The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EEA travelers to Greece must hold visible means of support. It is also recommended for non-EEA members to hold return/onward tickets.
If arriving with a one-way ticket, passengers may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for the return/onward journey. Passports, other than EEA passports, must be valid for at least three months after period of stay. Visitors requiring a visa are also required to have medical insurance.
Americans: US citizens require a passport valid for at least three months after the end of their stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months if coming as a tourist.
UK nationals: UK nationals require a passport valid for the period of intended stay. British Citizens do not require a visa, and visa exemption is for three months for those with passports endorsed British National (Overseas), or British Overseas Territories Citizen and British Subject with the right of abode in the UK.
Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport (must be valid at least three months beyond period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to three months, provided coming for tourist purposes.
Australians: Australians require a passport valid at least three months beyond period of intended stay. A tourist visa is not required for a stay of up to three months provided coming for tourism.
South Africans: South Africans must have a passport valid at least three months beyond expiry date of the visa. A visa is required. Greece accepts visas issued by other Schengen States according to the Schengen Agreement.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of their intended stay, but no visa is necessary.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a passport (must be valid at least three months beyond period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to three months, provided coming for tourist purposes.
Health
There are no specific health risks in Greece, but visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Medical facilities in Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of the islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from infected areas.
Safety
There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and visitors are urged to be vigilant in public places, including tourist sites. The bombs that exploded in central Athens outside a police station on 5 May 2004 were not targeted at tourists, but visitors could be caught up accidentally in such incidents. Greece is otherwise considered a safe destination, but the height of the tourist season does usually see an increase in petty theft cases, particularly in crowded areas. Visitors are advised not to carry valuables on them. Violent crime is infrequent, but there have been incidents on some Greek islands and lone visitors are advised not to accept lifts from strangers.
