Travel Advice for Greece

We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

There is an ongoing risk of terrorism in Europe. In recent years, terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities, such as Glasgow, London, Madrid and Moscow. Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners. In addition, a number of planned attacks have been disrupted by European security services, underscoring the continuing interest of terrorists in attacking European locations.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

Protests and strikes against recent economic and political developments in Greece are occurring frequently. Air, sea and rail transport services and taxis have all been disrupted by industrial action. Strikes, including by air traffic controllers, can occur with little warning. We recommend you monitor the media and be prepared to change your travel plans in case of disruptions. In the event that you are affected by transport disruptions, you should contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for assistance. For information on possible disruptions to flights you can contact Eleftherios Venizelos airport information on +30 210 3530000.

Australians are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent. Areas in Athens that have mainly been affected by demonstrations and riots include Syntagma Square, Monastiraki (tourist area) and Omonia.

For more information on strikes and demonstrations in Greece you can check the US Embassy Facebook page .

Groups opposed to the Greek Government, Greek institutions and Western commercial and diplomatic interests have bombed government, commercial and other buildings in Greece on several occasions. This included a serious bomb attack on a government building in December 2010. Such attacks have have resulted in death and/or injury. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.

Rioting can break out with little warning in Athens and other Greek cities, including Thessaloniki. Australians should be particularly vigilant during days of national or commemorative significance, as the likelihood of civil unrest may increase.

On 6 December 2008, the shooting of a teenager in Athens sparked a period of violent rioting. Protests have usually occurred on each anniversary of this incident. You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may become violent. Firebombs may be used by anarchist and other protest groups.

Crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, can take place in tourist areas and on public transport. Australians should exercise particular caution in the Omonia and Exarchia areas of central Athens.

You should exercise normal safety precautions when walking alone and avoid, where possible, secluded areas after dark. Tourists have been the victims of serious assault, including sexual assault, including in Athens and on the Greek Islands.

Before you travel, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as through credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority .

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

Australian /Greek dual nationals should be aware the Greek Government introduced a new series of passports in 2007 and old style Greek passports issued before 1 January 2006 ceased to be valid from midnight on 31 December 2006. Greek/Australian dual nationals should ensure that they travel on the new series of Greek Passports and/or a valid Australian passport. Holders of old-style Greek passports issued before 1 January 2006 should contact the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate if they wish to obtain a new Greek passport.

Australian/Greek dual national males, or those of Greek descent born outside of Greece, could be subject to compulsory military service and other obligations. Under the Greek Military Penal Code there are penalties for non-compliance. Adult male travellers who hold, or may be eligible for Greek citizenship, are strongly advised to seek further information and advice from the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate , well in advance of travel.

Our brochure on Dual Nationals provides further information for dual nationals.

Greece is in an active seismic zone. Information on natural disasters, including earthquakes and volcanic activity, can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service .

Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months in Greece (usually June to September), particularly in heavily forested regions. In the event of fire, updates in English are available from local authorities by calling +30 210 324 8098.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice and obey instructions of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page , Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council .

Be aware that all areas of Greece enforce a public quiet time between 3 pm and 6 pm for siesta. Police may be called to enforce this custom.