Health & Safety When Traveling to Greece

Medical, Health, & Safety in Greece

Let’s take a closer look at the main health and safety concerns in Greece to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Common Diseases

Traveling to Greece doesn’t come with any significant risks of infectious diseases or illness. However, travelers should always be mindful of gastrointestinal issues, which can result from contaminated food and water, as well as common respiratory illnesses, like cold and flu.

To be on the safe side, you should consult the World Health Organization (WHO) for country-specific health news and updates before you travel.

Vaccinations

There are no vaccines required to visit Greece. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers be up to date on all routine vaccinations — including COVID-19 and flu — in addition to being vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and measles, which is on the rise worldwide.

Local Medical Treatment

If you need to seek medical assistance in Greece, healthcare is usually of a high quality, especially in urban centers, like Athens and Thessaloniki. However, public hospitals can be crowded, and staff may not always speak English. Private clinics offer more personalized care but can be costly.

In case of medical emergencies, travelers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers healthcare, medical evacuation, rescue services, and a waiver for any pre-existing medical conditions, as treatment can be costly without it.

Although pharmacies (φαρμακείο or farmakeío in Greek) can provide over-the-counter medications, it’s never a bad idea to carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and any prescription drugs you may need during your trip.

If you need emergency assistance, dial 112 — this number is the same throughout the European Union. Redpoint policyholders can also contact our 24/7 assistance line at +1-415-481-0610 for help and guidance.

Water & Food

When it comes to water safety, tap water is generally OK to drink in major cities, but quality may vary in certain islands and rural areas.

Food-hygiene standards in Greece are high, but travelers should avoid undercooked seafood and be cautious with unwashed fruits and vegetables. It’s always a good tip to opt for busy, reputable restaurants to minimize risks of food-borne illness.

Air Quality

Air quality in Greece is typically good, but it can be affected by high temperatures, particularly during the summer, when smog levels rise in major cities, and during active wildfires. Severe traffic congestion in cities can also have an effect.

Travelers with respiratory conditions should monitor an air-quality index and avoid strenuous activities during high-pollution days.

Crime & Personal Safety

Before your flight to Greece takes off, check to see if the U.S. Department of State has any travel advisories for your destination and register for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergencies.

Greece is a relatively safe country with low violent-crime rates. However, petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is common in and around crowded areas, including tourist sites and public transportation to and from the major airports. Be aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings, particularly on the Athens Metro.

Greece’s urban areas can often play host to civic demonstrations and protests. As a tourist, it’s best to avoid these political demonstrations and defer to local authorities about areas to avoid.

Natural Disasters

Greece’s primary natural disasters are earthquakes, wildfires, and extreme heat. It’s wise to monitor local media to stay informed and familiarize yourself with any earthquake-related safety procedures in your accommodation, particularly if you’re going to be in an active seismic zone or seismically active region.

You’ll also want to be aware of your sun exposure to avoid heat stroke. Don’t exert yourself during the hottest parts of the day and consider wearing protective clothing to avoid heat stroke.

Local Laws

To avoid complications on the road, it’s smart to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations relevant to travelers.

Greece has strict drug laws, and possession of even small amounts can lead to severe penalties. Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces. The legal age to buy or consume alcohol is 18.

If you intend to drive in Greece, it’s worth noting that U.S. license holders no longer need to get an International Driving Permit. And if you plan on drinking alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel — it’s illegal under Greek law.