Greece

Recommended Vaccinations For Greece

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis A for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The vaccination for hepatitis B is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

T**ravellers who plan to visit areas around the city of Thessaloniki during early spring to late autumn should consider obtaining this vaccine. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in areas where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities).**

Rabies Vaccine

**Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers who may have direct contact with bats, e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, cavers or researchers.**

Recommended Medications For Greece

There are no recommendations for Greece at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Greece

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Greece.

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk for hepatitis A in Greece.

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

Sporadic cases of West Nile virus occur in this country.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies

**Rabies has not been reported in Greece and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. Cases have been reported around the city of Thessaloniki. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Safety & Security in Greece

Personal Safety

Greece maintains relatively low violent crime rates compared to many European destinations. Pickpocketing and petty theft target tourists in crowded areas, particularly in Athens around Monastiraki, metro stations, Syntagma Square, and popular archaeological sites. Omonia, Exarchia, Sepolia, Kato Patisia, Gyzi, and Menidi in Athens have higher crime rates and should be approached with caution. Scams occur in tourist areas, including overpriced taxis, inflated restaurant bills, fake tour guides, and offers of free gifts that lead to payment demands. While Greece recorded the highest levels of perceived crime in the EU for 2023, with around 21% of residents reporting concerns about crime, violence, or vandalism, actual violent crime remains uncommon for tourists. Domestic violence cases increased significantly in 2022, with reports up 31.4% compared to 2021, though this primarily affects residents rather than visitors. In 2023, there were no successful terrorist attacks, though authorities dismantled several planned attacks and Greece remains vigilant due to its position as a transit point into Europe. You should watch your belongings closely on public transport and in busy tourist spots.

Extreme Violence

Greece has not experienced successful terrorist attacks in recent years. In 2023, no terrorist attacks succeeded, though authorities disrupted several planned operations, including a foiled attack against a synagogue and kosher restaurant in Athens where two Pakistani nationals were arrested. Small-scale anarchist groups occasionally carry out bombings against government buildings, banks, and police stations, typically with advance warnings to avoid casualties. A failed bombing targeted a police headquarters in Athens in December 2023. Homicide rates remain very low, with Greece recording a murder rate of 1.7 per 100,000 population in 2011 and only 78 homicides in 2017. Violent crimes affecting tourists are rare. The Racist Violence Recording Network documented 158 incidents in 2023, primarily targeting migrants and LGBT individuals, with 61 attacks specifically against LGBT people that year. Most criminal activity involves property crimes rather than violence. Greek authorities maintain high security levels at prominent locations and tourist sites, particularly following events in Israel and Palestine. While Greece serves as a transit point for potential threats into Europe, the risk to tourists remains low.

Political Unrest

Greece experiences regular demonstrations and strikes, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Protests often occur around Syntagma Square and other major public spaces on days of social or historical significance. Recent years have seen significant unrest over cost of living issues, with strikes in November 2024 and April 2025 drawing thousands and halting trains, ferries, flights, and public transport. Mass protests erupted in early 2025 over the government response to the 2023 Tempi train crash that killed 57 people, with hundreds of thousands demanding accountability. These demonstrations marked some of the largest Greece has seen in decades. Labor strikes occur frequently in transport and public health sectors, often called at short notice, causing disruptions to travel plans. While most demonstrations begin peacefully, some have turned violent, particularly in central Athens. Protesters have clashed with police, and property damage has occurred during certain events. The country faces ongoing economic tensions, with unions criticizing the government for failing to tackle inflation and high housing costs. Demonstrations related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict also take place regularly. You should avoid areas where protests are happening, monitor local media, and allow extra time for transport during strike periods.

Areas To Avoid

In Athens, avoid or exercise extra caution in Omonia, which struggles with drug dealers, pickpockets, prostitution, and petty criminals, especially at night. Exarchia has a reputation for bohemian culture and occasional unrest but remains relatively safe during daytime. Kato Patisia, Sepolia, Gyzi, and Menidi have higher crime rates. The eastern Attica district of Menidi has seen arrests related to terrorism activities. Central Athens around Syntagma Square and Monastiraki experiences heavy pickpocketing due to tourist crowds. Exercise vigilance at travel hubs including ports, train stations, metro stops, and Athens airport where theft is more common. During demonstrations, stay away from Syntagma Square and areas where large gatherings occur, as peaceful protests can turn violent. Some Greek islands rely on desalination or have limited water infrastructure. The party towns of Malia in Crete and Laganas in Zakynthos have experienced alcohol-related incidents. Wildfires pose risks during summer months from June to September, particularly affecting Rhodes, Crete, Evia, and other islands, prompting evacuations in recent years. Remote rural areas and some islands have less developed infrastructure and limited police presence. Stay informed about current conditions before visiting less populated regions.