Official Global Travel Advisories
- Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice
- Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice
Mandatory COVID-19 testing
To be allowed to board a flight to Canada, all air passengers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of their scheduled time of departure to Canada. If the traveller has a connecting flight to Canada, the pre-departure test must be conducted within 72 hours of the last direct flight to Canada. This means they may need to schedule a COVID-19 test at their transit city within 72 hours of their direct flight to Canada.
All travellers 5 years of age or older, including Canadians, arriving to Canada by land are required to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours prior to crossing the border into Canada.
Alternatively, travellers can present a positive COVID-19 molecular test taken between 14 and 90 days prior to departure.
More information on measures in place to enter Canada – Government of Canada
Greece Register Travel insurance Destinations
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Latest updates: Safety and security - Update on preventative measures and restrictions
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Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
Greece - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Greece.
Safety and security
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
Preventative measures and restrictions are in place and a nationwide curfew is in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
It is forbidden to travel between regional units.
You must request a movement permission to exit your residence between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
You must wear a face covering in all public spaces.
If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing
- Avoid crowded areas
Useful links:
- Map of COVID-19 risk levels by region - Government of Greece (in Greek only)
- Movement permission - Government of Greece (in Greek only)
Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and luggage theft, is common in tourist areas and on public transportation. This includes the trains to and from Athens International Airport.
In Athens, do not walk in the Monastiraki and Omonia districts or, after dark, around the Larissa and Peloponnese railway/bus stations.
- Avoid secluded areas, parks and down-market bars and restaurants
- Be vigilant at all times
- Ensure that your travel documents are up to date and that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Do not show signs of affluence and avoid carrying large sums of cash on your person
Demonstrations and strikes
Demonstrations and strikes take place regularly in Athens, and occasionally in other parts of the country.
In Athens, demonstrations and marches occur primarily in the city centre, in Syntagma Square and in front of the Parliament building. Local authorities normally close the Sintagma Square Metro Station when large gatherings are scheduled.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Demonstrations and strikes can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Demonstrations and strikes affecting public health services and transportation services, such as flights, trains, buses, taxi, metro, ferries and cruise ships, are usually announced in advance through local media. Road closures, however, may occur with short notice, particularly in Athens.
Strike action could also make access to airports and seaports difficult. Contact your travel provider to check the status of your departure and allow plenty of time to make your way to the airport or seaport.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.
There have been bomb attacks by anarchists and ultra-leftist militant groups against the Greek state, Greek institutions and Western commercial and diplomatic interests on the mainland, including in Athens and Thessaloniki. Several bomb and arson attacks have occurred in urban areas. To enhance public safety, police officers patrol subway stations, bus terminals and other public places. There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Greece. Exercise normal security precautions.
Fraud
To avoid being a victim of fraud:
- pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
- use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Women's safety
Women should not accept rides from strangers or casual acquaintances. Foreigners have been sexually assaulted, most often on the islands.
Road safety
The traffic fatality rate in Greece is among the highest in the European Union. Poor driving standards, aggressive drivers, difficult terrain and heavy traffic create hazards.
Driving motorbikes, scooters and mopeds is particularly dangerous, especially on the islands.
Small, unlicensed rental agencies (especially on the islands) do not always offer vehicles that comply with up-to-date safety standards. Read the rental contract carefully.
In the event of an accident, wait for police to arrive. An accident insurance claim may not be valid without a police report.
Public transportation and ferries
Public transportation is reliable. Metered taxis are widely available, but there are fixed rates for transportation to and from Athens International Airport.
Accidents have occurred due to poor safety standards on regional buses and ferries. Use reputable bus and ferry operators.
Ferries between mainland Greece and its islands meet European safety standards.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Border areas
Some border areas, including the north-northwest zone, are militarily sensitive. Avoid these areas.
Migrants and refugees
There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe through Greece. The situation may cause:
- disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations
- major delays at border crossings
There is also the potential for demonstrations to turn violent without warning, particularly:
- at railway stations and other transportation hubs
- in regions in Greece, including some islands in the northeastern Aegean, where temporary migrant camps are located
Monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities. Contact your transportation carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry requirements
Travellers arriving from Canada are not allowed entry to Greece. However, certain travellers may be allowed entry if they can prove the essential nature of their travel.
It is your responsibility to verify this information with the appropriate foreign diplomatic office and to ask if you may be allowed entry, based on your individual circumstances and your itinerary.
Local authorities may impose additional requirements without notice and your travel plans could be severely disrupted. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
Useful links:
- Protocol for arrivals in Greece - Government of Greece
- Entry requirements to EU countries - Re-open EU
- Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada - Global Affairs Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from Greek authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Schengen area
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.
If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Work visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Canadians must have a visa to stay in Greece for more than 90 days.
Contact the Embassy of Greece in Canada prior to travel to obtain the necessary visas.
Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
Overstays
In cases where you must stay in Greece past 90 days (for example, for a serious medical reason), the Greek aliens police may grant you an extension. Apply at least 15 days before your 90-day, visa-free period expires.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - April 22, 2021
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Tick-borne encephalitis
Risk
- Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some areas of this country.
- It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
- It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or when you consume unpasteurized milk products.
Recommendation
- Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to ticks during outdoor activities.
- A vaccine against TBE does exist but is only available in countries where the disease is present.
- Learn more on what you can do to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)?
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Southern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Southern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
- There is a limited risk of malaria in this country.
- Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against malaria.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in well-screened air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet or pre-treating travel gear with insecticides.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing
Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.
Health care is adequate, but varies throughout the country.
Facilities are generally good in cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki and in towns that have large hospitals, such as in Heraklion, Ioannina and Patras.
If you’re travelling to smaller islands or to remote areas of Greece, you may need medical evacuation to a central hospital, in the event of serious illness or injury.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Canada and Greece are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Greece to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Greek authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Greece.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Greece, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
National obligations
Canadians with dual citizenship or who are eligible for Greek citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Greek law. Canadians should obtain a document certifying their status from the Embassy of Greece prior to travel.
Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
Identification
You must carry adequate photo identification, such as a passport or residency permit, at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or seized.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Illegal activities
Local authorities will impose severe penalties on individuals who engage in indecent behaviour, such as indecent exposure, especially when excessive alcohol consumption is involved.
Photography of military installations and personnel is prohibited. Offenders could be arrested and have their equipment confiscated. Ask permission before photographing individuals.
Driving
You must carry a valid Canadian driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit. Failure to carry these permits will result in heavy fines in the event of an accident.
Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent. Impaired drivers could face immediate detention and convicted offenders can expect fines and jail sentences.
Carrying an illegal alien in your vehicle, even without your knowledge, is a criminal offence. You should avoid picking up hitchhikers.
Drivers must obtain insurance coverage.
Both the operator and passenger must wear helmets on a motorcycle or scooter. Non-compliance could result in stiff fines.
- More about the International Driving Permit
- More about driving in Greece - European Commission
Exports
Exporting antiquities and archaeological items from Greece is subject to strict customs regulations. Contact the Embassy of Greece to Canada in Ottawa for specific information.
Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada
Money
The currency of Greece is the euro (EUR).
Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available. Carry cash at all times, as it remains the preferred method of payment in many establishments.
Monitor local and international news for information regarding the developing financial situation in Greece.
Latest news on the financial situation - Greek Ministry of Finance (In Greek only)
If you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon your entry or exit to the European Union. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller’s cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.
More information about cash controls - European Commission
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Seismic activity
Greece is located in an active seismic zone. In the event of an earthquake, follow the instructions of local authorities.
Flooding
Floods may occur during the spring and winter months throughout the country. Exercise caution, monitor media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Bush and forest fires
Bush and forest fires are common from June to September.
In case of a major fire, stay away from affected areas, follow the advice of local emergency services personnel and monitor local media.
The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and affect travellers with respiratory ailments.
Latest information on fires - General Secretariat for Civil Protection
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Athens - Embassy of Canada
Thessaloniki - Consulate of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Greece, in Athens, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.