Greece

   ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

• Passports must have at least six months validity remaining beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.
• Beginning November 10, 2024, the EU Entry/Exit system (EES) will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control in the EU/Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will be required to provide their passports as well as have a photo of their face taken and their fingerprints scanned each time they cross the external borders of a country in the EU. Everyone, regardless of age, will need to go through the EES checks. Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints; however, they will still need to have a facial scan taken. Learn more at europa.eu/ees

VISA REQUIREMENTS

• A visa is not required for U.S. citizens visiting Greece for tourist or business purposes if staying under 90 days.
• Please note: Beginning in mid-2025, all U.S. citizens traveling to the European Union (EU) will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization ahead of their departure through the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile app. Applications costs EUR 7, though children under 18 and adults over 70 are exempt from paying the application fee. Approval will generally be delivered via email within minutes of submission.
  • Once approved, the ETIAS travel authorization will allow you to enter the EU as often as you want for short-term stays, normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The authorization is linked to your passport and is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

• Read more at: US Department of State Profile for Greece

LANGUAGE

• The official language of Greece is Greek.

CURRENCY

• The unit of currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR, €).
• MasterCard, Visa, and Eurocard are widely accepted in retail stores, ticketing offices, and hotels, although many restaurants may not accept them.
• Small shops may require a minimum purchase in order to use a credit card.
• ATMs are widely found. However, some machines will not accept 5-digit pins, so it may be advisable to change your pin to a 4-digit number before departing.

TIME ZONE:

GMT +2 (+3 in Daylight Saving Time)

VOLTAGE:

220/230V, 50Hz

PLUG TYPE:

Greece uses Type F plugs.

IMPORT & EXPORT RESTRICTIONS

• There are strict regulations on the exportation of Greek antiquities, including rocks from archaeological sites.
• Gold, gold plated objects, and other precious metals must be declared on arrival.
• If arriving from or traveling to another E.U. country, there are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency. If arriving from or traveling to a country outside the E.U., amounts exceeding the equivalent of €10,000 must be declared.

• For detailed import and export regulations, please consult the IATA Travel Centre.

   TRAVELERS’ HEALTH & SAFETY

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

• No vaccinations are required to visit Portugal.
• It is recommended that you are up to date on all routine vaccinations.

• Please visit the CDC.gov website for recommended immunizations to visit Greece.

OTHER SAFETY NOTES

• Demonstrations can occasionally occur. Use common sense and avoid large crowds and political rallies.
• As in most developed countries, typical criminal activities such as pick pocketing, mugging, and purse snatching do occur, and petty thieves are known to target tourists, especially at historic sites and on public transportation. Use common sense awareness and the same personal security measures you would normally use in any large city or tourist destination.
• Do not use ATMs in poorly lit or isolated locations.

LOCAL LAWS AND CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Smoking is prevalent throughout Greece. Some casual establishments may even allow smoking inside.
• Tremors and earthquakes occur regularly, and forest fires are common, especially during the dry summer months. Please be aware that these natural occurrences can occasionally cause road closures.
• In Greek Orthodox churches, women must cover their shoulders, and everyone -- regardless of gender -- must cover their knees. Scarves and shawls are sometimes available at the entrance to churches frequented by tourists.

   GRATUITIES

In Greece, tipping is preferred in Euros (EUR, €).

Please remember, there is no obligation to tip and American standards for tipping are some of the highest in the world. The following list is only a suggestion for your convenience and may vary by itinerary.

• Airport assistance: €15 per porter
• Porters: €2 per bag
• Transfers (up to 1 hour): €20-30 per transfer
• Long transfers (over 2 hours): €30 per transfer
• Guide – full day: €100 per day
• Guide – half day: €50 per day
• Driver – full day: €100 per day
• Driver – half day: €50 per day
• Resort staff: €15 per night
• Boat cruise crew: €130 per day per group
• Taxi: 10% of the fare
• Restaurants: 10 – 20% of the bill; leave small change for bus boys. Tipping must be in cash.

Please note: Regarding crew tipping for private yacht charters, it is recommended that tipping range between 5-15% of total charter cost. The amount provided by you to the captain at the end of the itinerary will be deducted from the Advance Provision Allowance (APA).

   WEATHER

Please refer to your personalized Vamoos app for the daily weather forcast.

Greece has a diverse climate with distinct seasons, influenced by its geographical features and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.

Summer (June to August):

• Summers in Greece are hot and dry, especially in the southern and coastal areas. Temperatures can range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) or even higher. The islands and coastal regions are popular during this time for their warm and sunny weather.

Autumn (September to November):

• Autumn is characterized by milder temperatures. It's a pleasant time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Rainfall increases during this season, particularly in the northern regions.

Winter (December to February):

• Winters in Greece are generally mild along the coasts and islands, but colder in the northern and mountainous regions. Coastal areas may experience temperatures around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), while the interior and mountains can have colder conditions with occasional snowfall.

Spring (March to May):

• Spring brings a gradual warming of temperatures and blooming landscapes. It's a lovely time to visit as the weather becomes milder and more comfortable. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Keep in mind that these are general trends, and the climate can vary across different regions of Greece. Islands and coastal areas may have a more Mediterranean climate, while the mainland and mountainous regions may experience more continental conditions.