Planning a trip to Greece in 2025? Find out all about current entry regulations, customs requirements, the best time to visit, key tourist destinations and tips for a safe and comfortable journey. An updated guide for tourists from all over the world

Dreaming of a Mediterranean escape with ancient ruins, turquoise seas, and legendary cuisine? Greece continues to enchant travelers in 2025 — from iconic islands to hidden villages untouched by mass tourism. Whether you're planning your first trip or a return visit, this updated guide covers everything you need to know about entering Greece, what to pack, where to go, and when to travel.

Choose a reliable health insurance policy from Visit World to travel abroad safely.

Entry Requirements for Greece in 2025

As a member of the Schengen Area, Greece has uniform entry regulations with most European countries.

1. Visa Requirements

- Visa-free (up to 90 days): Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and most EU countries.

- Schengen visa required: Travelers from countries such as India, South Africa, China, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Israel, Turkmenistan, and others must apply for a visa in advance.

Important! Starting mid-2025, all non-EU citizens from visa-free countries must obtain an ETIAS approval online before departure. It is fast, valid for 3 years and costs 7 euros.

2. Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen Area.

It must have been issued within the last 10 years.

3. Travel Insurance

Mandatory for Schengen visa applicants.

Highly recommended for all tourists, especially in light of recent forest fires and public health emergencies.

What You Can Bring to Greece: Customs & Border Regulations

Greece follows EU customs rules, and travelers arriving from non-EU countries should be aware of certain limits.

Allowed without declaration (per adult):

- Alcohol: 1L of spirits over 22% ABV or 2L of fortified wine (e.g., ouzo, raki).

- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or equivalent.

- Cash: Up to €10,000 (or equivalent). Larger amounts must be declared.

- Personal items: Clothing, electronics, cameras for personal use.

Restricted or prohibited:

- Prescription medications: Bring a doctor’s note for any controlled substances.

- Animal products (meat, dairy): Not allowed from outside the EU.

- Weapons, pepper spray, fireworks: Strictly banned.

- Antiquities and cultural heritage items: Cannot be exported without a license.

Even small souvenirs like ancient-looking coins or stones may raise questions at customs. Buy only from licensed sellers.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Greece?

Greece’s Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round destination, but timing your trip wisely can make a big difference:

- Spring (April to early June)

Perfect weather for sightseeing and hiking.

Wildflowers cover the countryside.

Fewer crowds, better prices.

- Summer (mid-June to August)

Peak season for islands and beaches.

Long sunny days and warm waters.

Beware of heatwaves and wildfires, especially in July and August (e.g., Crete was affected in 2025).

- Autumn (September to October)

Warm seas, grape harvests, fewer tourists.

Ideal for island hopping and mainland road trips.

Great time for food and wine festivals.

- Winter (November to March)

Athens, Thessaloniki, and Delphi are calm and cultural.

Snow in the mountains — try skiing in Kalavrita or Mount Parnassus.

Many island services close, but prices are lowest.

Plan ahead for Greek holidays — August 15th and Orthodox Easter are peak times with limited transport and full accommodations.

Top Places to Visit in Greece in 2025

Greece offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences. Here’s what not to miss:

 Mainland Highlights

- Athens: Explore the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and modern street life in Psyrri and Monastiraki.

- Meteora: Monasteries built atop giant rock formations — a UNESCO site and photography heaven.

- Delphi: Once the center of the ancient world, nestled on Mount Parnassus.

- Thessaloniki: Greece’s cultural capital with Byzantine landmarks and vibrant nightlife.

 Island Escapes

- Santorini: Iconic white-and-blue towns, cliffside sunsets, and volcanic beaches.

- Crete: Gorgeous beaches, historic Knossos Palace, and hearty cuisine.

- Naxos & Paros: Authentic, quieter Cycladic islands with great food and hiking.

- Rhodes & Corfu: Medieval towns, stunning coastlines, and green interiors.

Off the Beaten Path

- Pelion Peninsula: Lush forests, charming mountain villages, and hidden beaches.

- Zagori Region: Stone bridges, deep gorges, and traditional architecture in Northern Greece.

- Ikaria: One of the world’s Blue Zones — known for its longevity and slow living.

Island hopping is easy by ferry — book in advance for summer routes or use multi-island passes.

 How to Get There and Move Around

- International Airports: Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG), Heraklion (HER), Rhodes (RHO), Santorini (JTR).

- Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Volotea operate in and out of Greece year-round.

- Ferries: Connect the mainland with hundreds of islands. Book online or at the port.

- Car rental: Affordable and perfect for road trips in Crete, Peloponnese, or northern Greece.

- Public transport: KTEL intercity buses, metro systems in Athens, and local taxis.

Non-EU tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their license to rent a car.

Important travel tips

- Currency: Euro (€). ATMs are widely available, although cash is still preferred in villages.

- Tips: Optional, but valuable - round up bills or leave 5–10%.

- Language: Greek is the official language, but English is spoken in most tourist areas.

- Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2/+3 in summer).

- Plugs: type C and F, 230 V - take a universal adapter.

- Emergency number: 112 (all over the EU).

- Sunscreen is mandatory - the Greek sun can be intense even in spring or autumn.

Ready for a Greek adventure? With its golden beaches, ancient ruins, warm hospitality and vibrant street life, Greece offers unforgettable moments for every type of traveler. Regardless of whether you are planning a honeymoon in Santorini, a cultural trip to Athens or a family trip to Crete, 2025 is the perfect time to rediscover the magic of Greece.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

Let's remind! July 2025 brought a wave of extreme heat to Europe, which led to large-scale forest fires, evacuations and record temperatures. We have already told you what is happening in Crete, which countries suffered the most, and how to protect yourself when traveling to hot Europe.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Greece;

Legal advice on immigration to Greece;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Greece;

Medical insurance around the world.

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We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.