Greece Travel 2025: Safety Tips, Seismic Updates, and New Tourism Regulations for Visitors

Greece remains a popular and generally safe destination for travelers in 2025, with authorities maintaining a Level 1 travel advisory - Exercise Normal Precautions. However, there are some recent developments that visitors should be aware of.

The Greek island of Santorini has experienced ongoing seismic activity since early 2025, prompting temporary evacuations and concerns about potential landslides and rockfalls. While the situation has stabilized, visitors to Santorini should stay informed about local conditions and follow any safety advisories issued by authorities.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni recently stated that safety is the top priority as Santorini prepares to welcome visitors for the upcoming tourist season. The minister emphasized that precautionary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists.

Travelers to Greece should also be aware of new entry requirements coming into effect. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was originally scheduled to launch in 2025 but has been postponed until late 2026. Once implemented, this system will require visa-exempt visitors, including U.S. citizens, to obtain pre-travel authorization before entering Greece and other Schengen area countries.

As of January 1, 2025, Greece has increased its tourism tax on accommodations, including hotels and short-term rentals. Visitors should factor this additional cost into their travel budgets.

When exploring Greece, travelers are advised to remain vigilant against petty crime, particularly in tourist areas and on public transportation. The U.S. State Department recommends keeping valuables secure, avoiding displays of wealth, and being cautious of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers.

For those planning water activities, it's important to be aware of potential hazards such as strong currents and marine life. Always heed warning flags at beaches and seek local advice about water conditions.

Visitors renting cars should note that Greek law requires both a valid U.S. driver's license and an international driver's permit, even if not requested by the rental company. Driving without proper documentation can result in significant fines.

As with any international travel, it's advisable to stay informed about current events, follow local laws and customs, and maintain comprehensive travel insurance. By taking these precautions, travelers can enjoy all that Greece has to offer while prioritizing their safety and well-being.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Greece remains a popular and generally safe destination for travelers
in twenty twenty five, with authorities maintaining a level one
travel advisory exercise normal precautions. However, there are some recent
developments that visitors should be aware of. The Greek island
of Santorini has experienced ongoing seismic activity since early twenty

(00:21):
twenty five, prompting temporary evacuations and concerns about potential landslides
and rock falls. While the situation has stabilised, visitors to
Santorini should stay informed about local conditions and follow any
safety advisories issued by authorities. Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogiani
recently stated that safety is the top priority as Santorini

(00:44):
prepares to welcome visitors for the upcoming tourist season. The
minister emphasized that precautionary measures are being taken to ensure
the safety of both residents and tourists. Travelers to Greece
should also be aware of new entry requirements coming into effect.
The European Travel Information and Authorization Systems was originally scheduled

(01:05):
to launch in twenty twenty five, but has been postponed
until late twenty twenty six. Once implemented, this system will
require visa exempt visitors, including US citizens, to obtain pre
travel authorization before entering Greece and other Shanngan area countries.
As of January first, twenty twenty five, Greece has increased

(01:26):
its tourism tax on accommodations, including hotels and short term rentals.
Visitors should factor this additional cost into their travel budgets
when exploring Greece. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant against
petty crime, particularly in tourist areas and on public transportation.
The U. S State Department recommends keeping valuables secure, avoiding

(01:49):
displays of wealth, and being cautious of unsolicited offers or
advice from strangers. For those planning water activities, it's important
to be aware of potential hazards such as wich is,
strong currents, and marine life. Always heed warning flags at
beaches and seek local advice about water conditions. Visitors renting

(02:09):
cars should note that Greek law requires both a valid
US driver's license and an international driver's permit, even if
not requested by the rental company. Driving without proper documentation
can result in significant finds. As with any international travel,
it's advisable to stay informed about current events, follow local
laws and customs, and maintain comprehensive travel insurance. By taking

(02:33):
these precautions, travelers can enjoy all that Greece has to
offer while prioritizing their safety and well being