Travelling to Greece

Greece is part of the European Union and the Schengen area. Here is what you need to know.

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Since October 2025 non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area are registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), with fingerprints and a photo taken at the border on first entry. A separate travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, ETIAS, is due to follow: check the official EU website before travelling. Airlines and ferry companies always ask for valid ID at boarding.

Health

• EU citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives access to necessary care in Greek public facilities; UK residents can use the GHIC.
• Small islands only have health centres (kentro ygeias); serious emergencies are transferred by helicopter or ship. Travel insurance including medical repatriation is strongly recommended.
• Pharmacies, marked with a green cross, are well stocked and pharmacists are a good first port of call. There is always a duty pharmacy open.
• In summer protect yourself from sun and heat: drink plenty and avoid hiking in the middle of the day.

Money

The currency is the euro. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including tavernas and taxis, and businesses must accept electronic payment. On smaller islands and in villages keep some cash. ATMs are widespread; some private operators charge high fees.

Phones and internet

EU SIM cards roam at no extra cost. Others should check roaming charges or buy a local SIM or eSIM (Cosmote, Vodafone, Nova). Wi-fi is free in almost all hotels, cafés and restaurants. Greece's country code is +30.

Driving in Greece

• Drive on the right. EU licences are valid; others may need an International Driving Permit alongside their licence.
• Car hire usually requires drivers aged 21+ with a licence held for at least a year, and often a credit card.
• Main roads and toll motorways are good, but on islands and in mountains roads can be narrow, steep and winding, with goats on the road.
• Limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 on rural roads, 130 on motorways unless signed otherwise. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, lower for new drivers and motorcyclists.
• Helmets are compulsory on motorbikes and scooters, and fines are heavy. Many rental insurance policies do not cover damage on dirt roads.

Tourist tax

Since 2025 Greece charges a climate resilience fee per room per night, paid to the accommodation. From April to October it ranges from €2 in 1-2 star hotels to €15 in 5-star hotels and villas; short-term rentals pay €8 (€15 for houses over 80 m²). From November to March it is much lower. Campsites and hostels are exempt. Cruise passengers pay a landing fee, rising in summer to €20 on Santorini and Mykonos.

Useful information

Safety

Greece is a safe country. In crowded parts of Athens, on the metro and on transport to Piraeus watch out for pickpockets. In summer the main risks are wildfires and heat: obey bans on entering forests and trails, never light fires, and pay attention to 112 emergency alerts, which send evacuation warnings in English too. Check your government's travel advice before leaving.

Travelling with pets

Dogs and cats can enter Greece from the EU with a pet passport, microchip and valid rabies vaccination; animals from outside the EU need an animal health certificate. Carriers' rules vary; many ferries have kennels or pet-friendly cabins.

See also getting to Greece, when to go and the phrasebook.