Learn about your destination.

1. Country Specific
Information
Greece
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/greece.html

2. Quick Facts

3. List
Party to the Hague Abduction Convention? Yes
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention? Yes
Ø Embassies and Consulates
Ø Destination Description
Ø Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements
Ø Safety and Security
Ø Local Laws & Special Circumstances
ØTravel & Transportation
For more information, please visit the website at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/greece.html

4. Embassies and
Consulates1

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 State’s 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 traveler’s 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.

12. Safety and Security4

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. Greece’s 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 don’t 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. Don’t risk it.
◉You must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international driver’s permit
(IDP). If you don’t, 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.

21. Thanks!