GENVISEC
Protecting People and Profit
Latest advice 22 Feb 2016
Farmers are currently conducting road blocks nationwide, including on the Athens to Thessaloniki national road, the Patras to Korinthos highway and entrance/exit junctions to the Attiki Odos near Vari. Blockages, delays or redirections may also occur at ports, airports, and at border crossing points between Greece and Bulgaria. Check with your transport or tour provider for information on disruptions and follow local media for latest information
Greece
Overall country Risk Rating:
A - Stable state, there is a higher HSE risk than other European countries but overall it is still low.. Worksite risk is deemed to be medium. The number of road traffic accidents is above the european average, the drink drive limit is zero.The country scores 80/177 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.120 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes).
Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Greece.
Major pre-planned strikes and demonstrations
Demonstrations take place regularly around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. The police have used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. You should follow local media and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Road closures are common in Athens and are not always announced in advance. Demonstrations can be called at short notice, but there are certain dates on which demonstrations traditionally occur: 1 May, 17 November, and 6 December. Avoid travel on/around these dates.
Crime
Most visits to Greece are trouble-free, but theft of wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places. Leave valuables in a safe place at your hotel or apartment. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the Western Europe There have been some racially motivated attacks, mostly in inner-city areas.
Personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are generally rare in Greece, although there have been incidents involving British nationals in some holiday resorts frequented by large numbers of youth tourists. In some cases the alleged attackers were also foreign nationals. In many cases excessive drinking by either the victim or the offender preceded the incident.
Alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. Drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in other countries. In many cases excessive drinking by either the victim or the offender preceded the incident.
Local travel
Certain border areas are militarily sensitive. Although you can visit these areas, you should avoid taking photographs or video footage. You should also avoid approaching or taking photographs or video footage of military installations.
Road travel
Take particular care when travelling by road. In 2012 there were 1,027 road deaths in Greece (source: DfT). This equates to 9.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population, compared to the European average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2012.
Make sure any vehicle you hire is in good condition and check that you’re insured. Hire companies sometimes ask for your passport as a form of security. Don’t hand over your passport under any circumstances. Check the terms and conditions regarding any damage to the vehicle.
If you intend to hire a moped you will need a valid driving licence with at least category A1 - ‘light motorcycle’.
By law you must wear a crash helmet on a scooter, moped or motorcycle. Quad bike riders must wear a full-face helmet (or non-full-face helmet plus goggles). Failure to wear a helmet might invalidate your travel insurance if you are involved in an accident.
Swimming
Follow local advice if jellyfish are present.
Political situation
Greece is a stable democracy and a member of the European Union. At present, the country is going through a severe economic crisis. The Greek Government, with the support of the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and the European Central Bank, is implementing an economic adjustment programme with a view to ensuring fiscal stability, economic recovery and Greece’s continued membership of the Eurozone.
Money
The currency of Greece is the Euro. When travelling outside of your home country, you should take more than one means of payment with you (cash, debit card, credit card). Make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies and any unexpected delays.
Local laws and customs
Indecent behaviour, including mooning, is not tolerated. The police will make arrests and the courts are likely to impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently. Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws.
Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind, and don’t bring drugs - including ‘class C’ drugs Possession of even small quantities can lead to a long prison sentence. The plant Khat is an illegal narcotic in Greece. You will be arrested and may be imprisoned if you are caught trying to take Khat into Greece.
Driving any vehicle while over the legal drinking limit can result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are seeking employment in bars or night clubs in Greece, you will need a health certificate/licence issued by the local authorities. Failure to have such a certificate is punishable by a fine and or imprisonment.
Make sure you get a receipt for any goods or services you buy. If you buy pirate CDs or DVDs in Greece you could be imprisoned.
Don’t buy any offensive weapons like knuckledusters or knives with a blade length of 10cm or above.
It’s illegal to smoke in all indoor public places. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to €500
Terrorism
There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, media interests, diplomatic targets and the police. On 26 September 2013 there was an explosion at the tax office in Kifissia, northern Athens, which damaged the building and cars parked outside. On 4 October 2013 there was an explosion at the Panathinaikos football supporters’ club in the Athens district of Petralona, which caused serious damage to the premises, adjacent stores and several parked cars. On 9 October there was an attack on the political office of the Greek Shipping Minister, which caused extensive fire and smoke damage.
Foreign nationals are not normally considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by foreigners.
Earthquakes
Earth tremors are common in mainland Greece and on most of the Greek islands popular with foreign tourists. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do occur. Follow the advice of local authorities in the event of a natural disaster.
The Genvisec page has advice on what to do before, during and after and earthquake.
Forest Fires
Forest fires are common during the summer. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland and forest areas. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished. Don’t light barbecues and don’t leave any rubbish, particularly empty bottles, behind.
Health
If you’re visiting Greece you should get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving your home country. The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Greek nationals.
IThe EHIC won’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
The Greek National Health system has a reciprocal agreement with European National Health Services. Treatment and facilities are generally good on the mainland, but may be limited on the islands. The standards of nursing and after care, particularly in the public health sector lag behind what is normally acceptable in Western Europer. The public ambulance service, which will normally respond to any accident, is basic. There are severe shortages of ambulances on some islands.
Make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
There have been cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Greece during the warmer summer months and 1 death caused by WNV has been reported in 2014 by the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immedilately.
Consular Assistance
British Nationals
Emergency consular assistance (24 hours)
For emergency assistance, such as in the event of the death, assault, arrest or hospitalisation of a British national, call the embassy on +30 210 7272 600 and follow the instructions to be connected with consular officers.
British Embassy Athens:
1, Ploutarchou str
106 75 Athens
Greece
Consular enquiries only
Telephone
+30 210 7272 600
British Vice-Consulate Rhodes
29 Gr. Lambraki Street
85 100 Rhodes
Greece
Telephone
+30 22410 22005
Fax
+30 22410 24473
Honorary British Vice-Consulate Zakynthos
28 Foskolou Street
29 100 Zakynthos
Greece
Telephone
+30 26950 22906
Fax
+30 26950 23769
British Vice-Consulate Corfu
1st floor
18 Mantzarou Street
49 100 Corfu
Greece
Telephone (main)
+30 26610 23457
Telephone
+30 26610 30055
Fax
+30 26610 37995
British Vice-Consulate Crete
Candia Tower
17 Thalita Street, Ag. Dimitrios Square
71 202 Heraklion
Greece
Telephone
+30 2810 224012
Fax
+30 2810 243935
US citizens
U.S. Embassy Athens
91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue
10160 Athens, Greece
Phone (Main Switchboard/Info): 30-210-721-2951
E-mail: AthensAmEmb@state.gov
Working Hours M-F 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Phone: (+30) 210-720-2414
Fax: (+30) 210-724-5313
Email: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
For emergencies on the last Wednesday of each month, please call (+30) 210-721-2951.
For after-hour emergencies (outside of normal working hours), call (+30)210-729-4444. If you are dialing from the U.S., please call 1-888-407-4747.
Canadian Citizens
Canadian Embassy
4, Ioannou GennadiouStreet,
115 21 Athens, Greece
Tel.: 30-210-7273400
Fax: 30-210-7273475
E-mail : athns-cs@international.gc.ca
Service Hours
By appointment only
Consular Section: Monday to Friday: 08:30 - 12:30
Passport Office: Monday to Friday: 08:30 - 12:00
Emergency Services - After Office Hours (for Canadian citizens only)
If you require emergency assistance, you may access the 24 hour/7 day Operations Centre in Ottawa, Canada at no charge through the following methods:
calling the Embassy at 210-727-3400 or 210-727-3399
calling collect 613-996-8885 / 613-944-1310 (TTY)
email to sos@international.gc.ca
online form at Voyage.gc.ca
fax to 613-943-1054
In a number of countries, you can also call the 24/7 Operations Centre toll-free.
Norwegian Citizens
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Athens
Vas. Sophias Avenue 23, 106 74 Athens
Phone: 0030 210 72 46 173
Fax: 0030 210 72 44 989
E-mail: emb.athens@mfa.no
Visiting hours: Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00
Office hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-16.00
Passport applications: Monday - Friday 10:00-11:30
Immigration: Requests and appointments by e-mail.
Swedish Citizens
Vassileos Konstantinou 7
Athens
Postal address
Embassy of Sweden
Vassileos Konstantinou 7
106 74 Athens
Greece
Phone, fax, email:
Tel: +30-210-72 66 100
Fax: +30-210-72 66 150
E-mail: ambassaden.athen@gov.se
Chania
Sirmatenia Paraschaki:
Honorary Consul
Assistent:
Nicole Karamanlis
Address: El. Venizelou 107 A
73100 Chania
Crete
Phone:
+30 28210 57330
Fax:
+30 28210 57337
E-mail:
April - October: Monday - Friday
09.30-13.30
November - March:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 09.00-15.00
Visiting hours 09.30-13.30
Corfu
Honorary Consul:
Vassilis Kontos
Consular assistent:
Eva Makris
Postal address: Skaramanga Sq. 7, 2 fl.
491 00 Korfu
Greece
Phone:
+30 6994 736378
Fax:
+30 26610 30610
E-mail:
Opening hours:
Maj - September: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 13.00
October - April: Please call for appointment!
Heraklion
Honorary Consul:
Andreas Metaxas
Assistent:
Maria Tsangaraki
Postal address: Alexandrou Panastasiou Ave. 28A
713 06 Heraklion
Crete
Greece
Phone:
+30 2810 225 991
Fax:
+30 2810 300523
E-mail:
Opening hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30 -13.30
Kos
Honorary Consul:
Konstantinos Kipriotis
Consular assistent:
Chara Gkirtzi
Address: Hotel Kipriotis Village
Psalidi
Postal address: P.O. Box 206
853 00 Kos
Greece
Phone:
+30 22420 262 78
+30 22420 554 17
Fax:
+30 22420 200 22
E-mail:
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 09.30-15.00
Patras
Honorary Consul:
Konstantinos Christopoulos
Postal address: Karolou Street 95
262 23 Patras
Greece
Phone:
+30 2610 432545
+30 2610 435090
Fax:
+30 2610 422058
E-mail:
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 08.30-17.00
Rhodes
Honorary Consul:
Marianne Soulounias
Assistent:
Anastasia Kalopetri
Postal address: Griva street 104
Rhodes town
851 00 Rhodes
Greece
Phone:
+30 22410 28816
Fax:
+30 22410 28947
E-mail:
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday 09.30-13.30
Thessaloniki
Honorary Consul:
John Akkas
Consular assistant:
Evy Vaitsi
Postal address: Komninon 26
546 24 Thessaloniki
Phone:
+30 2310 284 065
Fax:
+30 2310 323 440
E-mail: