Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Greece. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
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
See WHO recommendations
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
Major Languages
Greek, English, French
Major Religions
Greek Orthodox 81 - 90%, Muslim 2%
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: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
