Greece

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Greece. 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[30] (210) 721-2951; US Embassy in Athens, 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens, Greece; https://gr.usembassy.gov/; athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

30

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 112, 166; Fire: 112, 199; Police: 112, 100

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Greece: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Currency (Code)

Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Plug Type CPlug Type F

Major Languages

Greek, English, French

Major Religions

Greek Orthodox, Muslim

Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Acropolis in Athens; Santorini; Mykonos; Delphi; Corfu beaches; Meteora Monasteries; Mycenae & Tiryns; Delos

Major Sports

Soccer, athletics (track and field), basketball, water polo

Cultural Practices

Greeks are warm and hospitable. When meeting someone for the first time, they shake hands firmly, smile, and maintain direct eye contact.

Tipping Guidelines

Check the bill first to see if a service charge has already been added. If not, round up to the nearest euro, or tip 5-10% of the final bill for exceptional service. Round up taxi fares. Tip porters 1-2 euros per bag and leave housekeeping 1-2 euros per day.

Souvenirs

Worry bead, coin, and blue bead jewelry; handwoven items, flokati rugs, copper ware, olive oil, honey, pottery, authentic and replica archeological items

Traditional Cuisine

Moussaka — layers of sautéed eggplant and/or potatoes and spicy ground lamb topped with Béchamel sauce and baked


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Saturday, April 06, 2024