Traveling to Greece: Understanding Advisories and Safety Recommendations

In addition to planning trips and packing, travelers have another important task: checking for current travel advisories related to their destination. Travel advisories can be complex, and deciding whether to travel when there is a travel advisory or warning in place can be challenging. The U.S. Department of State provides up-to-date information that will assist travelers in making informed decisions regarding travel in Greece.

It is advisable for travelers to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which helps the embassy alert citizens in times of trouble. STEP is a complimentary service allowing U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, facilitating essential communication in emergencies.

Understanding U.S. Travel Advisories

The United States issues two types of advisories: the “Travel Warning” and the “Travel Alert.” Although the terminology may seem confusing, the “Travel Warning” is the more serious of the two and is typically issued when a country is deemed unstable or unsafe for travel. Several countries may be designated as dangerous at any given time, and as of July 2018, there is a general “Worldwide Caution” in effect. Travelers are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to practice good situational awareness based on this guidance.

The less serious “Travel Alert” is often issued in response to specific events or conditions, such as severe weather, organized protests, or potentially contentious elections. These alerts usually concern a limited number of countries and are generally valid for a shorter duration.

Travel advisories can be further complicated by the way they are reported. Some news outlets or social media platforms may inaccurately refer to a “Travel Alert” as a “Travel Warning.” Therefore, it is important not to assume travel is at risk until you verify the information directly with the State Department.

Travel Alerts and Warnings in Greece

Greece is rarely under a travel alert or warning and is generally regarded as a very safe country to visit compared with numerous other nations. Although strikes and protests may occur and attract media coverage, most daily life for Greeks continues unaffected. There are also precautions travelers can take in Greece to ensure a secure trip.

The U.S. State Department advises that travelers carry their passports at all times. It is always wise to have your passport or a color copy of the main passport pages on hand as proof of identity and citizenship. Additionally, having a copy of the page showing your entry stamp into Greece can be beneficial once you are in the country.

As of July 2018, there is no warning or alert listed for Greece. However, the U.S. Department of State does caution about the potential for transnational terrorist attacks across European countries, highlighting that public spaces where tourists and locals gather may be vulnerable.

Current Travel Warnings or Alerts for Greece, if present, will be displayed on the Travel Advisory page of the U.S. State Department website. Additionally, travelers may find it helpful to consult the official U.S. Department of State General Information Sheet on Greece. This resource offers essential travel information, including links to the American Embassy in Athens and any special announcements released by the Embassy.

Safety Recommendations for Travelers

Other nations might issue similar travel warnings and alerts; however, U.S. advisories are typically grounded in comprehensive and accurate information. Often, milder warnings are categorized under general “Travel Advice” on various nations’ websites, serving as useful resources for well-informed travel planning.