Attention holidaymakers! How to protect yourself from dangers in Greece!

Attention holidaymakers! How to protect yourself from dangers in Greece!

Greece, a popular holiday destination for many Germans, offers diverse and fascinating travel destinations, including Crete, Zakynthos, Athens and Thessaloniki. However, given the upcoming travel season, vacationers should note some important safety and health tips. The Foreign Office particularly warns of dangers in larger cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki and Piraeus, where pickpocketing occurs frequently. Tourists are advised to pay particular attention to their valuables, especially in busy areas and public transport. It is also recommended to use cashless payment methods, whereby only the necessary cash should be carried with you. Important documents should be stored securely and electronic copies made.

A special note applies to climatic conditions: in midsummer, temperatures in Greece can rise above 40 degrees Celsius, increasing the risk of forest fires. Holidaymakers should inform themselves about affected areas and avoid them. Activating “emergency notifications” on cell phones is strongly recommended. Greece is also located in a seismically active zone, which means that earthquakes and volcanic activity can occur.

Travel recommendations and safety information

The Foreign Office provides various travel recommendations to increase the safety of Germans in the country. It is recommended to use the “Sicher Reisen” app and register on the crisis preparedness list. In addition, information in the emergency preparedness guide and the Federal Office for Civil Protection should be followed. It is advisable to find out about the entry requirements from the relevant authorities and tour operators and to carry sufficient travel health insurance cover.

When it comes to security in urban centers, it is important to be aware of the possibility of protests and demonstrations, which can occasionally result in violent clashes and traffic disruptions. An increased risk of car break-ins and thefts involving car tourists should also be taken into account, particularly during the peak travel season from April to November.

Traffic rules and legal regulations

The alcohol limit for drivers in Greece is 0.5, while there is an absolute alcohol ban for novice drivers, motorcyclists and professional drivers. In addition, traffic offenses are punished more severely than in Germany, which is reflected in high fines and measures such as the confiscation of license plates. It is also prohibited to park tents or mobile homes in non-designated locations.

Entry into Greece is uncomplicated for German citizens; a passport, temporary passport, ID card or children's passport are required. These documents must not have expired more than one year. For minors traveling alone, a declaration of consent from the other parent with legal custody is also recommended. When entering the country by water, the regulations vary depending on the origin and use of the boats.

The health notice mentions that there are no compulsory vaccinations when entering Greece. Nevertheless, standard vaccinations should be up to date. The risk of malaria infection is minimal and no prophylaxis is currently recommended. However, in certain regions there is a risk of West Nile fever and TBE, which is why appropriate protective measures should be taken. Medical care is well developed on the Greek mainland, while there are often deficiencies on the islands.

The legal regulations are strict in Greece. Drug possession and trafficking are punished very harshly, and photography of military installations is prohibited. There are also high penalties for the unauthorized possession of archaeological objects. Otherwise, the euro (EUR) is used as a means of payment, and credit cards and ATMs are widely used.

Finally, the Federal Foreign Office recommends active participation in travel warnings and careful planning of the trip to avoid unpleasant surprises. For more information, travelers can visit the articles Ruhr24 and Foreign Office consult.