Greece Travel 2025: Safety Tips, Earthquake Updates, and Essential Visitor Information for a Smooth Mediterranean Vacation

Greece remains a generally safe destination for travelers as of late April 2025, though there are some important updates to be aware of before your journey. The U.S. State Department currently advises visitors to exercise normal precautions in Greece, which is considered a low-risk destination according to the Risk Map 2025.

If you're planning to visit the Greek islands, particularly Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, or Ios, be aware that a series of earthquakes has affected these areas since early February 2025. While no significant damage has been reported and seismologists confirm the activity is linked to undersea fault lines rather than volcanic unrest, it's advisable to stay informed through official updates and follow local safety guidelines.

For those traveling to Greece in 2025, an increased tourism tax went into effect on January 1st. This tax varies based on your accommodation type and the time of year, so factor this additional cost into your budget whether you're staying in hotels or short-term rentals like Airbnb.

U.S. citizens can visit Greece without a tourist visa for stays less than 90 days, though official and diplomatic passport holders will need to obtain a visa.

When exploring Greece, standard safety precautions apply. Use official taxis or public transportation, always wear seatbelts, and avoid using cell phones while driving. For water activities, be mindful of tidal changes and strong winds that can cause hazardous currents. Always obey warning flags at beaches, keep a safe distance from restricted areas, and exercise caution during severe weather.

Female travelers should be particularly vigilant as there have been reports of sexual assaults against foreigners, especially on the islands. Don't accept rides from strangers or casual acquaintances.

The healthcare system in Greece is well-equipped to handle emergencies, and authorities maintain high security in major tourist areas. Despite occasional disruptions to public transportation and potential road closures, Greece continues to welcome millions of visitors annually and remains one of Europe's most popular and beautiful destinations.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Greece remains a generally safe destination for travelers as of
late April twenty twenty five, though there are some important
updates to be aware of before your journey. The US
State Department currently advises visitors to exercise normal precautions in Greece,
which is considered a low risk destination according to the
Risk Map twenty twenty five. If you're planning to visit

(00:22):
the Greek Islands, particularly Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi or iOS, be
aware that a series of earthquakes has affected these areas
since early February twenty twenty five. While no significant damage
has been reported and seismologists confirm the activity is linked
to undersea fault lines rather than volcanic unrest, it's advisable

(00:44):
to stay informed through official updates and follow local safety guidelines.
For those traveling to Greece in twenty twenty five, an
increased tourism tax when into effect on January first. This
tax varies based on your accommodation type and the time
of year, so factor this additional cost into your budget
whether you're staying in hotels or short term rentals like airbnb.

(01:07):
US citizens can visit Greece without a tourist visa for
stays less than ninety days, though official and diplomatic passport
holders will need to obtain a visa when exploring Grease.
Standard safety precautions apply. Use official taxis or public transportation.
Always wear seat belts and avoid using cell phones while driving.

(01:28):
For water activities, be mindful of tidal changes and strong
winds that can cause hazardous currents. Always obey warning flags
at beaches, keep a safe distance from restricted areas, and
exercise caution during severe weather. Female travelers should be particularly vigilant,
as there have been reports of sexual assaults against foreigners,

(01:48):
especially on the islands. Don't accept rides from strangers or
casual acquaintances. The health care system in Grease is well
equipped to handle emergencies, and authorities maintain high security in
major tourist areas. Despite occasional disruptions to public transportation and
potential road closures, Greece continues to welcome millions of visitors

(02:10):
annually and remains one of Europe's most popular and beautiful
destinations