Greece Travel Guide:

      Tourism Information

Greece: One of the Best  Tourist Destinations (three of four globes)

Greece is steeped in history and tradition.  From its geographical setting in the eastern Mediterranean, along its unending coastline and surrounding seas dotted with thousands of islands, Greece is a destination filled with history, beauty, and culture. A trip to Greece allows the traveler a chance to see numerous places that created the threads in the fabric of western civilization.

1. Greece is a destination that has much to offer for both land touring and ocean cruising.  In part, the visitor will be drawn to Athens but traveling the countryside and the islands reveal the true wonders of Greece.  Greece is not a destination that should be rushed.  Take your time, experience the culture, and revel in the glories of a spectacularly interesting country.



2. Greece is a good place for independent travel.



3. ThereArePlaces recommended travel destinations for Greece can be found at Greece: Places To Visit.



4. Additional information on travel in Greece can be found at the country's official tourism website  www.gnto.gr .



5. When planning your travel, be sure to review the ThereArePlaces Travel Planning Guides for insights on how  to "travel well" and "travel safe".

Overall, Greece is a safe travel destination for tourists.

1. No official health advisories, travel advisories, or specific terrorism warnings for Greece have been posted by the U.S. Government at this time.  Before you depart, always check with the Department of State  and CDC to insure that these conditions have not changed.  In addition, you will find that the     Foreign & Commonwealth Office  of the British Government provides excellent travel advisories.



2. The State Department's Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-202-501-4444 .



3. There are domestic radical organizations that engage in violent acts in Greece. These activities in general have been against economic and Greek government targets, although recent activity suggests that foreign interests are also potential targets. On January 12, 2007, at 5:55 AM, the domestic terrorist group Revolutionary Struggle fired a rocket-propelled grenade at the U.S. Embassy. There was minor damage, and no injuries.
   
   
4. Civil disorder is rare, although strikes and demonstrations are a regular occurrence. There have been recent incidents in Athens and Thessaloniki, however, in which unruly protestors engaged in aggressive confrontations with the police, often in areas frequented by tourists. Riot control procedures often include the use of tear gas.    Visitors should keep abreast of news about large demonstrations and avoid places where demonstrators frequently congregate, such as the Polytechnic University area, and Exarchion and Syntagma, Squares in Athens (near the U.S. Embassy) Squares, and Aristotle Square in Thessaloniki.



5. When visiting a foreign country, avoid public demonstrations (whatever the cause) and do not broadcast either your public opinions or your nationality.



6. Greece has a adopted the Single European Emergency call number  (112 )that should be used in case of  life threatening emergency.  Calls are answered in Greek, English, and French.
  If you should have problems with the 112 number, call 100 for Police, 199 for Fire and 166 for an ambulance.


7. The U.S. Embassy in Athens is located at 91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, tel: (30)(210) 721-2951. The U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki is located at Plateia Commercial Center, 43 Tsimiski Street, 7th floor, tel: (30)(2310) 242-905. The Embassy's web site is http://athens.usembassy.gov/

   See our article on how U.S. Counsels can help Americans abroad.

   The e-mail address for the Consular Section is athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov.

A passport with at least three months validity is required to enter Greece, but no visa is needed for tourist or business stays of up to three months (that period begins when entering any of the following countries which are parties to the Schengen agreement: Austria, Belgium,  the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,  Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia Spain, and Sweden).

For other entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Greece at 2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-5800, or Greek consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, Tampa and Greek embassies and consulates around the world. Additional information is available at http://www.greekembassy.org.

If you do not have a passport, see our article on the Ins and Outs of Passports.  Other important travel documents, including visas are covered in our Information Guide on Passport, Visas, Customs.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parents or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure

In addition to being subject to all Greek laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Greek citizens. Greek males between the ages of 20 and 45 are required by Greek law to perform military service. This applies to any individual whom the Greek authorities consider  Greek, regardless of whether or not the individual considers himself Greek, has a foreign citizenship and passport, or was born or lives outside of Greece. If remaining in Greece for more than the 90-day period permitted for tourism or business, men of Greek descent may be prevented from leaving Greece until they complete their military obligations.

In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information, please see the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at
http://travel.state.gov for an explanation of dual nationality issues. U.S. citizens who are also citizens of 
any other nation are reminded that U.S. law requires they enter and
depart the United States documented as U.S. citizens.

Before you travel, read our articles on Pickpockets, Con Artists, and ATM safety in the ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Personal Safety for travelers.

Petty theft in Greece, especially purse-snatching and pick-pocketing, appears to be on the rise at popular tourist sites and on crowded public transportation, particularly on the Athens Metro.

Reports of date or acquaintance rape have also increased, with most of the offenses occurring in the Greek Islands, often initiated by fellow travelers. The usual safety precautions practiced in any urban or tourist area ought to be practiced during a visit to Greece.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of any crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members of friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution for the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney

2.  Greek customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the export from Greece of antiquities, including rocks from archaeological sites. Penalties range from large fines to prison terms. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Greece in Washington or one of Greece's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

3.  Labor strikes in the transportation sector (national airline, city bus lines, and taxis) occur frequently. Most are announced in advance and are of short duration. Reconfirmation of domestic and international flight reservations is highly recommended.

4.  The Government of Greece does not permit the photographing of military installations. In 2001, several British and other nationals who photograph military aircraft as a hobby were arrested while taking photographs of aircraft taking off and landing at a military base. Although they were eventually acquitted, the Embassy strongly recommends against participating in such activities.

5.  Small motorbike rental firms frequently do not insure their vehicles; customers are responsible for damages and should review their coverage before renting.

6.  Users of public transportation in Athens should be sure to buy the appropriate ticket and to validate it correctly, mindful that the metro line to the airport is more expensive than other bus and metro services and that ticket inspectors circulate among passengers assuring compliance with ticketing regulations. Fines are heavy for passengers without tickets or with the wrong ticket.

7.  The Greek islands are extremely popular tourist destinations in the summer months.  With overall tourist numbers markedly up since the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and with an increased emphasis on ferryboat safety reducing the total number of vessels in daily inter-island service, airline tickets and ferryboat berths to the Aegean Greek islands can be hard to come by in July and August without prior arrangements.  Visitors to Greece are urged to book their island travel in these months as early as possible.  There are numerous local travel agencies that can provide such bookings; the agents usually speak English and the costs are no higher than if dealing with the carriers directly

8.  ThereArePlaces makes every attempt to ensure that the travel information we present to you is current. Before you depart, be sure to check with official government sources to determine the status of critical information relating to a particular county.

While driving in Greece, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Greece is provided for general reference only and may not be accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Speed Limits in Greece:

1. Built-up areas - 50 km/h
2. Outside Built up areas (including  dual carriageways) - 90 or 110  km/h (as posted)
3. Motorways - 120 km/h

Our information on speed limits is as current as possible. Always confirm the speed limits with your rental car agent and observe the posted speeds limits whenever and wherever you drive.

Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the provisions of their rental contracts.  Failure to do so could result in fines or confiscation of the car during your travels.  Make sure that you are familiar with the terms, restrictions and costs related to your car rental (see our article on Rental Car Costs).

Use of mobile telephones while driving is against the law in most European countries.  The fine for violating laws against the use of mobile phone while driving is significant.  If you need to use your mobile phone while on the road, stop your car in a designated parking area and place your call.

ThereArePlaces recommends that you do not drink and drive.  In most foreign countries, especially in Europe and the UK, the maximum permitted blood alcohol levels are lower than those enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant. See our article on drinking and driving in foreign countries  for more information.

There are a number of nationwide auto-service clubs and plans similar to those in the U.S., that provide towing and roadside service, which a tourist can call and pay for per service. The largest, quite similar to AAA, is ELPA, nation-wide phone number 10400.

Visitors to Greece must be prepared to drive defensively. Drivers and pedestrians alike should exercise extreme caution when operating motor vehicles or when walking along roadways. Heavy traffic and poor highways pose hazards, especially at night or during inclement weather. Extreme care is warranted in operating a motorbike.

Tourists who rent motorbikes either on the Greek mainland or its islands must wear helmets and take special precautions on local roads that are typically poorly maintained and frequently pothole-ridden.

• The majority of U.S. citizen traffic casualties in Greece have involved motorbikes, and Greece leads the European Union in motorcycle deaths.

Drivers must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international driver's permit (IDP). Failure to have both documents may result in police detention or other problems. The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver's licenses: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

• Issuance of an IDP is quick, easy, and inexpensive, but must generally be done before a traveler leaves the United States. Vehicles may not properly be rented without the IDP, although sometimes they are.
• A driver without one, however, will be penalized for failure to have one in the event of an accident, and may be open to civil suit as well. Fines are high.
• Small motorbike rental firms frequently do not insure their vehicles; customers are responsible for damages and should review their coverage before renting.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet home page at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html.

For specific information concerning Greek driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Greek National Tourism Office via the Internet at http://www.gnto.gr.

Medical facilities, are adequate and some, particularly the private clinics and hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki, are quite good. Some private hospitals have affiliations with U.S. facilities, and often their staff doctors have been trained in U.S. or other international teaching institutions: English is not as widely spoken as might be expected.

Public medical clinics, especially on the islands, may lack resources; care there is often inadequate for American standards and often, little English is spoken.

Many patients, Greeks and visitors alike, are transferred from the provinces and islands to Athens hospitals for more sophisticated care. Others may choose to transfer from a public to a private hospital within Athens. Americans choosing to do so would arrange for an ambulance belonging to the private hospital to transport them from the public hospital to the private one. The cost of the ambulance for this transfer, as well as all expenses in a private hospital, must be borne by the patient.

It is not uncommon for doctors and patients to smoke in the wards, although the newer hospitals are increasingly strict on this matter.

Nursing care, particularly in public hospitals, may be less than adequate. For special or through-the-night nursing care, it is suggested that a private nurse be hired or a family member or friend be available to assist. One parent or a private nurse should always plan to stay with a hospitalized child on a 24-hour basis, as even the best hospitals generally maintain only a minimal nursing staff from midnight to dawn on non-emergency floors or wards

We strongly urge you to consult your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, you should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing medical service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your departure, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.

Your existing medical insurance carrier may cover "customary and reasonable" medical care while you are abroad. Usually, if reimbursement is provided, it is paid at a reduced rate (due to the use of an "out of system" provider). Check with your insurance carrier before you depart to determine the type and amount of coverage that may be provided. If coverage is provided, be sure to ask how claims should be filed and ask them to send some claim forms, in case you require any medical treatment while on vacation.

Read our article on  travel insurance to learn the factors that you should consider before you purchase or decline to purchase a travel related insurance policy.

The Department of State provides useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, in its  brochure “Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,” available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. 

 ThereArePlaces Information Guide on Health contains valuable health related advice for the traveler considering a trip abroad.