Information for travellers affected by the situation in Greece

July 2015

As we're sure you've heard, there is currently a financial crisis in Greece. While the country has just voted in a new EU bailout offer a climate of economic uncertainty is causing some problems with Greek banks and payment systems, and there are reports of civil unrest in Athens in protest at the bailout agreement. However this shouldn't stop you having a great holiday so long as you take some minor precautions before you go - and in positive news it means there's some great bargains available for Greek holidaymakers, from discounted package holidays to lower prices on the islands.


Is it safe to visit Greece?

The recent bailout agreement should see Greece gradually return to economic stability and the banks return to normal operations, and British news sources are actively encouraging holidaymakers to visit Greece as prices are low and local businesses are keen to welcome tourists with money to spend. Banks have reopened this week with limited services and in general British holidaymakers are reporting no serious problems.

You should still be able to have a great holiday, but most experts are recommending you make sure you have adequate travel insurance cover in case any part of your holiday is affected.

While in theory there is no limit to the amount tourists can withdraw from a Greek bank, the banks have just re-opened, there are queues for some ATMs and others are reportedly empty. As such, it would be best to take enough euros with you to cover your cash needs, especially in case your return home is delayed. The BBC recommends taking about £500 for a two-week holiday. There is currently no limit to how much cash in euros you can take back out of Greece.

Carrying large amounts of cash isn't always safe as there have been reports of an increase in pickpocketing. We'd recommend you take a pre-loaded credit card with you. These disposable cards can be loaded with euros and then used like a normal credit card up to the amount you've put on it. The cards will work, no matter what happens in Greece. Some small shops might want to avoid taking card payments, but all major services will still take payment with these cards. We can offer these cards free of charge so get your card now or it may not have time to reach you before you fly.

Local supply of medicines may become limited due to the recent government liquidity problems. This means you might have trouble getting top-ups of any medicines you are taking, so you should make sure you bring as much as you need for your holiday plus some contingency supplies in case of delays coming home. There are also occasional reports of supermarkets running short of supplies and of outlying islands declining to change foreign currency or accept credit cards, but these reports are sporadic and contested.

While the Greek economy is in strife, there may also be strikes and other disruption to public services like buses and trains.


Do I need to cancel my holiday?

The Foreign Office is not advising people travelling to Greece cancel their holiday. As such, there has been no need for most tour companies to diverge from their terms and conditions, meaning you may not get a full refund if you cancel your holiday. If you do decide to cancel your booking with us, you can do so though our site portal. Our normal terms and conditions will apply.


Things to remember

• Make sure you have sufficient travel insurance
• Carry your passport with you at all times
• Take all the cash you need with you
• Take a pre-loaded credit card
• Take enough of any medicines you are taking to last the trip
Avoid drinking to excess as the police will be on high alert for disruptive behaviour
• Have a great holiday


Useful links

Foreign Office Advice and Numbers to Call
Guardian commentary and advice for travellers to Greece
The Economist: On the frontline with tourists
The BBC on the referendum vote
FairFX Blog on Greece


We’re here to help

If you have any more questions, we’re happy to help. You can contact us here and we'll do our best to answer your question for you as quickly as possible.

If your question is urgent, you can reach us on 0800 804 7363 or +44 1303 816201 when you're calling from abroad. Our contact centre is open from 08:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and 08:30 to 20:00 on weekends.

If you're worried you might be charged extra because you'll be returning to the UK later than you had thought, please fill in our delayed-return form and we'll try to help.