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

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

The host often gives the first toast at Greek meals, but an honored guest should return the favor later on in the evening.

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, November 09, 2022