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April 2, 2025 3 mins
Greece is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming destination for travelers in 2025, but there are a few updates and considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. The country has a low-risk rating according to the latest Risk Map for 2025, and its well-developed tourism infrastructure, low crime rates, and stable political environment make it an appealing destination for millions of visitors each year. However, travelers are encouraged to take standard precautions to safeguard valuables, stay informed about local guidelines, and prepare for any emergencies. Santorini, a beloved tourist spot in the Aegean Sea, has experienced recent seismic activity in early 2025. While the earthquakes caused some concern, they have not led to significant damage, and experts confirm the activity is linked to undersea fault lines rather than volcanic unrest. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and travelers are advised to follow local safety recommendations while enjoying Santorini's iconic views.

U.S. travelers should also note that new regulations have come into effect in 2025. An important update involves the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which requires U.S. citizens to apply for ETIAS authorization before entering Greece. Although U.S. passport holders still do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, their passports must remain valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure from the Schengen Area. Additionally, travelers should be aware of a new tourism tax introduced in January 2025, which varies based on accommodation type and season.

Despite Greece's reputation for safety, travelers should remain vigilant when visiting major cities like Athens, where thefts of passports and personal belongings are reported in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Simple measures, such as using secure bags, sharing travel plans with trusted contacts, and avoiding conspicuous displays of wealth, can reduce risks significantly. Visitors should also take care to follow road safety rules, including wearing seat belts and helmets, and adhere to local laws regarding mobile phone use while driving.

For those planning beach excursions, obey warning signs and lifeguards’ instructions to avoid potential hazards like strong currents or marine life, including jellyfish and sea urchins. At night, particularly around bars and clubs, travelers are advised to remain cautious against drink spiking and not to walk alone in unfamiliar areas. Solo travelers and marginalized groups should also plan their routes carefully, as sporadic racially motivated incidents have occurred in certain urban areas.

Travelers to Greece in 2025 are in for a remarkable experience, but staying informed and prepared is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. From following seismic updates in Santorini to complying with new entry and taxation requirements, taking proactive steps will allow visitors to make the most of this stunning Mediterranean destination.
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Episode Transcript

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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Greece is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming destination
for travelers in twenty twenty five, but there are a
few updates and considerations to keep in mind to ensure
a smooth and enjoyable visit. The country has a low
risk rating according to the latest risk map for twenty
twenty five, and its well developed tourism infrastructure, low crime rates,

(00:21):
and stable political environment make it an appealing destination for
millions of visitors each year. However, travelers are encouraged to
take standard precautions to safeguard valuables, stay informed about local guidelines,
and prepare for any emergencies. Santorini, a beloved tourist spot
in the Aegean Sea, has experienced recent seismic activity in

(00:44):
early twenty twenty five. While the earthquakes caused some concern,
they have not led to significant damage, and experts confirm
the activity is linked to undersea fault lines rather than
volcanic unrest. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and
travelers are advised to follow local safety recommendations while enjoying

(01:04):
Santorini's iconic views. US travelers should also note that new
regulations have come into effect in twenty twenty five. An
important update involves the European Travel Information and Authorization System ETS,
which requires U S citizens to apply for EIS authorization
before entering Greece. Although passport holders still do not need

(01:27):
a visa for stays of up to ninety days within
a one hundred and eighty day period, their passports must
remain valid for at least three months beyond their planned
departure from the Schengen area. Additionally, travelers should be aware
of a new tourism tax introduced in January twenty twenty five,
which varies based on accommodation type and season. Despite Greece's

(01:49):
reputation for safety, travelers should remain vigilant when visiting major
cities like Athens, where thefts of passports and personal belongings
are reported in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
Simple measures such as using secure bags, sharing travel plans
with trusted contacts, and avoiding conspicuous displays of wealth can

(02:11):
reduce risks significantly. Visitors should also take care to follow
road safety rules, including wearing seat belts and helmets, and
adhere to local laws regarding mobile phone use. While driving.
For those planning beach excursions, obey warning signs and lifeguard's
instructions to avoid potential hazards like strong currents or marine

(02:32):
life including jellyfish and sea urchins. At night, particularly around
bars and clubs, travelers are advised to remain cautious against
drink spiking and not to walk alone in unfamiliar areas.
Solo travelers and marginalized groups should also plan their roads carefully,
as sporadic, racially motivated incidents have occurred in certain urban areas.

(02:54):
Travelers to Grease In twenty twenty five are in for
a remarkable experience, but staying informed and prepared is key
to ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. From following seismic
updates in Santorini to complying with new entry and taxation requirements,
taking proactive steps will allow visitors to make the most
of this stunning Mediterranean destination.
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