Earthquake on Crete! Important update for trips to Greece

Earthquake on Crete! Important update for trips to Greece

Kreta, Griechenland - The Federal Foreign Office has updated the travel instruction for Greece due to a serious earthquake. On May 13th and 14th, 2025, an earthquake occurred with a thickness of 6.1 on the Richter scale, whose epicenter was 22 kilometers from Crete. Greece vacationers, especially on the islands of Kos and Rhodes, were affected because a tsunami warning was issued after the event. Despite these developments, travelers who have already booked a trip to Greece can start their vacation; The updated information is not an official travel warning.MOZ.dereports that tourists should therefore familiarize themselves with the behavioral references in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

Particular attention should be paid to the selection of the accommodations. The German GeoForschungszentrum recommends observing safety -relevant leaflets, whereby high -rise buildings with earthquake protection should be preferred. Travelers should also make sure to live in buildings that are not in narrow streets or alongside poorly designed houses. In order to be informed in an emergency, the Federal Foreign Office advises to activate emergency notifications (Cell Broadcast) on the cell phone and to enter the "Elefand" crisis list.

Proofs for travelers

The Federal Foreign Office has published further recommendations for travelers to Greece. This includes finding out about current entry requirements from authorities or tour operators and pursuing the news and weather reports during the stay. The "Travel safely" app and the newsletter of the Federal Foreign Office can also provide useful information. Travelers should take out sufficient travel health insurance and prepare for possible protests and demonstrations that can occur in Greece and could go hand in hand with violent clashes and traffic disruptions.Ausstiges-amt.dealso indicates the high number of pickpocketing during the travel season, especially in large cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki and Piraeus.

In addition to general security, the risks of earthquakes and volcanic activities are pointed out. Travelers should familiarize themselves with the behavioral information for such situations. Especially in summer, the risk of forest fires can increase, and extreme heat waves with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius are not excluded, especially for vulnerable groups risks.

Important information on traffic and health

The transport network in Greece is well developed, but special care is recommended when driving quad vehicles. The alcohol boundaries is 0.5; An absolute ban on alcohol applies to beginners and professional drivers. High fines are collected in traffic offenses. In addition, travelers should pay attention to where they park their tent or motorhome, as this can be prohibited in certain locations.

There are no mandatory vaccinations in the health area, but standard vaccinations should always be kept up to date. The infrastructure in Greece is good for medical care, but restrictions can occur on the islands. It is also recommended to find out about the risk of West Nile fever and TBE in certain regions and to take suitable protective measures.

In summary, travelers should prepare their stay in Greece well and follow the current information from the external office carefully in order to ensure their safety and health during the stay.