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The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Travelers to Greece must hold visible means of support. It is recommended for non-EEA members to hold return/onward tickets. If arriving
with a one-way ticket, passengers may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for the return/onward journey. Passports, other than EEA passports, must be valid for at least three months after period of stay, or three months after the expiry of the visa.
Americans: US citizens require a passport valid for at least three months after the end of their stay. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months if coming as a tourist.
UK nationals: UK nationals (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) require a passport valid for the intended period of stay, but a visa is not required. If passport is endorsed with British National (Overseas), Isle of Mann, Jersey, or Guernsey and its dependencies, then visa exemption is for up to three months. Other UK passport holders require a visa.
Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport (must be valid at least three months beyond period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to three months, provided coming for tourist purposes.
Australians: Australians require a passport valid at least three months beyond period of intended stay. A tourist visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.
South Africans: South Africans must have a passport valid at least three months beyond expiry date of the visa. A visa is required. Greece accepts visas issued by other Schengen States according to the Schengen Agreement. Visitors must hold medical travel insurance.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of their intended stay, but no visa is necessary.
New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a passport (must be valid at least three months beyond period of intended stay). No visa is required for a stay of up to three months, provided coming for tourist purposes.
Health
There are no specific health risks in Greece, but visitors who plan to walk through forested areas are advised to consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Travelers visiting the country from November through April are advised to have an influenza vaccination and if traveling through areas where hygiene is questionable, it is advisable to get a Hepatitis A vaccine. Medical facilities in Greece vary; those in major cities are excellent but many of the islands are some distance from a decent hospital. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. UK nationals are entitled to a refund on emergency hospital treatment under a reciprocal agreement between the UK and Greece, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken on holiday for this purpose. Despite this, all visitors are advised to take out medical insurance. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for those arriving from infected areas. Bird flu was detected in swans in northern Greece in February 2006, but stringent measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; no human infections have been reported. The risk to people is believed to be very low, but visitors are advised to avoid any contact with caged, wild or domestic birds, and to ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked as a precaution.
Safety
There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and visitors are urged to be vigilant in public places, including tourist sites. The bombs that exploded in central Athens outside a police station on 5 May 2004 were not targeted at tourists, but visitors could be caught up accidentally in such incidents. Greece is otherwise considered a safe destination, but the height of the tourist season does usually see an increase in petty theft cases, particularly in crowded areas. Visitors are advised not to carry valuables on them. Violent crime is infrequent, but there have been incidents on some Greek islands and lone visitors are advised not to accept lifts from strangers.
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