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Country Specific Information Greece

K
Karol Castaneda

Greece provides essential country-specific information for US citizens on their travel advisory website. The document outlines key facts about Greece, including that it is party to the Hague Abduction Convention. Details are given about the US Embassy in Athens and Consulate in Thessaloniki, including contact information. Requirements for entry into Greece are explained, such as needing a passport valid for 6 months and proof of funds. Safety concerns discussed include the risk of terrorist attacks, violent demonstrations, and crime. Local laws on drugs, antiquities, traffic violations, and required identification documents are also summarized.

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Country Specific Information Greece https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/greece.html
Quick Facts
List Party to the Hague Abduction Convention? Yes U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention? Yes Embassies and Consulates Destination Description Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements Safety and Security Local Laws & Special Circumstances Travel & Transportation For more information, please visit the website at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/greece.html
Embassies and Consulates1
Embassy Athens Address: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens, Greece Telephone: +(30)(210) 721-2951 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(30)(210) 729-4444 or +(30)(210) 729-4301 Fax: +(30)(210) 724-5313 Email: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
Consulate General Thessaloniki Address: Plateia Commercial Center 43 Tsimiski Street, 7th floor,546 23 Thessaloniki Telephone: +(30)(2310) 242-905 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(30)(210) 729-4444 or +(30)(210) 729-4301 Fax: +(30)(2310) 242-927 Email: usconsulate@state.gov
Embassies and Consulates All regular consular services for U.S. citizens, including passports, notarials, and reports of birth and death abroad, are provided at the U.S. Embassy in Athens. There are limited periodic appointment opportunities throughout the year in Thessaloniki for routine consular services. Please check the U.S. Embassy in Athens website periodically for information on the next consular outreach trip to the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki. (https://athens.usembassy.gov/warden_messages.html )
Destination Description2 See the Department of States Fact Sheet on Greece for information on U.S.-Greece relations. (https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3395.htm )
Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements3
Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements. Visit the Embassy of Greece website for the most current visa information. (http://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy ) Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet. (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact- sheet.html )
Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements For entry into Greece, your passport should have at least six months of remaining validity. You need proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. You may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. U.S. Official and Diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa prior to arrival. You will not be allowed to enter Greece without a visa. If you are a U.S. citizen born in the Republic of Macedonia, your U.S. passport should be recognized as a valid travel document. Be aware: Greek Immigration Officers at all ports of entry (land, air, and sea) will not place entry stamps in passports listing the travelers place of birth as Macedonia or the Republic of Macedonia. You will be asked to complete a short form on which the entry stamp will be placed. Keep the form with your passport while you are in Greece and present it upon departure.
Safety and Security4
Safety and Security Greece has been the scene of domestic terrorist incidents as recently as 2015. Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possibly near term attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. Greeces open borders with other Schengen zone countries, as well as its long coastline and many islands, could permit terrorist groups to enter or transit the country with anonymity.
Strikes and Demonstrations: Domestic strikes, demonstrations, and work stoppages are common throughout Greece. Even demonstrations and strikes intending to be peaceful can become violent. Stay informed about demonstrations from local news sources and hotel security. Anarchists and criminals have used university campuses as refuges. Demonstrators frequently congregate in the Polytechnic University area; Exarchia, Omonia, and Syntagma Squares in Athens; and at Aristotle Square, Aristotle University, and the Kamara area in Thessaloniki. Violent anarchist groups have joined public demonstrations to clash with police and vandalize public and private property.
Harassment of U.S. Citizens and Violent Crime: U.S. citizens have reported unprovoked harassment and violent attacks against persons who appear to be foreign migrants. U.S. citizens of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Middle Eastern descent are at most risk. Exercise caution, especially in the immediate vicinity of Omonia and Exarchia Squares in Athens after dark. Greek authorities have detained African-American U.S. citizens during sweeps for illegal immigrants in Athens.
Crime: You should take the following precautions: Do not leave bags unattended, especially on the Metro and on the train to and from the Athens Airport. Be discreet when discussing plans and organizing your belongings upon arrival. Thieves are active on public transportation. Avoid standing near the doors on public transportation, as thieves will often strike just as the train/bus doors open and then dash onto the platform and disappear into the crowd. Never leave your drink unattended in a bar or club. Drink alcohol in moderation and stay in control. Protect yourself and your money at automated teller machines (ATM). Only use ATMs located inside a bank or hotel. Do not use ATMs located in dark or isolated areas. Grandparent Scams - Thieves target elderly citizens in the United States to convince them to wire money to assist a relative (often a grandchild) in distress overseas.
Victims of Crime: Report crime to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+30) 210-720-2414 or the Emergency after-hours telephone : (+30)210-729-4444. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport
Local Laws & Special Circumstances 5
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. In Greece: Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail. You are not allowed to photograph military installations. If you do, police may arrest you. If you violate regulations on Greek antiquities, you could face a large fine or even a prison sentence. Carry your passport or some form of photo identification at all. Police may detain you for questioning if you dont have your passport with you.
Traffic Laws: Talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal; the police check cell phone call records when investigating accidents. Driving while under the influence of a alcohol is illegal and police conduct random testing. Dont risk it. You must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international drivers permit (IDP). If you dont, police may detain you and you may face high fines. You generally must get the IDP before leaving the United States from either AAAor the National Automobile Club. A Greek license is required if you stay more than 185 days in Greece. Contact the Regional Office of Transportation and Communications for more information.
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Country Specific Information Greece

  • 3. List Party to the Hague Abduction Convention? Yes U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention? Yes Embassies and Consulates Destination Description Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements Safety and Security Local Laws & Special Circumstances Travel & Transportation For more information, please visit the website at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/greece.html
  • 5. Embassy Athens Address: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens, Greece Telephone: +(30)(210) 721-2951 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(30)(210) 729-4444 or +(30)(210) 729-4301 Fax: +(30)(210) 724-5313 Email: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
  • 6. Consulate General Thessaloniki Address: Plateia Commercial Center 43 Tsimiski Street, 7th floor,546 23 Thessaloniki Telephone: +(30)(2310) 242-905 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(30)(210) 729-4444 or +(30)(210) 729-4301 Fax: +(30)(2310) 242-927 Email: usconsulate@state.gov
  • 7. Embassies and Consulates All regular consular services for U.S. citizens, including passports, notarials, and reports of birth and death abroad, are provided at the U.S. Embassy in Athens. There are limited periodic appointment opportunities throughout the year in Thessaloniki for routine consular services. Please check the U.S. Embassy in Athens website periodically for information on the next consular outreach trip to the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki. (https://athens.usembassy.gov/warden_messages.html )
  • 8. Destination Description2 See the Department of States Fact Sheet on Greece for information on U.S.-Greece relations. (https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3395.htm )
  • 9. Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements3
  • 10. Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements. Visit the Embassy of Greece website for the most current visa information. (http://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy ) Greece is a party to the Schengen Agreement. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet. (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact- sheet.html )
  • 11. Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements For entry into Greece, your passport should have at least six months of remaining validity. You need proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. You may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. U.S. Official and Diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa prior to arrival. You will not be allowed to enter Greece without a visa. If you are a U.S. citizen born in the Republic of Macedonia, your U.S. passport should be recognized as a valid travel document. Be aware: Greek Immigration Officers at all ports of entry (land, air, and sea) will not place entry stamps in passports listing the travelers place of birth as Macedonia or the Republic of Macedonia. You will be asked to complete a short form on which the entry stamp will be placed. Keep the form with your passport while you are in Greece and present it upon departure.
  • 13. Safety and Security Greece has been the scene of domestic terrorist incidents as recently as 2015. Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possibly near term attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. Greeces open borders with other Schengen zone countries, as well as its long coastline and many islands, could permit terrorist groups to enter or transit the country with anonymity.
  • 14. Strikes and Demonstrations: Domestic strikes, demonstrations, and work stoppages are common throughout Greece. Even demonstrations and strikes intending to be peaceful can become violent. Stay informed about demonstrations from local news sources and hotel security. Anarchists and criminals have used university campuses as refuges. Demonstrators frequently congregate in the Polytechnic University area; Exarchia, Omonia, and Syntagma Squares in Athens; and at Aristotle Square, Aristotle University, and the Kamara area in Thessaloniki. Violent anarchist groups have joined public demonstrations to clash with police and vandalize public and private property.
  • 15. Harassment of U.S. Citizens and Violent Crime: U.S. citizens have reported unprovoked harassment and violent attacks against persons who appear to be foreign migrants. U.S. citizens of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Middle Eastern descent are at most risk. Exercise caution, especially in the immediate vicinity of Omonia and Exarchia Squares in Athens after dark. Greek authorities have detained African-American U.S. citizens during sweeps for illegal immigrants in Athens.
  • 16. Crime: You should take the following precautions: Do not leave bags unattended, especially on the Metro and on the train to and from the Athens Airport. Be discreet when discussing plans and organizing your belongings upon arrival. Thieves are active on public transportation. Avoid standing near the doors on public transportation, as thieves will often strike just as the train/bus doors open and then dash onto the platform and disappear into the crowd. Never leave your drink unattended in a bar or club. Drink alcohol in moderation and stay in control. Protect yourself and your money at automated teller machines (ATM). Only use ATMs located inside a bank or hotel. Do not use ATMs located in dark or isolated areas. Grandparent Scams - Thieves target elderly citizens in the United States to convince them to wire money to assist a relative (often a grandchild) in distress overseas.
  • 17. Victims of Crime: Report crime to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy at (+30) 210-720-2414 or the Emergency after-hours telephone : (+30)210-729-4444. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport
  • 18. Local Laws & Special Circumstances 5
  • 19. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. In Greece: Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail. You are not allowed to photograph military installations. If you do, police may arrest you. If you violate regulations on Greek antiquities, you could face a large fine or even a prison sentence. Carry your passport or some form of photo identification at all. Police may detain you for questioning if you dont have your passport with you.
  • 20. Traffic Laws: Talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal; the police check cell phone call records when investigating accidents. Driving while under the influence of a alcohol is illegal and police conduct random testing. Dont risk it. You must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international drivers permit (IDP). If you dont, police may detain you and you may face high fines. You generally must get the IDP before leaving the United States from either AAAor the National Automobile Club. A Greek license is required if you stay more than 185 days in Greece. Contact the Regional Office of Transportation and Communications for more information.