U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520 Consular Information Sheet

Greece

April 28, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Greece is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required, but no visa is needed for tourist or business stays of up to three months. For other entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Greece at 2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-1300, or Greek consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco, and Greek embassies and consulates around the world. Additional information is available at http://www.greekembassy.org.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Greek laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Greek citizens. Greek males between the ages of 20 and 45 are required by Greek law to perform military service. This applies to any individual whom the Greek authorities consider to be Greek, regardless of whether or not the individual considers himself Greek, has a foreign citizenship and passport, or was born or lives outside of Greece. If remaining in Greece for more than the 90-day period permitted for tourism or business, men of Greek descent may be prevented from leaving Greece until they complete their military obligations. Generally, obligatory non-voluntary military service in Greece will not affect US citizenship. Specific questions on this subject should be addressed to the citizenship section of the US Embassy in Athens. For additional general information, see the Citizenship and Nationality section of the Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. For additional information regarding military service requirements, contact the nearest Greek embassy or consulate as listed above.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Greece shares with the rest of the world an increased threat of transnational terrorism. Civil disorder is rare, although strikes and demonstrations are a regular occurrence. Major international public events in Greece, such as the upcoming Olympic Games, are likely to draw significant numbers of protestors, and the possibility of protestor violence is heightened during these events. Visitors should keep abreast of news about large demonstrations and avoid places where demonstrators frequently congregate, such as the Polytechnical University area, and Exarchion, Omonia, Syntagma, and Mavili (near the U.S. Embassy) Squares, and Aristotle Square in Thessaloniki, at such times. In 2003, Greek authorities made significant progress toward combating domestic terrorism with the trial and conviction of the leader and key hit men of the “November 17” group. Other domestic groups continue to pose a threat to American interests in Greece. Of special concern are the Greek and international anarchist groups which have targeted U.S. commercial interests with small explosive devices in the past and may continue sporadic attacks and participate in demonstration activity during the 2004 Olympics.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIME: Crime against tourists (purse-snatchings, pick-pocketing) is on the rise at popular tourist sites and on crowded public transportation, particularly in Athens. Reports of date or acquaintance rape have also increased, with most of the offenses occurring on the islands. The usual safety precautions practiced in any urban or tourist area ought to be practiced during a visit to Greece.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities, are adequate, and some, particularly the private clinics and hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki, are quite good. Some private hospitals have affiliations with U.S. facilities, and generally their staff doctors have been trained in U.S. or other international teaching institutions. However, English is not as widely spoken as might be expected. Public medical clinics, especially on the islands, may lack resources; care there is often inadequate for American standards and often, little English is spoken. Many patients, Greeks and visitors alike, are transferred from the provinces and islands to Athens hospitals for more sophisticated care. Others may choose to transfer from a public to a private hospital within Athens. Americans choosing to do so would arrange for an ambulance belonging to the private hospital to transport them from the public hospital to the private one. The cost of the ambulance for this transfer, as well as all expenses in a private hospital, must be borne by the patient. It is not uncommon for doctors and patients to smoke in the wards, although the newer hospitals are increasingly strict on this matter.

Nursing care, particularly in public hospitals, may be less than adequate. For special or through-the-night nursing care, it is suggested that a private nurse be hired or a family member or friend be available to assist. One parent or a private nurse should always plan to stay with a hospitalized child on a 24-hour basis, as even the best hospitals generally maintain only a minimal nursing staff from midnight to dawn on non-emergency floors or wards.

According to the Greek government, all of the 12 designated “Olympic Hospitals” will be required to have English-speaking staff. The government is actively implementing plans to upgrade many hospitals, develop mobile medical units, purchase new equipment, and improve emergency and trauma response capacities.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299, or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Greece is provided for general reference only and may not be accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair and improving.

There are a number of nationwide auto-service clubs and plans similar to those in the U.S., that provide towing and roadside service, which a tourist can call and pay for per service. The largest, quite similar to AAA, is ELPA, nation-wide phone number 10400.

Visitors to Greece must be prepared to drive defensively. Drivers and pedestrians alike should exercise extreme caution when operating motor vehicles or when walking along roadways. Heavy traffic and poor highways pose hazards, especially at night. Extreme care is warranted in operating a motorbike. Moreover, tourists who rent motorbikes either on the Greek mainland or its islands must wear helmets and take special precautions on local roads that are typically poorly maintained and frequently pothole-ridden. The majority of U.S. citizen traffic casualties in Greece have involved motorbikes, and Greece leads the European Union in motorcycle deaths.

Drivers must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international driver's permit (IDP). Failure to have both documents may result in police detention or other problems. The U.S. Department of State has authorized two organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver's licenses: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. Issuance of an IDP is quick, easy, and inexpensive, but must generally be done before a traveler leaves the United States. Vehicles may not properly be rented without the IDP, although sometimes they are. A driver without one, however, will be penalized for failure to have one in the event of an accident, and may be open to civil suit as well. Fines are high. Small motorbike rental firms frequently do not insure their vehicles; customers are responsible for damages and should review their coverage before renting.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Greek driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Greek National Tourism Office via the Internet at http://www.gnto.gr.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Greek Government's civil aviation authority as Category 2 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Greek air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, the Greek air carriers currently flying to the U.S. will be subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional flights or new service to the U.S. by Greek air carriers will be permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. In addition, DOD does not permit its personnel to use air carriers from Category 2 countries for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the United States. Local exceptions may apply. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Greek customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the export from Greece of antiquities, including rocks from archaeological sites. Penalties range from large fines to prison terms. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Greece in Washington, or one of Greece 's consulates in the United States, for specific information regarding customs requirements. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm.

Customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call 212-354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Greek laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Greece are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the U.S., for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to exploit children sexually via pornography, the Internet or other means or to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Labor strikes in the transportation sector (national airline, city bus lines, and taxis) occur frequently. Most are announced in advance and are of short duration. Reconfirmation of domestic and international flight reservations is highly recommended.

The Government of Greece does not permit the photographing of military installations. In 2001, several British and other nationals who photograph military aircraft as a hobby were arrested while taking photographs of aircraft taking off and landing at a military base. Although they were eventually acquitted, the Embassy strongly recommends against participating in such activities.

The 2004 Olympic Summer Games will be held in Athens from August 13-29 (with soccer matches in Thessaloniki, Volos, Patras and Heraklion, and the shot put event in ancient Olympia ), and the Paralympic Games will run September 17-28. Particularly for the month of August, visitors to Athens will find that it is not business as usual. Hotel rooms will be extremely difficult to find and considerably more expensive; traffic, especially along designated Olympics routes, may be disrupted and unpredictable; and security measures will be enhanced, possibly slowing access to various public facilities, events, and attractions. It is essential for visitors planning to attend the Games or be in Greece during August and September 2004 make special efforts to arrange accommodations and transportation in advance of their trip.

That said, it will also be an exciting time to be in Greece, with the return of the Olympic Games to their country of origin. In addition to the actual Olympic competition events, there will be numerous cultural and civic events throughout Greece. Public transportation systems in the capital, recently upgraded and expanded, will run 24-hours-a-day and will be free to Olympic venues for ticket holders.

The Embassy's web site at http://www.usembassy.gr has a direct link to the Embassy's Olympics web page, available directly at http://www.usembassy.gr/olympics/index.html, which itself has a link directly to the general Olympic Games web site.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE: People traveling in Greece who do not speak Greek may call 112 if they require emergency services. This is a 24-hour toll-free number, designed especially for visitors. Callers will be able to receive information in English and French (as well as Greek) and to request assistance from, or be connected directly to, ambulance services, the fire department, the police, and the coast guard.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) call center at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Greece are encouraged to register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate General and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Greece. The U.S. Embassy in Athens is located at 91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, tel: 30-210-721-2951. The U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki is located at Plateia Commercial Center, 43 Tsimiski Street, 7th floor, tel: (30)(2310) 242-905. The Embassy's web site is http://www.usembassy.gr. The Embassy's web site has link to the Embassy's Olympics web page, available directly at http://www.usembassy.gr/olympics/index.html. The e-mail address for the Consular Section is athensconsul@state.gov. The U.S. Consulate's web site addresses are http://www.usconsulate.gr. The e-mail address for the U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki is amcongen@compulink.gr.

* * *

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 20, 2003, to add or update sections on Safety and Security, Crime, Medical Facilities, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties, Special Circumstances, Emergency Assistance, and Registration/Embassy and Consulate Location.

Return to Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings Page