Greece is regarded as one of the safest destinations in Europe for tourists in 2025. Official advisories from the US State Department, UK Foreign Office, and Australian Smartraveller all assign Greece a Level 1 advisory or recommend exercising normal safety precautions. This reflects the country’s stable political climate, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and low rates of violent crime. However, listeners should remain vigilant about petty crime—pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded tourist zones, public transport, and markets. Travelers are advised to keep belongings secure, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and use anti-theft bags, as noted in the updated US travel advisory from October 23, 2025. The advisory also highlights the possibility of demonstrations, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki, that may disrupt transport and essential services, and urges travelers to avoid these gatherings whenever possible.

A significant administrative change impacting travel to Greece is the ongoing implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES), which began rolling out in October 2025 and applies to most non-EU visitors. Upon arrival and departure, travelers will have digital biometrics such as fingerprints and facial images collected. The EES system is expected to eventually lead to longer border queues, so listeners should plan for extra time at entry points and have their travel documents readily accessible. Americans, Australians, and visitors from other non-EU countries should familiarize themselves with the new requirements and expect six months of incremental rollout. The anticipated ETIAS visa exemption authorization has been delayed until late 2026, so it is not required for 2025.

Recent seismic activity near Santorini in early 2025 has caused concern, with a series of mild earthquakes felt on the island. Greek authorities responded promptly with emergency measures and experts emphasize these tremors are due to undersea fault lines, unrelated to volcanic unrest, and have not resulted in significant damage. Travelers interested in Santorini should stay informed through official updates and follow any local safety guidelines. Greece’s infrastructure is robust, and the risk to tourists remains minimal.

Summers in Greece often bring extreme temperatures and wildfires, especially near popular tourist locations and cities. Visitors are urged to follow the advice of local authorities, remain aware of their surroundings, and take precautions such as staying hydrated and using sunscreen. Quad bike and motorcycle accidents have caused serious injuries and fatalities among tourists; some travel insurance policies exclude these activities, so anyone planning to ride should confirm coverage details.

Healthwise, Greece has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions for visitors as of 2025. There are no mandatory tests or quarantines, and vaccination rates are high. No special vaccinations are necessary, but routine immunizations should be current. Travelers should prepare for seasonal health issues like heat exhaustion and allergies, and comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.

While crime against tourists is rare, personal safety requires standard vigilance. Emergency services are accessible via 112 for police, fire, and medical help throughout the country.

With political stability, welcoming communities, and top-tier safety infrastructure, Greece continues to offer a rich and compelling travel experience for listeners in 2025. For those planning November trips, the season is quieter and some island destinations such as Hydra may offer limited services, but routes to Delphi, Meteora, and the Peloponnese remain reliable. Always check local opening times and advisories when planning itineraries, especially in the off-season.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI