and traveller’s cheques in U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Automated banking machines are widely available. Carry cash at all times, as it remains the preferred method of payment in many establishments.

For information regarding the developing financial situation in Greece, visit the Greek Ministry of Finance website (updates in Greek only) or monitor local and international news. Capital controls have been imposed until further notice. Plan to have more than one means of payment (cash, debit cards, credit cards) and ensure that you have enough cash to cover travel expenses.

When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union, you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU country sites, visit the European Commission’s cash controls website.

Natural disasters & climate

Greece is located in an active seismic zone. In the event of an earthquake-related emergency, follow the instructions of local authorities.

Floods may occur during the spring and winter months throughout the country. Exercise caution, monitor media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Bush and forest fires are common from June to September. In case of a major fire, stay away from affected areas, follow the advice of local emergency services personnel and monitor local media. From Greece, dial (210) 324 8098 to get updates on the situation. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and affect travellers with respiratory ailments.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Athens and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.