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Weather & climate
Weather in Greece
Greece
26°
Overcast
Sat
17°
26°
Sun
15°
27°
Mon
17°
28°
Tue
17°
29°
Wed
17°
27°
Thu
13°
25°
Fri
15°
22°
SPF level in Greece
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Greece
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before your arrival date.
Your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
You can visit Greece without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, visiting family, or attending business meetings.
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and prove you have enough money for your stay.
When entering the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register biometric details like fingerprints and a photo at special booths upon your first visit.
Good to know:
Travellers must declare carrying any cash or travellers cheques valued at 10,000 euros or more at their point of entry into Greece.
Meat, milk, or products containing them cannot be taken into Greece, with exceptions for some items like powdered baby milk and baby food.
Safety in Greece
Tips when travelling
Greece is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Thefts of passports and wallets are common on the metro and in crowded tourist areas, so carry valuables separately and keep a passport copy safe.
Always carry your passport for identification as the police may not accept a copy.
Police will arrest you for rowdy or indecent behaviour, especially when drinking heavily, which can lead to fines or prison.
Smoking in indoor public places is illegal and can result in a fine of up to 500 euros.
You must validate your public transport ticket by stamping it to avoid getting a fine.
Bonus tips:
Restaurants must by law provide an itemised bill, so ensure you get a receipt for everything you buy.
Book water sports at a licensed centre, get a safety demonstration, and obey warning signs and flags on beaches.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Greece
A UK driving license is accepted in Greece. Ensure you have your license with you while driving.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Greece drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Greece
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Greece. However, it's still advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance, particularly for private healthcare, repatriation, and other expenses not covered by GHIC/EHIC.
No vaccinations required
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Greece. However, it's always recommended to consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalized advice based on your medical history. Ensure you are up-to-date with routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in tourist areas and larger establishments. Smaller shops and tavernas may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Greece
Tipping is customary in Greece for good service. While not mandatory, it's a appreciated gesture.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving €1-2
Taxi
Rounding up the fare
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU-wide free roaming has ended. Check with your mobile provider before travelling to Greece to understand the roaming charges you will incur. Many providers offer daily roaming packages for use outside of the UK.
Local SIM
10 GB for 25 EUR (~£21)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, LTE
Electrical in Greece
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars, especially in tourist areas.
Average speed
40 Mbps
WiFi is readily available in most populated areas and tourist establishments. Internet speeds are generally good for browsing and social media.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Ambulance
166
Fire
199
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Greece
Country code
+30
To call the British Embassy in Athens from the UK: 00 30 210 7273 000
The country code for Greece is 30. When calling from abroad, dial your country's exit code, then 30, followed by the local number.
Language in Greece
Greek(primary)
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Entry requirements
18 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Greek authorities will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of the Entry/Exit System (EES).
- Follow advice from authorities on the ground and show residence documentation if you live in Greece to avoid registration.
Entry requirements
22 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Long-term residents in any Schengen country are now exempt from EES registration in all Schengen countries.
- A link to the EU's official Travel Europe website is now provided to see the full list of EES exemptions.
Visa requirements
- The advice to get your passport manually stamped until EES is fully rolled out has been removed.
Entry requirements
28 days ago
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.
- It's explicitly stated that EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports for short stays.
Passport validity
- The warning about passport validity has been strengthened. Passports renewed before 1 October 2018 with an issue date over 10 years ago are now explicitly stated as 'invalid for entry to the Schengen area'.
Airports in Greece
Beaches in Greece
Frequently asked questions
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, but bottled water is recommended on the islands and in rural areas due to varying quality and taste. Check with locals about the tap water quality in your specific location.
The best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to October. The weather is pleasant with warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months of July and August.
When visiting monasteries and churches in Greece, it is respectful to dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts. Some locations provide shawls or wraps for visitors who are not appropriately dressed.
Be aware of common tourist scams such as taxi drivers overcharging, restaurants with inflated bills, and pickpockets in crowded areas. Always agree on taxi fares beforehand, check your bill carefully, and keep your belongings secure.
The currency in Greece is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major establishments, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller islands or rural areas. ATMs are readily available in tourist areas.
No, British citizens do not need a visa to enter Greece for tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
Greeks are known for their hospitality and value personal connections. Politeness is appreciated; use 'parakalo' (please) and 'efharisto' (thank you). Be aware that many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon for a siesta, especially during the summer months.
Be sure to try some traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka (an eggplant-based dish), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), gyros (meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie), and fresh seafood. Also, sample local wines and the traditional spirit, ouzo.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.