Greece guide
General Information for Visitors to Greece
Passports
EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to Greece. This can be a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable.
Visas
An entry visa is not required by EU nationals
Health Requirements/Care
There are currently no vaccination certificates required for entry into Greece, however
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt.
UK nationals are entitled to free emergency medical treatment providing they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them (this has replaced the old E111). For emergencies, ring 166 (public ambulance).
Climate
Mainland Greece and the islands enjoy a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often tempered by breezes. Athens can be stiflingly hot, so visitors should allow time to acclimatize. The evenings are cooler. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. November to March is the rainy season.
Language
Greek is the official language, although English is widely spoken.
Time Zone
GMT + 2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
What Clothes to Take
Pack lightweight clothes during summer months, including protection from the midday sun and take light sweaters for cooler evenings. Waterproofs are advised for autumn.
Food and Drink
Eating in Greece can be a wonderful experience, with local dishes and wines to enjoy. Restaurant and taverna food tends to be very simple, rarely involving sauces but with full use of local olive oil and charcoal grills. Hotels cater for all nationalities and tastes and generally offer local cuisine as a option. Bottled water is available and is advised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat.
First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit is useful and could contain plasters, antiseptic cream, anti-insect cream (before and after) and sunburn lotion. Stomach upsets are not uncommon in warmer climates and many visitors carry preparations to combat diarrhoea.
Valuables
When travelling, it is best to avoid bringing valuables such as jewellery. Observe sensible precautions – use safety deposit boxes in hotels for passports and money and take care of your handbag or wallet when in crowded areas.
Getting About
Taxis are cheap by UK standards and readily available, however many tourists choose to use the public buses, particularly on the islands.
It is both cheap and easy to travel around the islands. There are ferry services (website: www.greekferries.gr) on many routes, with services most frequent during the summer.
Best Buys
Special purchases include lace, jewellery, metalwork, pottery, knitwear, rugs, leather goods, local wines and spirits. Athens is the centre for luxury goods and local handicrafts. The Sunday morning flea market in Monastiraki, below the Acropolis, is crowded in high season. Regional specialities include silver from Ioannina, ceramics from Sifnos and Skopelos, embroidery and lace from Crete, the Ionian Islands, Rhodes and Skiros, alabaster from Crete and flokati rugs from the Epirus region.
Useful Addresses:
Embassy of Greece (Hellas) in the UK
1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP, UK
Tel: (020) 7229 3850 or 7221 6467 (visa section) or 09065 508 983 (24-hour visa information line).
Website: www.greekembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300.
Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) in the UK
4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ, UK
Tel: (020) 7495 9300.
Website: www.gnto.co.uk
