Greece travel guide for Britons

Britons can enter Greece without a visa for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly. Check your passport has at least three months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

As a UK citizen, you do not need a visa for short stays in Greece. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. For longer stays, work, or study, you must apply for a national visa before you travel.

From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation. It is not a visa; it is a quick online application that costs €7 and is valid for three years. Apply before booking flights, as approval is not instant.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. Carry proof of accommodation and return tickets; border guards may ask.

The British Embassy in Athens is the main contact for UK citizens. It can help with lost passports, arrests, and serious emergencies. For routine questions, check the gov.uk travel advice page first.

If you need consular help, call the embassy or the UK government's 24-hour consular assistance line. For emergencies, call 112 first.

Greece is moderate for Europe. A budget traveller can manage on about £50–£70 a day with hostels, street food, and buses. A mid-range trip with hotels and some restaurants runs £100–£150 a day. On islands like Santorini or Mykonos, expect to pay more, especially in July and August.

Flights from London to Athens start around £50–£100 one-way in low season, more in summer. Ferries between islands cost about £20–£40 for a standard seat.

Direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted) to Athens take about 3.5–4 hours. Many airlines also fly to Thessaloniki, Crete, and the islands, especially in summer. From Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, expect slightly longer times and fewer options.

Check the flight-time planner for exact times from your home airport.

Greece uses 230 V, 50 Hz, with plug types C and F (the same as the UK's two-pin round plugs, but not the UK three-pin). You will need an adapter for UK devices. Voltage is the same, so no converter is needed for most electronics.

Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up the bill at a café, or leave 5–10% at a restaurant for good service. Taxi drivers usually round up to the nearest euro. Tipping is not required in hotels or for guides, but a few euros is fine.

In an emergency, call 112, the EU-wide number, which works in Greece and connects to police, ambulance, or fire. Other numbers: 100 police, 166 ambulance, 199 fire, 1571 tourist police, 108 coast guard. Save 112 in your phone.