{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"GR","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Greece","url-slug":"greece","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 17:01 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
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The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
Strikes and demonstrations in Athens are a common occurrence due to austerity measures imposed by the government. Demonstrations and marches occur largely in the centre of Athens in Syntagma Square and in front of the Parliament building. Avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations and stay away from areas where they can occur as they may turn violent without notice. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Strikes and demonstrations affecting public health services and transportation, such as trains, buses, taxi, metro, ferries and cruise ships, are usually announced in advance. Road closures may occur at short notice, particularly in Athens. Flights may be disrupted and access to airports and ports may be difficult. Contact your airline to check the status of your flight and allow plenty of time to make your way to the airport.<\/p>\n
There have been periodic bomb attacks by anarchists and ultra-leftist militant groups against the Greek state, Greek institutions, and Western commercial and diplomatic interests on the mainland, including in Athens and Thessaloniki. Several bomb and arson attacks have occurred in urban areas. To enhance public safety, police officers conduct patrols in subway stations, bus terminals and other public places.<\/p>\n
Several attacks occurred in Athens in January 2013 in response to the latest round of austerity measures, as well as measures dealing with crime and corruption that were imposed by the Greek government.<\/p>\n
Petty crime (pickpocketing, purse snatching, luggage theft, muggings) occurs in tourist areas and on public transport. Do not walk in the Athens districts of Monastiraki and Omonia, or around the two railway stations of Larissa and Peloponissos after dark. Avoid secluded areas, parks, and down-market bars and restaurants. Remain vigilant at all times.<\/p>\n
Women should not accept rides from strangers or casual acquaintances. Sexual assaults have occurred, particularly on the islands.<\/p>\n
Attacks against non-Caucasians have been reported in Athens and condemned by local authorities.<\/p>\n
The traffic fatality rate in Greece is among the highest in the European Union. Poor driving standards, aggressive drivers, difficult terrain and heavy traffic create hazards.<\/p>\n
Driving motorbikes, scooters and mopeds is particularly dangerous, especially on the islands. Travellers must obtain insurance coverage. A helmet is a legal requirement. Stiff fines can be imposed for non-compliance.<\/p>\n
Small, unlicensed rental agencies (especially on the islands) do not always offer vehicles that comply with up-to-date safety standards. Read the rental contract carefully.<\/p>\n
In the event of an accident, wait until the police arrive; otherwise the insurance may not be valid.<\/p>\n
Accidents have occurred due to poor safety standards on regional buses and ferries. Use reputable bus and ferry operators.<\/p>\n
Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence and avoid carrying large sums of cash.<\/p>\n Tourist facilities are widely available.<\/p>\n Some border areas are militarily sensitive and should be avoided, including the north-northwest zone.<\/p>\n Dial 112 for emergency assistance.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Greek authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic<\/a> or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n \n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of their expected departure from the Schengen area. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.<\/p>\n Dual citizenship may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. You should travel using your Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.<\/p>\n Canadians of Macedonian ancestry have encountered difficulties when travelling to or through Greece. Any such difficulty should be reported to the Embassy of Canada in Athens.<\/p>\n Consult our Laws and culture tab and our publication entitled Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know<\/a> for more information.\n Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*<\/p>\n Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*<\/p>\n Work visa: Required<\/p>\n Student visa: Required<\/p>\n * The 90 days begin upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area.<\/p>\n Canadians must be in possession of a visa to remain in Greece for more than 90 days. Contact the Greek consulate in Canada to obtain the necessary visas. In cases where an overstay becomes necessary (for example, for a serious medical reason), you may be granted an extension of stay from the Greek Aliens Police 10 to 15 days before the three months have expired.<\/p>\n \n The following 26 countries comprise the Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.<\/p>\n The Schengen area has common rules regarding visas and controls at external borders:<\/p>\n You do not need visas for short-term visits of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Your stays are cumulative, and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. Some countries require that you register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival.<\/p>\n It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen area.<\/p>\n After 90 days of stay in the Schengen area, you must leave for another 90 days before you can re-enter.<\/p>\n If you overstay the permitted 90 days in the Schengen area, you may be fined or deported. To visit for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a long-stay national visa. <\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tTick-borne encephalitis<\/a> is a viral disease that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to tick bites (e.g., those spending time outdoors in wooded areas) while travelling in regions with risk of tick-borne encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>General safety information<\/h3>\n
Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Dual citizenship<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\nSchengen area <\/h3>\n
\nChildren and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Tick-borne encephalitis<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>