State Department: Greece - Consular Information Sheet, May 17, 1996

Greece - Consular Information Sheet
May 17, 1996

Entry Requirements: A passport is required but no visa is needed for tourist or business stays of up to three months. An AIDS test is required for performing artists and students on Greek scholarships; U.S. test results are not accepted. For general information concerning overall entry requirements to Greece, travelers can contact the Embassy of Greece at 2221 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-5800, or the nearest Greek consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco.

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559. Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/.

Crime Information: Greece has a low rate of crime, but some pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and luggage theft does occur in Greece at popular tourist areas. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad.

Terrorist Activities: Civil disorder is rare. However, there are several active terrorist groups, including the "17 November" organization, which at times has targeted U.S. Government and U.S. commercial interests, but not tourists.

Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Greece, penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Those arrested may spend up to 18 months in pretrial confinement.

Penalties for Customs Violations: Unauthorized purchase or removal from Greece of antiquities, including pieces of archaeological sites, is forbidden. Penalties range from large fines to prison terms.

Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Greek citizens may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Greek law while in Greece. Those who may be affected can inquire at a Greek embassy or consulate to determine status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.

Driving: Visitors to Greece must be prepared to drive defensively as Greece has the third highest fatal accident rate in Europe. Heavy traffic and rough terrain on the islands make motorbikes especially dangerous. The majority of U.S. citizen traffic casualties in Greece have involved motorbikes. Owners of rental motorbikes are not required to carry insurance coverage; the renter is liable for damages caused to the rental vehicle and to property of third parties. An international driver's license is required.

Registration and Embassy/Consulate Location: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section can obtain updated information on travel and security in Greece. The U.S. Embassy in Athens is located at 91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, telephone (30)(1) 721-2951. The U.S. Consulate in Thessaloniki is located at 59 Leoforos Nikis, telephone (30)(31) 242-905.

No. 96-095

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued March 22, 1996, to remove the section on aviation concerns, in accordance with a May 15, 1996, announcement by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation that Hellenikon Airport in Athens is now in full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization security standards.