Greece country guide: visas, airlines and living abroad

Understanding Greece

Greece requires a travel and relocation plan that reflects its geography, administrative arrangements and the traveller’s own circumstances. This guide brings together basic country information, aviation context, entry planning, longer-term residence considerations and practical preparation. A visitor, an international student, an employee and a person joining family may face different procedures even when they hold the same passport.

The country profile places Greece in Southern Europe. The listed capital or administrative centre is Athens; the language metadata lists Greek. Currency information is presented as Euro (EUR), and the internet-domain information is .gr. These details are useful when checking application addresses, interpreting invoices, identifying local services and arranging communication. A country-code domain identifies an internet namespace; it does not, by itself, authenticate an immigration service or establish an applicant’s eligibility.

Use the guide in two stages. First, understand the destination and prepare a realistic itinerary or relocation objective. Then confirm the applicable requirements with the authority responsible for your nationality, passport type, place of legal residence and purpose of travel. The country-specific official extracts below retain their source dates and scope. They must not be read as a universal visa decision for all passports, and an airline ticket or a consultation booking does not confer permission to enter.

Demographic, geographic and transport material attributed to the CIA World Factbook comes from its final archived edition. Figures retain their original reference years and are historical background rather than a claim that every statistic is current. Government travel-advice extracts are reproduced with attribution under the Open Government Licence. The sections on preparation are practical editorial guidance; they do not invent a visa category, processing guarantee or entitlement to permanent residence. Check the linked original advice again before travel, as the published snapshot can change. Map boundaries are illustrative and do not express a position on sovereignty or disputed borders.

Country facts, geography and economic context

Historical country context, adapted from the public-domain CIA World Factbook final archive. Original dates are retained. These facts do not establish current entry or residence rights.

History and national context

Geographic position

Land area

Landscape

Climate and seasonal planning

Natural hazards

Environmental conditions

Geographic considerations

Capital and administrative centre

Regional administration

Settlement patterns

Population snapshot

Urban development

Major urban areas

Languages and communication

Religion and cultural context

Society and communities

Economic context

Industry and employment context

Agriculture

Trade and exports

Trade and imports

Legal-system background

Names and terminology

National holiday

Internet identity

Airport infrastructure

Rail infrastructure

Airlines and transport to Greece

Air travel to Greece should be planned around the actual operating airport, the operating carrier and the legal conditions at every connection. A marketed flight may be operated by another airline under a codeshare arrangement. Identify which carrier performs each sector, where checked luggage is transferred and whether a change of terminal or airport requires passing through immigration. A cheap connection is not necessarily usable if the traveller lacks the relevant transit or entry permission.

The airline information below uses IATA’s membership directory retrieved on 2026-10-10. Membership is a useful way to identify registered carriers and their airline codes, but it is not a complete census of airlines, a flight timetable or a statement that every carrier operates passenger services. Cargo airlines may also appear. Registration in Greece does not mean an airline serves the traveller’s departure city, and foreign airlines may be the practical option for reaching the destination. Consult the carrier and airport directly for current routes and operating restrictions.

IATA-listed carriers registered in this destination

• Aegean Airlines — IATA designator A3
• Blue Bird Airways — IATA designator BZ
• Marathon Airlines — IATA designator O8
• Olympic Air — IATA designator OA
• Sky express — IATA designator GQ

Before paying for flights, check the spelling of the passenger name, passport validity, baggage entitlement, change conditions and refund rules. Compare a protected through-ticket with separate tickets: a missed connection on independently booked sectors may leave the traveller responsible for replacement transport and accommodation. Keep sufficient time for immigration, security screening and baggage collection, especially when arriving in Greece after a long international connection.

For an island, remote settlement or seasonal route, review the consequences of cancellation as carefully as the outward journey. Weather, runway limitations and operating schedules may restrict alternatives. Keep essential medicines, identification, payment methods and a change of clothing in hand luggage. Carry the address of the first accommodation and a reliable arrival contact. Never assume that a visa exemption also removes an airline’s document checks, or that approval for the destination automatically covers a transit country.

How to plan a visa application for Greece

Start with the intended activity rather than the name of a visa found on a commercial website. A short holiday, attendance at meetings, a paid assignment, an academic course and joining a spouse can require different permissions. Write a short factual description of the trip, its duration, who will pay and whether any work will be performed. The responsible authority can then assess the relevant category without relying on an ambiguous description such as “business travel”.

Next, establish which rules apply to the individual passport holder. Nationality, ordinary or diplomatic passport status, dual citizenship, existing residence permits and previous immigration history can affect the route. An entry exemption offered to one nationality should not be applied to another. Likewise, a resident of a neighbouring country may still need permission based on nationality. Where a guide quotes UK travel advice, its stated British-passport scope is retained; it is not a promise that another passport receives the same treatment in Greece.

Identify the correct application channel through an official embassy, consulate, immigration department or government portal. Check whether the application must be made from the applicant’s country of nationality or legal residence, and whether a third-party centre is officially appointed. Search advertisements and a country-code website address are not adequate evidence of authorisation. Confirm the official fee, currency, payment method and process for obtaining a receipt before transferring money or uploading identity documents.

Build the evidence file around the published checklist for the selected category. Possible evidence can include a passport, photographs, a travel plan, accommodation details, financial records, an invitation or proof of a family relationship, but the required list must come from the authority. Names, dates and addresses should be consistent across forms and supporting documents. Explain genuine discrepancies honestly; do not alter a bank record, conceal a refusal or submit a reservation that is presented as paid when it is not.

If translations, certification or legalisation are required, establish the accepted language and format before commissioning them. A translation accepted by a university or employer may not satisfy the immigration authority. Keep the source document, translator’s certification and any required legalisation together. Ask whether a digital upload is sufficient or originals must be produced at an appointment. Where biometrics or an interview are requested, attendance arrangements and passport retention may affect other planned journeys.

Submit only after reviewing every answer and retain the application reference, payment receipt and a complete copy of the evidence. Monitor the official account or authorised communication channel for requests. Respond within the stated period and keep a record of what was supplied. Processing-time estimates are planning information rather than guarantees; do not invent a completion date for Greece, and avoid non-refundable commitments until the documents and travel conditions are suitable.

When a decision is issued, examine the name, passport number, entry validity, permitted duration, number of entries and any activity restrictions. An approval letter may require a later step before boarding or after arrival. If an application is refused, read the reasons and the authority’s instructions for any review, appeal or new application. A different factual situation or corrected evidence should be explained clearly; repeatedly submitting an unchanged file is unlikely to resolve the underlying issue.

Greece: official entry, safety and health information

Country-specific official material reproduced from UK FCDO travel advice under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. The entry section is scoped to British passport holders as stated by the source; other nationalities must check their own requirements. Source last updated: 2026-08-11T10:17:58+01:00. Retrieved 2026-10-10. Read the current original advice.

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Greece’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Greece set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Greek Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Greece follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Greece are different. If you are a touring creative, see details about the Uniform (Schengen) visa.

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

For a longer stay, you must apply to the Greek authorities for a national visa.

If you’re in Greece with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about entry processes if you live in Greece.

New Schengen entry requirements 

The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. 

This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration. 

On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken. 

You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.

EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK. 

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.

If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on the EU’s official Travel Europe website.

If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.

Greek implementation of EES

Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccines, see TravelHealthPro’s Greece guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Greece. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Greece

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Greece

Declare cash or travellers cheques at your point of entry into Greece if you are carrying a value of 10,000 euros or more. You will be asked to complete the relevant declaration forms provided to you by the Customs Authorities. You should request a certified copy of the declaration to keep with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave. You can read further detail on the website of the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Greece

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police.

Recent attacks include: 

• on 1 July 2026, three improvised incendiary device attacks against the residential properties of Greek political figures killed one person, with four others being injured

Protests and demonstrations

Political protests

Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and Palestine.

There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens.

Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Strikes and demonstrations

There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice, that can cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders. 

Demonstrations often take place around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. Political demonstrations may take place on certain dates: 

• 1 May (Labour Day)
• 17 November (anniversary of when student protests against a military dictatorship were put down violently – ‘Polytechnio’)
• 6 December (anniversary of the shooting of 15-year-old student Alexandros Grigoropoulos)

Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and move away to the last known safe place. Security forces often use tear gas to break up demonstrations, which can harm your breathing and vision.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Thefts of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Do not carry all your valuables in one place and keep a copy of your passport photo page somewhere safe.

When driving on holiday, keep your valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle at all times. Always park in a well-lit area or secure car park. Be alert to car crime.

Sexual assault

To reduce your personal risk, especially late at night and around clubs and bars: 

• save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easier to find at the end of the night
• set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with others in your group
• keep an eye on each other’s drinks to make sure they do not get spiked
• do not let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
• do not give a drunk person more alcohol
• see TravelAware ‘Stick with your mates’ for tips and advice

Use pre-arranged transport or, where they are available taxi-hailing apps such as Uber or Free Now which supply licensed cabs.

Report anything that does not feel right to local authorities or hotel or club management.    

Racially-motivated attacks

The majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to their race, but there have been some racially-motivated attacks, particularly in inner-city areas.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry your passport, to show to the police if they request identification. Police may not accept a copy.

 Public offences

The Greek police will arrest you for any behaviour they find rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved. Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws.

The courts are likely to impose a heavy fine or a prison sentence if they judge the behaviour to be illegal. Your travel insurance may not cover you if you miss flights because of an alcohol-related arrest.

Alcohol laws and underage drinking

It is illegal to sell or provide alcohol to anyone under 18, any businesses found doing so can face large fines and possible closure. Bars and nightclubs are not allowed to admit or serve anyone under 18, even if accompanied by an adult. Expect age verification checks at points of sale. 

If a minor is harmed through excessive drinking, or underage intoxication is brought to the attention of local authorities, parents or other accompanying adults as well as those who supplied the alcohol could face legal consequences under general child protection laws.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through  airports.

Airports in Greece have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Buying goods or services

By law restaurants must provide an itemised bill. Make sure you get a receipt for any goods or services you buy.   

Carrying weapons

Offensive items like pepper spray or knuckledusters are listed as weapons in Greece. A knife with a blade measuring 10cm or more counts as a weapon, and you need a special licence for any knife that is not made for domestic, professional, artistic or hunting use.       

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Greece, and civil unions between same-sex couples have been legal since 2015. The age of consent in Greece is 15, this applies to partners of both the same sex and opposite sex. Transgender people are able to change their legal gender. Anti-discrimination and hate speech laws apply to gender identity.

Public attitudes towards same-sex couples vary throughout the country. Couples showing affection in public may be frowned on, especially in rural areas. Attitudes are generally more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Military service

Men aged 19 and above, born to a Greek national, may have military service obligations, regardless of any other nationality they hold. The authorities can stop you leaving Greece until you complete military service.

Using cameras or approaching sensitive locations

It is illegal to approach or take photos or videos of military installations, vehicles or buildings. The authorities will arrest and have prosecuted those doing so. Border areas are also militarily sensitive. If you visit such areas, do not take photos or videos.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Music festivals

Take extra care of your valuables at festivals or large concerts. Read the festivals in Europe travel checklist for more advice.

Swimming and water sports safety

Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Greece.

Swimming pools 

Always supervise children. Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present. 

Beaches 

Take care when swimming in the sea. Always supervise children and keep small children within arms-reach.  

Hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water. 

Many organised beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings. A red flag means you must not enter the water.  

Take extra care and get local knowledge if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs. 

See further tips on ABTA’s swim safe pages and Water Safety on Holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.  

Follow local advice if jellyfish are present.

Water sports

Only book activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start:

• make sure the paperwork is completed
• ask for a safety demonstration
• make sure you know how to call for help

For more advice, see the website for Safe Water Sports, a non-profit organisation in Greece that aims to prevent accidents.

Quad (ATV) biking and mopeds

Every year people suffer serious injury and even death due to accidents involving quad bikes.  Make sure you get full instructions and training on their use. If you are not experienced with driving quad bikes proceed with caution as you will be sharing the roads with larger and faster vehicles.  

To help with costs incurred as a result of quad bike incidents you need specific travel insurance as quad biking is defined as an extreme sport and excluded on many policies. Always read the details of your insurance cover. 

Insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third-party cover. It’s likely the company will charge you for any damage to the rental vehicle, and you may face arrest if you do not pay. 

Check that you hold the correct driving license for the vehicle you are hiring. Provisional licenses are not valid in Greece for driving or hiring any type of vehicle. If you hire a moped, you need a valid driving licence with at least category A1 – ‘light motorcycle’. Choose a category in accordance with your driving licence and age. Category P, which is valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc, is not valid in Greece. 

Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets before operating quad bikes and mopeds. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. If police stop you, they will fine you and take your licence.

Hiking and exploring nature

Take extra care when planning a hike or walk, especially during higher temperatures than you are used to. Trails often lack shade and the quality of route markings can vary.

Ensure that you:

• plan your route beforehand, and consider your limitations in distance and difficulty
• check weather forecasts and avoid hiking during the peak hours of sun; pack a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water
• wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain and consider taking a map, GPS and a fully charged phone
• avoid hiking alone if you can, and always tell someone where you are going and the route you will take

Do not light fires as it is both dangerous and illegal due to the high risk of wildfires.

Make sure your insurance covers you for extra costs such as mountain rescue service and helicopter evacuation. 

If an accident happens or if you become lost, call 112 for the emergency services.

Camping and Motorhome travel

Greece has introduced regulations prohibiting camping in tents and the parking of trailers, semi-trailers, camper vans and motorhomes at archaeological sites, seashores, beaches, edges of public forests and in general public areas. Ensure that you use licensed campsites to avoid fines.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Greece, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Greece guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Greece. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.  

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. 

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. 

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Greece. If you are tested and found to have more than two-thirds of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you could get a fine and possible imprisonment. 

Driving conditions

Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Local drivers regularly ignore speed limits, including in built-up areas.

Pedestrian crossings

When walking roadside, take care when crossing the road and if possible use a pedestrian crossing. Drivers do not always stop at crossings, even though they are supposed to. The green pedestrian crossing signal sometimes allows cars to turn right on to a crossing, so cross with caution.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Emergency alerts and preparedness

Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, make sure your mobile phone is set to allow emergency alerts. For instructions on how to do this see:

• for iPhones go to Settings > Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option at the bottom
• for Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
• for Samsung devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option

This will allow the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service alerts to reach you. Always keep your phone with you as you will receive alerts according to the location of your phone.

Consider preparing a grab bag with essentials such as:

• passports/ID cards
• mobile phones and device chargers
• money and bank cards
• insurance and other important documents
• essential medicine and prescription details

Find out more from gov.uk on what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

Adverse weather conditions, including floods, can happen quickly. Register for Emergency alerts and follow ‘112 Greece’ on X for official updates.

Wildfires

There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.

Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.

To avoid starting wildfires:

• leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires
• make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
• do not light barbecues

Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.

Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:

• follow @112Greece for official updates
• follow the guidance of the emergency services
• call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger
• contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK

For further information, see the Greek Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection website (in English).

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors in Greece. You should:

• familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake
• follow advice given by the local authorities
• call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger

For further guidance on how to prepare for earthquakes, please visit the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection (in English) and to see, for anywhere in Greece, where your nearest assembly points are located in case of emergency you can visit mysafetyplan.gov.gr (map with text in Greek).

Health

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Greece
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Greece. 

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Greece. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.  

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines.

Changes to your routine when travelling, such as later nights, coping with heat and changes to your diet can have an impact on your medication. See the Summer Proof Your Health campaign for more information.

Pharmacies across Greece stock a good supply of medicines, but there are strict rules around dispensing certain medicines, including antibiotics. Bring prescription medicines with you and carry a letter from your doctor stating the quantity required during your stay. Keep the medication in the original container with the prescription label. The name on the prescription must match the name on your passport.

Prescriptions for uninsured individuals are only dispensed from:

• pharmacies at hospitals
• pharmacies registered with the National Organisations for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY)

If you need to take controlled medicines in Greece, contact the Organisation Against Drugs (OKANA).

For more information, contact the Greek National Organisation of Medicines.

Telephone: 0030 213 2040 395 or 0030 213 2040 285 between 1pm and 2pm on weekdays.

Email: [email protected]

Healthcare in Greece  

Treatment and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands. The standards of nursing and aftercare, particularly in the state sector, is not to the usual standard of the UK. The public ambulance service is basic. There are serious shortages of ambulances on some islands.

If you are uninsured, you may not be able to get medical treatment or diagnostic tests from private doctors in Greece, only from public hospitals and primary healthcare centres.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Greece where some staff will speak English. On some Greek islands, local staff in bars or airports may direct you to private first aid or medical centres rather than to the public hospital.

There is also information if you’re hospitalised in Greece.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Greece, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

Read guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Greece.

Travel and mental health

Read Mental health support for British nationals in Greece. There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro.

Expatriates, employment and immigration in Greece

A temporary visit to Greece and permission to reside there are separate planning questions. The terms “expatriate”, “immigrant” and “resident” describe circumstances, but they do not identify an immigration category by themselves. Determine the lawful basis for the intended stay and whether the application is made before travel or through a permitted procedure after arrival. This guide does not assume that a visitor can change status locally, obtain employment or remain indefinitely.

For employment, confirm whether the prospective employer must sponsor the applicant, obtain an approval or demonstrate particular conditions before the worker applies. Ask whether the permission is tied to a specific employer, occupation or location and what happens if the employment ends. Professional licensing, recognition of qualifications and an immigration work authorisation may be separate requirements. A job offer without the required permission should not be treated as a lawful start date.

International students should verify the institution, course eligibility and the immigration requirements directly with the competent offices. Admission, tuition payment and a student visa are separate milestones. Establish whether part-time work is allowed, whether dependants can accompany the student and what options exist after the course. Do not infer work rights or a settlement route from a school’s marketing claims. Keep a budget for study, accommodation, insurance and the return journey.

For family migration, establish which relationships are recognised and what evidence is accepted. Marriage, partnership, parenthood or dependency may involve different procedures, and a family member’s nationality does not automatically settle the applicant’s rights. Check income, accommodation or sponsorship requirements where applicable. Document custody and consent for children travelling with one parent. If names differ across civil records, obtain appropriate explanations and accepted supporting documents.

Long-term residence and citizenship should be researched as distinct stages. Temporary permits can expire, require renewal or impose limits on absence. Permanent status may have separate qualifying conditions, and naturalisation may involve language, residence, conduct or other legal tests. No number of years or automatic entitlement is promised here for Greece. Before relying on a future route, ask the responsible authority or a qualified local adviser to identify the current provision and its conditions.

Practical preparation for living in Greece

The language information for Greece lists Greek. Identify the language used by the office handling the application and by the intended employer, school, clinic or landlord. A multilingual country can have significant regional differences. Arrange interpretation when accuracy matters, particularly for a contract or medical consultation, and keep translated copies of essential information. Everyday language learning can help integration, but it does not replace a required certified translation.

Use Euro (EUR) as the starting point for a local budget and verify the monetary arrangements with the relevant central bank or financial institution. Avoid treating an old exchange-rate statistic as a quote for a present transaction. Separate immigration fees, transport, deposits, accommodation, utilities, insurance and professional charges. Compare the exchange rate, transfer fee and receiving-bank cost, and keep a reserve for a delayed arrival or an unexpected return journey.

An accommodation decision should follow the lawful duration and purpose of stay. Verify the property, the landlord’s authority and the contract before paying a deposit. Ask about utilities, notice periods, registration documents and refund conditions. A temporary booking can provide flexibility while the newcomer checks a neighbourhood and travel times. If accommodation evidence is needed for an application, confirm the accepted form with the authority rather than assuming that every informal invitation or booking is sufficient.

Healthcare preparation should reflect both the traveller’s health and the local services available. Review the country-specific health advice where supplied, consult an appropriate clinician for vaccinations or medication questions, and check the insurance wording. Carry prescriptions and establish the rules for importing controlled medicines. A familiar medicine brand may not be available in Greece; plan continuity of treatment through a legitimate provider. Insurance should cover the actual activities and circumstances of the stay.

Families should assess schools, childcare, accessibility and the effect of the move on each member’s legal status. Check enrolment documents and whether translated academic or vaccination records are required. An adult’s work permission does not necessarily give a spouse work rights or a child access to every service. A realistic plan includes transport, communication, emergency contacts and arrangements if one family member’s application is delayed or refused.

Tax residence, immigration residence and access to public services can be governed by different rules. A person may need professional advice about income earned abroad, employment deductions or obligations in both the departure and destination jurisdictions. Do not infer tax treatment from an immigration label. Keep records of arrival and departure dates, contracts and payments, and ask a qualified adviser to identify the relevant rules for the actual circumstances.

After arrival, check whether a residence card, address registration, identity number or another local procedure is required by the authorised route. Maintain a calendar of expiry dates and renewal windows using the official instructions. Keep important records securely, with a backup available if a device is lost. When leaving Greece, settle contractual obligations, retain payment evidence and check whether departure affects a continuing permission or a future return.

A preparation checklist for Greece

Prepare one coherent personal record before consulting an adviser. It should state the traveller’s nationality, passport type, current legal residence, destination, intended dates and purpose. Include dependants and all transit points. This simple profile reduces misunderstandings and helps the adviser distinguish a visitor application from employment, study or family residence. Leave out unnecessary sensitive documents until the recipient and purpose have been verified.

Create a document register with the issuing body, issue date, expiry date, language and any certification requirement for each item. Note whether an original, copy or digital version is accepted. This is particularly useful for civil records and qualifications that may take time to obtain. A well-organised file makes it easier to answer a request for additional evidence without accidentally sending contradictory versions of the same document.

Use a financial worksheet that separates the application cost from the cost of the journey and the first period in Greece. Record which payments are refundable and what conditions apply. A consultation charge, government visa fee, airline ticket and accommodation deposit are different transactions with different terms. Request itemised invoices and retain receipts; a single total described as a “visa package” can obscure what has actually been purchased.

Before submitting the application, read the form as a whole. Check dates against the itinerary, employment details against the contract and funds against the stated budget. Where an explanation is needed, make it factual and concise. If a representative prepares the application, review it yourself before signing. Responsibility for the truth of the information should not be delegated to an adviser or a travel agent.

Before departure, check the current official entry and travel advice, the transport operating status, the documents required at boarding and any arrival formalities. Download essential records for offline use and keep paper copies where practical. Share the itinerary with a trusted contact and confirm the first arrival transfer. A complete application file is useful, but it is the current permission and actual travel conditions that determine whether the planned journey can proceed.

Choosing assistance for a Greece application

Select a consultant by relevant experience and a clear written scope. Ask which part of the process the consultation covers: identifying an appropriate category, explaining a checklist, reviewing evidence or representing the applicant where permitted. The adviser should distinguish general preparation from legal representation and identify any local licensing or authorisation required for the service. A confident sales statement is not a substitute for a source-backed explanation.

Request a written fee breakdown and understand what is excluded. Government charges, translations, courier costs, appointments and further representation may be separate. Ask who will handle the file, how questions are answered and what records the customer receives. A consultant should not promise guaranteed approval or claim influence over the decision-maker. The authority responsible for Greece determines the outcome under the applicable rules.

When using VisaWand, compare the profile, the consultation scope and the displayed fee before booking. The consultation is an opportunity to clarify the route and preparation; it does not itself create entry permission. Keep control of original documents, email accounts and official application credentials. Provide sensitive material only through an appropriate verified channel, and ask how it will be stored, used and deleted when the service ends.