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TRAVEL REPORT
Greece

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (strikes).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Greece

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

24-hour general strikes have been taking place in Greece on a regular basis. Subsequent to government budget cuts, the strikes and demonstrations have increased and are expected to continue to occur throughout the summer months, possibly on short notice. Canadians are reminded to avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations as they can turn violent without notice. They should also follow the advice of local authorities at all times. Public transportation services and air transportation may be affected.

Since December 2008, there have been periodic bomb attacks by anarchists and ultra-leftist militant groups against the Greek state, Greek institutions, and Western commercial and diplomatic interests on the mainland, including in Athens and Thessaloniki. Several small-scale bomb and arson attacks occurred in urban areas in May, June, and July 2009, and in March 2010. To enhance public safety, police officers conduct patrols in subway stations, bus terminals, and other public places. 

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Pickpocketing, purse snatching, luggage theft, muggings, and other crimes occur in tourist areas and on public transport. Remain vigilant and do not show signs of affluence. After dark, do not walk in the Athens districts of Monastiraki or Omonia, or around the two railway stations of Larissa and Peloponissos. Avoid secluded areas, parks, and down-market bars and restaurants, especially after dark. Women are advised to remain vigilant and refuse rides from strangers or casual acquaintances. Sexual assaults have occurred, particularly on the islands.

Demonstrations and Strikes

Demonstrations frequently occur, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Canadians are reminded to avoid large public gatherings, as they can turn violent without notice. Canadians should remain informed of developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

Transportation strikes regularly affect the service of the national airline, city bus lines, and taxis. Travellers should reconfirm flight schedules ahead of time.

General Safety Information

Canadians should ensure that valuables, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

The emergency number for police, ambulance, fire, and coast guard services is 112. This 24-hour service for visitors is available in English and French. Tourist facilities are widely available.

Some border areas are militarily sensitive and should be avoided, including the North-Northwest zone.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Greek authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Greece. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Greece.

Canadians who intend to remain in Greece for more than three months should contact a Greek consulate in Canada before their departure to obtain the necessary visas. In cases where an overstay becomes necessary (e.g. for a serious medical reason), Canadians may be granted an extension of their stay from the Greek Aliens Police 10 to 15 days before the three months have expired (a fee applies). Those who plan to study or work must obtain a student visa or work permit prior to arrival in the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
Work Permit: Required

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Schengen Area

The member states of the European Union (EU) (not including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, and the United Kingdom), along with Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland (which are not in the EU), make up the Schengen Area, which has common rules regarding visas and controls at external borders. The following 25 countries comprise the Schengen Area: 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, Sweden, and Switzerland.

In the Schengen Area, Canadian travellers do not need visas for short-term visits (up to 90 days within a six-month period). The 90 days are cumulative and apply to travel within all countries of the Schengen Area. Some countries require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen Area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen Area.

If Canadians overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen Area, they may be fined or deported. To visit for longer than 90 days, Canadians must obtain a long-stay national visa.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

EU legislation on the amount of cash that can be carried was implemented on June 15, 2007. Canadians crossing one of the external border control points of the EU will have to make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if they have at least 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, or any other convertible assets in their possession. Failure to report such a sum will be considered an offence. This does not apply to Canadians travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering. For more information on the new EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, consult http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/customs_controls/cash_controls/index_en.htm.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Greece - ATHENS, Embassy of Canada
Address: 4, Ioannou Ghennadiou Street, 115 21 Athens, Greece
Tel.: 30 (210) 727-3400
Fax: 30 (210) 727-3480
E-Mail: athns-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Greece.gc.ca

Consular assistance is also available from the Consulate of Canada in Thessaloniki at the following address:

Greece - THESSALONIKI, Consulate of Canada
Address: 19, N. Kountouriotou Street, 546 24, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel.: 30 (2310) 256350
Fax: 30 (2310) 256351
E-Mail: petmezas_canada@thessalaw.gr
Internet: http://www.Greece.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Athens and follow the instructions You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa (call collect) at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is usually adequate but varies widely, and facilities are generally much better on the mainland than on the islands. In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation to a mainland hospital may be required.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 flu virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Greece are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Greece to request to be transferred to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Greek authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Carrying an illegal passenger in your vehicle, even without your knowledge, is a criminal offence in Greece. It is not advisable to travel with a hitchhiker.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. Persons found to be driving while intoxicated face a fine and/or detention.

Canadians with dual nationality or who are eligible for Greek citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Greek law. Holding dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should obtain a document certifying their status from the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic or one of its consulates in Canada prior to travel.

The Greek authorities impose severe penalties on individuals who engage in indecent behaviour, such as indecent exposure, especially when excessive alcohol consumption is involved.

Exportation of antiquities and archaeological items from Greece is subject to strict customs regulations. Canadians should contact the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in Ottawa for specific information.

Photography of military installations and personnel is prohibited. Offenders could be arrested and equipment confiscated. Ask permission before photographing individuals.

Foreigners are legally required to carry identification at all times.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road Travel

The traffic fatality rate in Greece is among the highest in the European Union. Poor driving standards, aggressive drivers, difficult terrain, and heavy traffic create hazards.

Using motorbikes, scooters, and mopeds is particularly dangerous, especially on the islands. Travellers must obtain insurance coverage. A helmet is a legal requirement. Stiff fines can be imposed for non-compliance.

Small, unlicensed rental agencies (especially on the islands) do not always offer vehicles that comply with up-to-date safety standards. Travellers should read the rental contract carefully.

In the event of an accident, the driver should wait until the police arrive; otherwise the insurance will not be valid.

Canadian drivers must carry a valid Canadian driver's licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Failure to carry these permits will result in heavy fines in the event of an accident.

Public Transportation

Accidents have occurred due to poor safety standards on regional buses and ferries. The use of reputable bus and ferry operators is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the euro (EUR). Credit cards and traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Greece is located in an active seismic zone. Travellers should follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an emergency.

Bush and forest fires are common from June to September. In case of a major fire, travellers should follow the advice of local emergency services personnel, stay away from affected areas, and dial +30 210 324 8098 to get updates on the situation. Travellers with respiratory ailments should take into account that the air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate rapidly due to heavy smoke. Canadians requiring assistance may contact the Embassy of Canada in Athens (see Section 5).

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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