Travel Advisory for All Tourists in Greece from Foreign Office
Traveling to Greece: A Guide to Safety and Precautions
Greece, a country known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for tourists. However, like any other large city, places such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Piraeus can experience petty crimes like pickpocketing, especially during the travel season from April to November. It's essential to stay vigilant, particularly in busy areas and on public transportation [1].
When it comes to natural hazards, Greece is located in a seismically active zone, and earthquakes can occur both on the mainland and the islands. The last earthquake in the region around Santorini and the surrounding islands occurred in February 2025. Visitors should be aware of this risk and follow any safety instructions provided by local authorities [2].
In the summer of 2025, Greece is experiencing a high risk of wildfires due to record-breaking heat and dry conditions. Several wildfires have led to evacuations, disruptions, and closures of tourist sites. Tourists are advised to stay informed through official channels, avoid high-risk and affected areas, and monitor air quality, especially if they have respiratory issues [3].
To ensure safety, it's recommended to use a warning app specifically for Greece to protect against bush and forest fires. Additionally, tourists should check with their tour operators for itinerary updates or cancellations related to wildfire risks [3]. In case of sudden evacuation, it's advisable to have a "grab bag" with essentials such as passports, phones, chargers, cash, and medication [4].
Avoiding outdoor activities during extreme heat is also crucial to prevent heat-related health problems, especially for children, the elderly, and people with underlying conditions. Staying hydrated and spending time in air-conditioned spaces is recommended [1].
Greece has an extensive flight and ferry network with approximately 39 airports and important ferry connections between the islands and the mainland. However, violations of traffic rules can result in high fines, and in case of serious offenses, the license plates or driver's license may be confiscated [5].
In recent years, Greece has seen a significant increase in tourism, with approximately 40.7 million international tourists visiting in 2024, a 12.8% increase from the previous year. Despite this, Greece remains a relatively safe travel destination, with the country classified as low-risk for serious crime [6].
For more detailed information, tourists can refer to the guidelines provided by the Greek Civil Protection, available in German [7]. It's always a good idea to keep important documents and money safe, make copies of all important documents, park vehicles in supervised parking lots, pay without cash whenever possible, and only carry the necessary cash for the day [1].
In summary, while Greece remains a generally safe destination for tourists, vigilance against petty crime and careful attention to wildfire-related risks and extreme heat precautions are essential during this period. Monitoring official updates and following civil protection advice significantly enhances traveler safety.
[1] Travel Advice - Greece [2] Earthquake in Greece [3] Wildfires in Greece [4] Pickpocketing Prevention Tips [5] Traffic Regulations in Greece [6] Crime in Greece [7] Greek Civil Protection Guidelines
Maintaining a safe and enjoyable lifestyle while traveling in Greece involves staying vigilant against petty crimes, particularly during the travel season, and being aware of wildfire risks during the summer months. To further ensure safety, it's recommended to download a warning app for bush and forest fires and follow the guidelines provided by the Greek Civil Protection.
