Visiting Greece: First time visit

If this is your first visit to Greece, then take a note of the following:

  • E.U. citizens are entitled to free medical care in Greece, but some form travel insurance is advisable for citizens from other countries. You should also check about two formal health care agreements between your countries and Greece. In any case, free treatment is always allowed after an emergency trauma. For serious medical attention call 166 where you will find English speaking Doctors.
  • For minor complaints you can go to a local pharmacy. Greek pharmacists are highly trained, and usually speak English. If you regularly use any form of a prescription drug you should bring a copy, together with the generic name of the drug. You should be aware that codeine is banned in Greece.
  • There are no required inoculations for Greece. The water is safe everywhere, though you may come across shortages on some of the most remote islands. Also bottled water is widely available.
  • Non E.U. citizens can stay in Greece, as tourists, for ninety days. If you plan to stay longer you should apply for a visa extension, which costs 11.000 dr. Unless you are of Greek descent, visitors for non - E.C. countries are allowed to one six month extension.
  • If you arrive from a non E.U. country you can import tax-free 200 cigarettes per person or 50 cigars, two liters of wine, one liter of spirits and perfumes. Exporting antiquities without a permit is a serious offense drug smuggling also incurs severe penalties.

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