Greece Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Hellenic Republic of Greece
As of early 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to Exercise Increased Caution in Greece due to terrorism. Domestic extremist groups have conducted bombings and arson attacks targeting government buildings, banks, police, and diplomatic facilities. Strikes and demonstrations can also disrupt travel. Always check the latest advisory at travel.state.gov before departing.
Hellenic Republic (Greece)
Capital: Athens | Region: Southern Europe / Eastern Mediterranean | Language: Greek
Before You Travel to Greece
Greece — birthplace of democracy, home of the Acropolis, the Aegean islands, and some of the world's finest cuisine — is one of the most popular destinations for US travelers to Europe. Health preparation is straightforward: no special vaccinations are required, food and water are safe, and Greece has good medical facilities in major cities and resort areas. The primary health concerns for tourists are sun exposure, water safety on islands, and rare tick-borne disease risks in forested areas. A standard travel insurance policy and up-to-date routine vaccinations are the main recommendations.
Visit a Travel Clinic
No special vaccinations are required, but confirm all routine vaccines are current — especially MMR, as measles outbreaks continue across Europe. If hiking in forested areas, ask your doctor about tick-borne encephalitis.
Get Travel Insurance
Standard US health insurance generally does not cover care abroad. Greek healthcare is good in cities but limited on some smaller islands. Purchase travel health insurance including medical evacuation — particularly important for island visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.
Documents & Registration
Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov. US citizens may enter Greece (Schengen Area) for up to 90 days without a visa. Check current EU ETIAS travel authorization requirements before departure. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay.
Pack a Medical Kit
Bring all prescription medications in adequate supply. Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen — Greek summer UV is intense. Include blister care for sightseeing on cobblestones, antihistamines for pollen or insect reactions, and seasickness medication if island hopping. Greek pharmacies are well-stocked.
Water & Food Safety
Tap water in Athens and most of mainland Greece is safe to drink. On some smaller Greek islands (particularly in the Cyclades and Dodecanese), tap water may be brackish or of variable quality — bottled water is recommended. Food hygiene at established restaurants is generally excellent.
Payment & Currency
Greece uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and major tourist areas. On smaller islands and in rural areas, cash is often preferred or required. ATMs are available in most tourist destinations but can run out of cash in peak season — carry sufficient euros.
Yellow Fever in Greece
About Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is endemic only to tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Greece, in the temperate Mediterranean, has no yellow fever risk. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes capable of transmitting yellow fever are not present in Greece. However, Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), which can transmit dengue and chikungunya, has become established in some parts of Greece — use repellent during the day in summer months.
Malaria in Greece
The main mosquito-borne disease of note in Greece is West Nile virus, which circulates in northern mainland Greece (Macedonia, Thrace) in late summer. Most infections are asymptomatic, but severe neurological disease can occur in older adults and immunocompromised individuals. No vaccine or specific treatment exists — prevention is through mosquito bite avoidance at dusk and dawn.
Recommended Vaccines for Greece
No vaccinations are required for entry from the United States. The following are recommended or worth confirming with your physician.
MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Measles outbreaks continue across Europe. Greece is a major international tourist hub — ensure you have received 2 MMR doses before travel. Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
Ensure your Tdap booster is up to date — within the last 10 years. Particularly relevant for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who may sustain cuts or scrapes on rocky terrain. Tetanus is a real risk from contaminated wounds.
Risk in Greece is low but present. Recommended as a standard precaution for all international travelers. Particularly relevant for those eating at smaller establishments on islands or rural areas where sanitation standards may vary.
Influenza Vaccine & COVID-19
Annual flu shot recommended before all international travel. Ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are current per CDC recommendations. Greece receives millions of international visitors — respiratory illnesses circulate intensively.
Greece is polio-free. A one-time adult booster is recommended for all international travelers. Verify your vaccination status before any international trip.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccine
TBE risk in Greece is low but present in forested areas in northern Greece and Crete. Consider discussing with your doctor if planning extended hiking or camping in forested mountain regions. Not required for beach or city itineraries.
Healthcare System in Greece
Athens & Thessaloniki
Both cities have excellent private hospitals offering care to international standards. Hygeia Hospital and Metropolitan Hospital in Athens are well-regarded. English is widely spoken in private facilities. Emergency care in state hospitals is functional though can be crowded. Private healthcare is preferred for most conditions.
Greek Islands
Major islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini) have hospitals or health centers adequate for routine emergencies. Remote or smaller islands (Folegandros, Ikaria, Ithaca, etc.) have only basic health stations. Serious cases require helicopter or boat evacuation to Athens — ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Payment Policy
As a non-EU visitor, you are not covered by the Greek public health system and will be billed for care. Private hospitals and emergency care require upfront payment or evidence of travel insurance. Keep all receipts. Major credit cards are accepted at private facilities. Emergency treatment will not be refused but will generate a bill.
Greek pharmacies are excellent and widely available. Pharmacists are well-trained and many speak English, especially in tourist areas. They can recommend treatments and dispense many medications that require a prescription in the US. A rotating emergency pharmacy is always open 24 hours — look for the green cross sign or check the list posted in pharmacy windows. Bring all regular prescription medications from home.
Emergency Numbers in Greece
For maritime emergencies around the Greek islands, contact the Hellenic Coast Guard: 108. This covers boating accidents, drowning, and distress at sea. The coast guard also coordinates helicopter evacuations between islands. Keep this number easily accessible if you are sailing, island hopping by boat, or engaging in water sports.
US Embassy Athens
91 Vassilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
Phone: +30 210 721-2951
After-hours emergencies: +30 210 721-2951
gr.usembassy.gov
US Consulate Thessaloniki
43 Tsimiski Street, 54623 Thessaloniki
Phone: +30 2310 242-905
Provides consular services for northern Greece.
US State Dept 24/7 Hotline
From US/Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Nature & Weather Risks
Extreme Heat & UV Radiation
Greek summers are intensely hot — Athens regularly exceeds 38°C (100°F) in July and August, and the UV index reaches 10–11+ (Extreme). Heatwaves can be life-threatening. Stay hydrated (2–3 liters of water daily), avoid outdoor activity between 11am–4pm, wear a hat and UV-protective sunglasses, and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours. Heat exhaustion among tourists is extremely common.
Wildfires
Greece has suffered devastating wildfires in recent summers (2021, 2023), affecting tourist areas including parts of Rhodes, Corfu, Evia, and areas near Athens. Wildfires can spread with extreme speed in dry, windy conditions. Monitor local news and emergency alerts, particularly July–September. Follow all evacuation orders immediately — do not attempt to outrun a fire on foot.
Drowning & Water Safety
Drowning is a leading cause of tourist death in Greece. Many beaches are unguarded, rip currents exist on exposed coasts, and the Meltemi wind can create unexpectedly rough seas in summer. Check flag conditions at beaches, swim only at guarded beaches when possible, and never swim alone or after alcohol consumption.
Hiking & Mountain Safety
Greece has magnificent hiking terrain — Mount Olympus (2,917m), the Samaria Gorge in Crete, and the Pindus mountains. Altitude sickness, heat exposure, dehydration, and falls are real risks. Always start early (before 8am in summer), carry adequate water, wear appropriate footwear, and never hike alone in remote areas. Notify someone of your route.
Earthquakes
Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in Europe — earthquakes occur regularly. Most are minor, but significant earthquakes do happen (e.g., the 2020 Samos earthquake). Familiarize yourself with your accommodation's emergency procedures. If an earthquake strikes, take cover under sturdy furniture and stay away from windows. Do not use elevators immediately after shaking.
Road Safety
Greece has one of the higher road fatality rates in the EU. Aggressive driving, speeding, and poor adherence to road rules are common. Mountain roads on islands (especially Crete, Corfu, and Kefalonia) can be extremely narrow with sheer drops. Hire cars with care — always buy full insurance. Mopeds and ATVs cause many tourist injuries — helmets are mandatory and strongly advised.
Crime, Violence & Safety Risks
Terrorism
Greek domestic extremist groups conduct periodic attacks — typically targeting banks, police, courthouses, and political party offices. Attacks on tourist areas are rare but cannot be excluded. Stay alert in central Athens, especially near government buildings, police stations, and financial institutions. Report suspicious packages or behavior immediately.
Pickpocketing & Petty Theft
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists — particularly on the Athens Metro (especially Line 1 between Piraeus and Monastiraki), at the Acropolis, Monastiraki flea market, and on crowded island ferries. Use anti-theft bags, keep wallets in front pockets, and be alert in crowded spaces.
Demonstrations & Strikes
Strikes and demonstrations are frequent in Greece and can disrupt transport, close tourist attractions, and occasionally turn confrontational. General strikes (genikes apergie) can ground flights and close transport networks with short notice. Monitor local media and allow extra travel time when political tensions are elevated.
Scams
Bar and restaurant scams (menus without prices, unsolicited "free" drinks leading to massive bills) occur in tourist areas of Athens and popular island destinations. Ask to see the price list before ordering anything unsolicited. Taxi overcharging at Athens airport is documented — always use licensed taxis with meters, or pre-book through your hotel.
Other Health Risks in Greece
West Nile Virus
Annually reported in northern mainland Greece (Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly) during late summer. Spread by Culex mosquitoes at dusk and dawn. No vaccine or specific treatment — bite prevention is essential. Most infections are asymptomatic; serious neurological disease is rare but occurs in older adults. Report any unexplained fever after travel in northern Greece.
Jellyfish Stings
Jellyfish populations have increased in Greek waters due to warming seas. The mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca) causes painful stings. Portuguese Man O'War occasionally appears. Rinse stings with seawater (not freshwater), remove tentacles with a card or gloves, and seek pharmacy advice for relief gel. Do not rub the affected area. Seek medical care for severe reactions.
Sea Urchin Injuries
Sea urchins are common on rocky Greek coastlines and cause painful puncture wounds. Wear water shoes when walking on rocky shores. Do not attempt to remove spines yourself — seek medical care to prevent infection. Soaking in warm water with olive oil (a local remedy) may help loosen shallow spines but does not replace medical care.
Lyme Disease & Ticks
Ticks are present in forested and rural areas of mainland Greece and Crete, particularly in spring and autumn. Lyme disease is present though less common than in Northern Europe. Use tick repellent and perform tick checks after outdoor activities in forested areas. Remove any attached tick promptly.
Pre-Departure Checklist for Greece
- Confirm all routine vaccines are up to date: MMR, Tdap, Polio, Flu, COVID-19
- Get Hepatitis A vaccine if not already immune
- Discuss TBE vaccine if planning extended hiking in forested mountain areas
- Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance — including island medical evacuation
- Check EU ETIAS travel authorization requirements before departure
- Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov
- Save emergency numbers: Ambulance 166 | Police 100 | Fire 199 | EU Emergency 112 | Coast Guard 108 | US Embassy Athens +30 210 721-2951
- Pack SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours in the Greek sun
- Pack DEET repellent for evenings (West Nile) and daytime use (tiger mosquitoes)
- Pack antihistamines, blister care, and water shoes for rocky beaches
- Drink bottled water on smaller islands where tap water quality varies
- Monitor wildfire and weather alerts July–September — follow all evacuation orders immediately
- Check beach flag conditions before swimming — never swim alone or after alcohol
- Wear a helmet on mopeds and ATVs — mandatory and strongly advised
- Be alert to pickpockets on the Athens Metro and at tourist sites
- Ask for prices before ordering in bars and restaurants in tourist areas
