Greek 99% (official), English, French

Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Greece is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy.Greece has a capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about 40% of GDP and with per capita GDP at least 75% of the leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in menial jobs. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of annual GDP.

Hellenic Army (Ellinikos Stratos, ES), Hellenic Navy (Ellinikos Polemiko Navtiko, EPN), Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki Polimiki Aeroporia, EPA)

Greece is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Greece for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet. For other entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Greece at 2221 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-5800, or Greek consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Tampa, New York, and San Francisco, and Greek embassies and consulates around the world.

Holders of official or diplomatic passports visiting Greece as tourists must obtain visas prior to arrival. Visit the Embassy of Greece web site for the most current visa information

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information Sheet.

Airports:  82, Airports w/paved runways:  66

 Athens International Airport (ATH/LGAV)
Athens, El Venizelos, Greece, Administration Building 17, GR-190 19 Spata, GREECE
Tel: +30 210 353 0000, +30 210 353 7237
Fax: +30 210 353 7884
Website: www.athensairport-2001.gr or www.aia.gr

The US Government remains deeply concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against US citizens and interests abroad. In addition, there are domestic radical organizations that engage in violent acts in Greece. Although these activities in recent years have been primarily against economic and Greek government targets, they continue to pose a danger to Greeks and to foreign visitors. While strikes and demonstrations are a regular occurrence in Greece, violent civil disorder is rare. The usual safety precautions practiced in any urban or tourist area should be practiced during a visit to Greece.

Infant MR total:  5.63 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL  78.94yrs   (male 76.44/female 81.59)

Required: Yellow Fever

Recommended: Hep A&B, Booster for tetanus-diptheria

To prevent tickborne encephalitis, as well as Lyme disease, travelers should take precautions to prevent tick bites (see below).Leishmaniasis (cutaneous and visceral) is found in countries bordering the Mediterranean, with the highest number of cases from Spain, where it is an important opportunistic infection in HIV-infected persons.Legionnaries disease, caused by the Legionella bacterium, is sporadic; some outbreaks have involved tourists at resort hotels.

Medical facilities are adequate, and some, particularly the private clinics and hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki, are quite good.  Some private hospitals have affiliations with U.S. facilities, and generally their staff doctors have been trained in U.S. or other international teaching institutions.  However, English is not as widely spoken as might be expected.  Public medical clinics, especially on the islands, may lack resources; care there can be inadequate by American standards, and often, little English is spoken. It is not uncommon for doctors and patients to smoke in the wards, although the newer hospitals are increasingly strict on this matter. Nursing care, particularly in public hospitals, may be less than adequate.  For special or through-the-night nursing care, it is suggested that a private nurse be hired or a family member or friend be available to assist.  One parent or a private nurse should always plan to stay with a hospitalized child on a 24-hour basis, as even the best hospitals generally maintain only a minimal nursing staff from midnight to dawn on non-emergency floors or wards.

There is a high risk for Malaria through out the country.

Country Calling Code:  +30    Internet Country Code:  .gr