Greece Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in Greece.

Greece is a generally safe destination for travelers. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.

Wildfires in Greece

There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Greece

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police.

Recent attacks include:

• on 1 July 2026, three improvised incendiary device attacks against the residential properties of Greek political figures killed one person, with four others being injured

Protests and demonstrations

Political protests

Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and Palestine.

There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens.

Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.

Strikes and demonstrations

There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice, that can cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders.

Demonstrations often take place around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. Political demonstrations may take place on certain dates:

• 1 May (Labour Day)
• 17 November (anniversary of when student protests against a military dictatorship were put down violently – ‘Polytechnio’)
• 6 December (anniversary of the shooting of 15-year-old student Alexandros Grigoropoulos)

Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and move away to the last known safe place. Security forces often use tear gas to break up demonstrations, which can harm your breathing and vision.

Risk level

Greece - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Greece.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. They are usually held on days of social or historical significance, such as:

• Workers' Day on May 1
• the commemoration of the Athens Polytechnic uprising of 1973 on November 17
• the commemoration of the riots of 2008 on December 6
• the commemoration of the 2023 Tempi train crash on February 28

In Athens, demonstrations and marches occur primarily in areas around:

• Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament
• Omonia Square
• the National Technical University complex on Patision Avenue
• Exarchia neighbourhood

In Thessaloniki, they occur primarily in areas around:

• Aristotelous Square
• Egnatia Street
• the Arch of Galerius
• the campus of the Aristotle University

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Demonstrations and strikes can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Strikes

Strikes and pressure tactics occur regularly, particularly in key sectors such as transport and public health services. These strikes can disrupt travel and public services.

• Consult local media to be aware of strikes that may affect your stay or travel plans
• In the event of a transport strike, plan extra time to get to your destination

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

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