Greece travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter Greece for tourism or short stays. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen Area. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. From 2026, you may need an ETIAS travel authorisation before flying; check the latest rules before you book.

Ireland is part of the EU, so Irish citizens enjoy free movement within the Schengen Area. For Greece, you need a valid passport or national ID card. There is no visa for short stays, but you must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period across Schengen countries. For longer stays, such as work or study, you must apply for a residence permit through Greek authorities.

The Embassy of Ireland in Athens is the nearest Irish diplomatic mission. It provides consular services for Irish citizens in Greece, including passport renewals and emergency assistance. For urgent help, contact the embassy directly. For other services, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin can assist.

Greece uses the euro, so you will not need to exchange currency. A mid-range trip costs roughly €80–€120 per day per person, covering accommodation, meals, local transport and some activities. Budget travellers can manage on €50–€70, while luxury stays and island hopping push costs higher. Ferries between islands add €30–€60 per leg.

Direct flights from Dublin to Athens take about 4 hours. Seasonal flights to islands like Crete and Corfu operate in summer. From other Irish airports, you may connect through a European hub. Use a flight-time planner to check schedules from your home city.

Greece uses type C and F plugs, with a standard voltage of 230 V and frequency of 50 Hz. Irish plugs are type G, so you will need an adapter. Your devices will work with the voltage, but check for any that are not dual-voltage.

Tipping is not required in Greece, but it is appreciated for good service. Round up the bill or leave 5–10% at restaurants. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest euro is common. In bars, leaving small change is fine.

The European emergency number 112 works throughout Greece for police, ambulance and fire. Other numbers: 100 for police, 166 for ambulance, 199 for fire, 1571 for tourist police, and 108 for coast guard. Save 112 in your phone before you travel.