Greece Travel Information Guide: Safety · Crime Rate · Health & Vaccinations Comprehensive Overview
Greece is a relatively safe travel destination where the vast majority of trips end without incident. However, pickpocketing and bag snatching persistently occur in Athens city center, subways, and tourist sites, and strikes, protests, and natural disasters (earthquakes, wildfires, heatwaves) can disrupt your schedule. This article compiles essential points to know before departure—covering politics, safety, health, transportation, and emergency contacts—all in one place.
Country Overview & Recent Background
- Political System: Parliamentary Republic (President is Head of State, Prime Minister is Head of Government).
- Recent Elections: In the June 2023 general election, New Democracy (ND) regained power with an absolute majority (158 seats). This was followed by opposition realignment (including Syriza electing a new leader).
- Overall Security: Opportunistic crimes targeting travelers (pickpocketing, theft) are most common. Particular caution is needed in crowded areas like Athens' Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki neighborhoods, and the metro lines towards the airport and Piraeus.
- Protests and Strikes: Greece experiences frequent regular strikes and large-scale protests. Sudden disruptions to ferry, metro, air, and road services are common; allow extra time for your schedule.
Major Risk Factors
Political and Civil Unrest
- Regular protests frequently occur in central Athens (especially Syntagma Square). Clashes and tear gas use have occurred in the past on traditional protest days like May 1st, November 17th, and December 6th. The principle is to avoid all gatherings and crowds where there is a potential risk of clashes.
Terrorism (Nature/Tendency)
- Similar to Western Europe, attacks by domestic far-left/anarchist-leaning groups using small explosives or arson are reported intermittently, rather than international terrorism. Foreign diplomatic missions, commercial facilities, and police are primary targets, but the possibility of collateral damage must be considered.
Crime (Key Patterns)
- Passport, wallet, and bag theft is common in subways and crowded tourist areas. When traveling, store valuables separately, keep a passport copy in a different place, and keep bags zipped and facing your front.
- In drinking areas (clubs/bars), preventing drink spiking is crucial. Never drink beverages offered by strangers.
- We recommend using ride-sharing apps (Uber/Free Now) and calling taxis in advance.
Natural Disasters & Weather
- Earthquakes, wildfires, heatwaves, and flash floods are frequent. Enable the Greek government's emergency text alert (112) to receive on-site warnings.
Medical & Health
- Medical Standards: Major hospitals on the mainland (Athens, Thessaloniki) are good, but small islands may experience delays in medical access and transport. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended.
- Mosquito-borne Diseases: Cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) are reported annually during summer. Wear long clothing, use DEET repellent, and follow outdoor mosquito avoidance guidelines.
- Drinking Water & Hygiene: Bottled water is recommended in remote islands and rural areas (check local water quality advisories).
- Always exercise caution when consuming seafood and salads.
- Vaccination Recommendations (General Guidance)
- Update DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid (for extended stays or frequent outdoor dining) — Consult your doctor based on personal medical history and itinerary.
Travel Infrastructure & Transportation Tips
- Strike/Protest Variables: Ferries, flights, and city rail may halt with same-day notice. Secure backup schedules and alternative routes.
- Traffic Characteristics: Significant driving manner deviations (ignoring speed limits/lanes). Weak pedestrian-first culture on roads—exercise caution when crossing. Renting bikes/ATVs requires mandatory helmet/license verification.
- ID: Police may require you to present your original passport (copies may be insufficient).
- Laws & Customs: Strict enforcement of indoor smoking bans and regulations on weapons/self-defense items (including pepper spray). Excessive drinking or disorderly conduct in bars/clubs may lead to summary arrest or fines.
Culture & Laws (Updated)
- LGBTQ+ Legislation: Greece legalized same-sex marriage in February 2024 and recognizes parental rights including adoption (surrogacy is restricted). Social acceptance varies regionally; it's safer to moderate your expression outside major cities.
Emergency Contacts & Emergency System
Greece operates both the EU unified emergency number 112 and traditional individual numbers. Save the standard system below.
- Unified Emergency: 112 (anywhere nationwide)
- Police: 100
- Ambulance (EKAV): 166
- Fire Department: 199
📌 Final Summary
✅ Politics: After the 2023 general election, ND holds a single-party majority → Overall stability, though protests and strikes remain constant variables.
✅ Terrorism: International terrorist threats are low, but cases of small explosive attacks by domestic far-left/anarchist groups exist → Exercise caution in crowded areas and near government institutions.
✅ Crime: Frequent pickpocketing and bag snatching in subways and crowded tourist areas → Distribute valuables, keep passport copies separate, carry bags in front, beware of drink spiking.
✅ Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, wildfires, heatwaves, floods → Set up mobile phone alerts for 112.
✅ Medical: Mainland hospitals are good, but transport delays possible in island regions → Insurance covering medical evacuation recommended.
✅ Infectious Diseases: Summer West Nile virus reports → Strictly follow mosquito avoidance rules.
✅ Transportation: Frequent strikes and disruptions to ferries/subways/flights → Allow extra time; rent bikes only with license and helmet.
✅ Culture & Laws: Same-sex marriage and adoption legalized (2024), surrogacy restricted, regional variations in social acceptance exist.
✅ Emergency Contacts: 112 (Integrated) / Police 100 · Ambulance 166 · Fire 199.
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