This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Greece set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Greece’s embassy or consulate in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers.
Travel to Greece
Follow any instructions given on arrival at immigration or airport testing facilities. Check the Ministry of Tourism website for more information.
Passport validity requirements
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
Visa requirements
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
If you are travelling to Greece and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
For a longer stay (to work or study, for business or for other reasons) you will need to meet the Greek government’s entry requirements. Check with the Greek Embassy before you make arrangements to travel about what type of visa and work permit, if any, you may need.
If you are travelling to Greece for work, read the guidance on visas and permits.
The entry requirements for touring creatives have recently changed, more details of the new rules can be found on the Greek Embassy website. If you stay in Greece with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Passport stamping
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Greece as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. If you do overstay, you may be fined on departure, and have restrictions placed on your ability to re-enter Greece whilst the fine remains unpaid.
You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.
You may also need to:
- show a return or onward ticket
- show you have enough money for your stay
If you are resident in Greece, read our Living in Greece guide for passport stamping information.
Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Greece. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking food and drink into the EU
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.
As a seasoned traveler and an enthusiast well-versed in international travel regulations, let me delve into the intricacies of the information provided regarding travel requirements for individuals holding a 'British citizen' passport from the UK, specifically focusing on Greece.
Passport Validity Requirements: The UK government emphasizes the importance of complying with Schengen area passport requirements for travel to Greece. The passport must be issued less than 10 years before the entry date and should be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date. If the passport was issued before October 1, 2018, it's crucial to account for any additional months added to its expiry date.
Visa Requirements: For short visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period, British citizens can travel to Greece and other Schengen countries without a visa. This applies to various purposes, including tourism, visiting family or friends, business meetings, cultural or sports events, and short-term studies or training. However, for longer stays, such as for work or study, travelers need to adhere to the entry requirements set by the Greek government. It is advisable to check with the Greek Embassy for specific visa and work permit requirements.
Passport Stamping: Ensuring that your passport is stamped upon entry or exit from the Schengen area, especially when arriving in or departing from Greece, is critical. Passport stamps are used to monitor compliance with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays. Failure to have the relevant entry or exit stamps may lead border guards to assume an overstay, resulting in fines upon departure and potential restrictions on re-entry. Travelers can present evidence of entry and exit, such as boarding passes and tickets, to rectify missing stamps.
Vaccination Requirements (excluding COVID-19): Travelers are advised to check vaccination requirements at least 8 weeks before the trip using resources like TravelHealthPro. Understanding the vaccinations and possessing the necessary vaccination certificates is essential for a smooth entry into Greece.
Customs Rules: Stringent rules apply to goods entering or leaving Greece, and travelers must declare items that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. This underscores the importance of being aware of customs regulations to avoid legal complications.
Taking Food and Drink into the EU: Certain restrictions exist on taking meat, milk, or related products into EU countries, including Greece. Exceptions apply for medical reasons, such as specific quantities of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for health reasons. Travelers should consult the European Commission website for detailed rules on transporting food and drink into the EU.
In conclusion, staying informed about passport validity, visa requirements, passport stamping, vaccinations, customs rules, and food regulations is crucial for a seamless and trouble-free travel experience to Greece for UK citizens holding 'British citizen' passports. Always verify the latest information with official sources to ensure compliance with the ever-evolving travel regulations.
