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

Greece remains one of the world’s favored travel destinations in 2025 and is currently considered safe for travelers, with the U.S. State Department advising normal precautions for both tourists and business visitors as of their latest guidance from August 2024. There is no requirement for a tourist visa for stays under 90 days, making travel to Greece relatively straightforward for most international visitors according to the U.S. Department of State.

Listeners planning a trip in 2025 should be aware of recently introduced changes, particularly an increase in the tourism accommodation tax that took effect on January 1, 2025. This tax applies to hotels and short-term rentals such as Airbnb, with the rates varying depending on the type and class of accommodation and the season. Travelers are advised to check these additional costs and factor them into their budget for the trip as reported by Insurte.

For those headed to the Greek islands, particularly Amorgos, Santorini, Anafi, and Ios, the U.S. Mission in Greece issued a natural disaster alert in February 2025 due to a series of earthquakes in the region. While the situation is being closely monitored, travelers should stay informed about local seismic activity and follow any advice from local authorities.

General safety advice for Greece includes the risk of sporadic disruptions to public transport and road closures, as posted by the Government of Canada. Violent incidents, though rare, have occurred, and sexual assaults on foreigners have been reported—more often in popular island destinations. Standard personal safety precautions apply: avoid accepting rides from strangers, remain vigilant, and be especially cautious in nightlife areas.

Greece’s beaches are popular and usually safe, but swimming and water activities carry risks due to hazardous currents, strong winds, and dangerous marine life such as jellyfish and sea urchins. Visitors should always obey warning flags, follow local advice, and avoid the water during severe weather. For those boating, understanding and respecting local navigation rules, not exceeding boat capacity, and carrying emergency communication equipment are essential.

Medical facilities in urban centers like Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Ioannina, and Patras are generally good, but services can be limited on smaller islands or in rural areas. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers both medical evacuation and hospital stays, especially if planning to travel away from major cities or to remote regions.

When driving, always wear a seatbelt, use official taxis or public transport, and if renting a car, ensure you have the correct documentation such as an International Driving Permit. Road safety awareness is important, as traffic patterns and enforcement may differ from those at home.

In summary, Greece welcomes travelers in 2025, offering its rich history and stunning landscapes alongside robust safety and travel infrastructure. However, listeners should stay updated on local conditions, recent seismic activity, and new tourism taxes, and always practice common sense safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.