Arriving in Greece
Fly into Athens, Thessaloniki or one of the island gateways, then shape the onward journey around your destination and season.
Travel essentials
Greece, made easy.
Your considered guide to arrivals, island connections and the details that make a Greek escape feel effortless.
Plan the journey, then enjoy the view.
Greece rewards thoughtful planning. Start with the route that fits your time, choose a comfortable rhythm between islands, and leave room for the unplanned moments that make a trip unforgettable.
Moving between places
Ferries, domestic flights, road routes and transfers each bring a different pace. A well-matched connection turns travel days into part of the holiday.
Travel with confidence
Check entry requirements, protect time for connections and keep plans flexible in high season. For official, country-specific requirements, consult your embassy before departure.
Before you go
A few details worth getting right
Choose your gateway
Match your arrival airport to the island or region you want to explore, not simply the cheapest fare.
Build in breathing room
Leave time around ferries and flights, particularly during the busy summer months.
Keep your itinerary balanced
A little less moving often gives you more Greece: slower mornings, longer lunches and unexpected swims.
Before you travel
Travel documents & entry requirements
Everything you need to know before boarding your flight to Greece.
Passports
EU citizens do not need a passport — a valid identity card with Latin characters is sufficient. Non-EU citizens require a valid passport to enter Greece. If your passport is lost in Greece, contact the local police and your home country's embassy immediately. Carrying a photocopy speeds up the replacement process considerably.
Visas
UK citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies across the Schengen Area, so time spent in other European countries such as Spain, Italy or France also counts towards your 90 days. Citizens of EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and several other nations also do not require a visa. Most other nationalities do. For country-specific requirements, contact the Greek National Tourist Office or your country's embassy in Greece before travelling.
Identification
A passport serves as valid ID. Other accepted forms of identification include your country's official identity card and a driving licence.
Travelling with pets
Animals and pets require a valid health certificate to enter Greece. Contact your vet and the Greek Embassy in your country well in advance to confirm the exact documentation required.
Entry formalities
EU citizens
A valid ID with Latin characters is sufficient — no passport required. There are no customs formalities and no vaccinations required.
Non-EU citizens
A valid passport is required. Citizens of some countries also need a visa. Exceptions apply for the USA, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other nations. Contact the Greek Embassy in your country to confirm your specific requirements.
Pets & animals
A health certificate is required. Contact your vet and the Greek Embassy in your country to confirm the exact certificates needed.
According to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visitors from the following non-European countries may enter Greece without a visa:
Antigua and Barbuda · Argentina · Bahamas · Barbados · Brazil · Brunei · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Dominica · El Salvador · Grenada · Guatemala · Honduras · Israel · Japan · Kiribati · Malaysia · Marshall Islands · Mauritius · Mexico · Micronesia · Nicaragua · Palau · Panama · Paraguay · Peru · Saint Kitts and Nevis · Saint Lucia · Samoa · Seychelles · Singapore · South Korea · Timor-Leste · Tonga · Trinidad and Tobago · Tuvalu · United Arab Emirates · Uruguay · Venezuela
Travellers are advised to verify requirements with the Greek embassy or consulate in their country before departure.
Health & wellbeing
Staying well in Greece
No special vaccinations are required to visit Greece. A little preparation goes a long way.
European Health Insurance Card
EU citizens are eligible for the EHIC, which provides access to free treatment in Greek public hospitals. Public hospitals are well-equipped in major cities but can be busy. Private hospitals offer better conditions but are considerably more expensive. On smaller islands, only medical centres may be available.
Food & water
Greek produce is renowned for its quality. Tap water is generally safe to drink in Athens and some large towns. On many islands, bottled water is recommended - island water is often transported from the mainland and is best used for showering and cleaning rather than drinking.
Summer heat
July and August can see temperatures reach 40°C / 104°F. Those with heart, lung/respiratory conditions, and sensitive skin should take particular care. Stay hydrated, shower regularly, wear light clothing and a hat, use sunscreen and sunglasses, and avoid strenuous activity between 12 noon and 17:00.
Medication
If you are on a prescribed course of treatment, bring sufficient supplies with you. The exact same medicines may not be available in Greek pharmacies, particularly on smaller islands.
Money & payments
Currency & cash in Greece
Greece uses the Euro (€), which replaced the Drachma in 2002. Cards are widely accepted, but cash remains essential — especially on smaller islands.
Always carry cash
Most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops accept cards, but smaller studios and local shops on quieter islands often prefer cash. Keep some euros on you at all times.
ATMs & banking
ATMs are plentiful on the larger islands and in major towns. Remote islands may have just one machine — and it can run out of notes during peak season. Withdraw before you travel to smaller destinations.
Euro denominations
Banknotes: €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, €5. Coins: €2, €1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent pieces.
Climate Crisis Resilience Fee
Greece levies a nightly Climate Crisis Resilience Fee on all accommodation, paid directly to your property on arrival or check-out. The rate is set by accommodation category:
2-star hotels€2 per room, per night
3-star hotels€5 per room, per night
4-star hotels€10 per room, per night
5-star hotels & luxury villas€15 per room, per night
Short-term rentals, apartments & Airbnb€1.50–€15 per night, based on property size
Rates are subject to change. Budget for this separately — it is not included in your accommodation price.
Travel essentials
Let your route unfold naturally.
Tell Eleni where you would like to go and how you like to travel. We will help turn the practical pieces into a holiday that feels entirely your own.
Start planning