Greece Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Advisory Summary Exercise normal precautions in Greece. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.  If you decide to travel to Greece: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Pr...

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit Greece safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 8am-8pm weekdays. Each area has a rotating 'on-duty pharmacy' (φαρμακείο νυχτερινής βάρδιας) open nights and weekends — look for the sign in any pharmacy window or search online. Prescription rules: EU prescriptions are accepted. Non-EU prescriptions require validation by a Greek doctor. Greece follows EU prescription rules — many common medications require prescriptions. 💡 Tips Pharmacies (φαρμακείο) are widely available. Many medications require a prescription. Greek pharmacists can advise on minor ailments. Look for the green cross sign. Some OTC items available without prescription.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $30-55/week 💡 Tip Greek hospitals (especially public ones) may require upfront payment or guarantee of payment from your insurance. Private hospitals are better equipped for tourists. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation from islands to mainland. 💡 Tip Greek hospitals (especially public ones) may require upfront payment or guarantee of payment from your insurance. Private hospitals are better equipped for tourists. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation from islands to mainland.

💊 Medication Restrictions

Greece follows EU Schengen medication import rules. Travelers from outside the EU may bring a personal supply of prescription medications (up to 3 months) in original packaging with a doctor's prescription or medical certificate. For controlled substances including strong painkillers, stimulants, and psychotropics, a Schengen certificate validated by your national health authority is required. Greek customs can be strict — always carry documentation even for common medications.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Legal with prescription under Greek narcotics law (Law 4139/2013). Must carry original pharmacy-labeled packaging and doctor's letter.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are classified as controlled narcotics in Greece. Adderall is not marketed or approved. Importing can lead to criminal charges.
• Cannabis / CBD — RESTRICTED: Medical cannabis legalized in 2017 (Law 4523/2018) with strict prescription. Recreational use illegal. CBD products with <0.2% THC are sold but in a legal gray area.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription for ADHD. Classified as a controlled substance; carry original packaging and prescription documentation.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine requires prescription. Stronger opioids (morphine, oxycodone) are tightly controlled narcotics. Carry documentation.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. Leave 10% at sit-down restaurants. Cafes: round up. Taxis: round up the fare. Tour guides: €5-10 per person per day. Service is not usually included in the bill.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• The 'moutza' — showing open palm face-first is a serious insult (don't wave with palm out)
• Declining food or drink from a host — always accept something
• Smoking restrictions are widely ignored; don't expect smoke-free dining
• Discussing the Greek debt crisis or economic problems can be sensitive
• Flushing toilet paper — many plumbing systems require paper in the bin (check signs)

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in Greece: