Greece Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders

Post-Brexit status: Since 1 January 2021, UK citizens are third-country nationals and are no longer entitled to use EU/EEA passport lanes at Greek borders. You will use the non-EU/third-country queue at passport control, which can be longer during peak summer arrivals.\n\nThe 90/180-day Schengen rule: UK citizens may spend a maximum of 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area; this includes Greece and all other Schengen countries. Days spent in France, Spain, Italy, or any other Schengen country all count toward your 90-day total. For most UK holidaymakers visiting Greece for a typical 1-3 week summer break, the 90-day limit is rarely a practical constraint. However, those who spend extended periods in multiple European countries should track their days carefully.\n\nAll Greek islands count: Days spent on Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, Zante, Kos, Skiathos, and all other Greek islands count toward your Schengen 90-day allowance in the same way as days on the Greek mainland.\n\nEES: Entry/Exit System The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on October 2025. UK passports are now scanned biometrically at Schengen borders; your fingerprints and a facial image are recorded on first entry. This automated system replaced passport stamping and is used to enforce the 90/180-day rule. Expect slightly longer queues at border control, particularly at busy airports such as Athens (ATH), Heraklion (HER), and Corfu (CFU) during summer peak season.\n\nETIAS: Still Pending The EU's European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a pre-travel electronic authorisation similar to the US ESTA, was expected to launch in 2025 but has been delayed. As of early 2026, ETIAS is anticipated to begin operation in late 2026, though no confirmed date has been set. Once live, UK citizens will need to obtain ETIAS authorisation (estimated cost EUR 7) before travelling to Greece or any other Schengen country. Always check the latest guidance from the UK Government before you travel.

Direct flights from the UK to Greece are widely available, particularly in summer. Greece has multiple international airports serving UK routes:

• Athens (ATH): year-round routes from London Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) with British Airways, easyJet, and Aegean Airlines. Also served from Manchester (MAN) and other regional airports seasonally.
• Heraklion, Crete (HER): one of the busiest summer routes from the UK; served by Jet2, TUI, easyJet, and Ryanair from a wide range of UK airports.
• Corfu (CFU): popular charter and scheduled routes from Jet2 and TUI from many UK regional airports.
• Rhodes (RHO): major summer destination; Jet2, TUI, easyJet, and Ryanair from multiple UK departure points.
• Thessaloniki (SKG): served from London and some regional airports.
• Zakynthos/Zante (ZTH): popular with UK travellers; charter and scheduled summer routes from Jet2 and TUI.
• Mykonos (JMK) and Kos (KGS): summer routes from London and regional airports.
• Skiathos (JSI): seasonal routes with Jet2 and TUI.

UK regional airports with direct Greece routes in summer include Birmingham (BHX), Leeds Bradford (LBA), East Midlands (EMA), Bristol (BRS), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Newcastle (NCL), and Liverpool (LPL). Charter flights operated by Jet2 and TUI cover the widest range of UK departure points to Greek island airports.

Flying time from London to Athens is approximately 3.5 hours; to the major Greek islands roughly 3.5 to 4 hours.

Greece uses the Euro (EUR). UK pounds sterling are not accepted, so you will need to exchange currency or use your card.

Cards: Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas and cities. On smaller or more remote islands and in rural villages, cash is essential; not all tavernas, ferries, or local markets accept cards.

ATMs: ATMs are available in most towns and tourist resorts, including on the popular islands. However, on smaller islands and in peak summer season, ATMs can run out of cash, particularly on weekends and public holidays when banks are closed. It is strongly advisable to carry enough euros before heading to smaller islands or remote areas.

UK bank charges: Check with your UK bank before you travel. Many UK banks (including Monzo, Starling, and Revolut) offer fee-free spending abroad, but traditional high-street banks may charge foreign transaction fees. Withdrawing cash at a Greek ATM may incur a local ATM fee of EUR 2-3 per transaction.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) warning: If a card terminal or ATM asks whether you want to pay in pounds sterling rather than euros, always choose euros. Paying in sterling via DCC typically applies a very unfavourable exchange rate and costs you more. Always decline DCC and pay in the local currency.

Healthcare (GHIC): The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the old EHIC for UK travellers and is accepted in Greece, giving you access to state healthcare on the same terms as Greek residents. Apply free at NHS.uk before you travel. The GHIC does not cover private healthcare, repatriation, or all medical costs; comprehensive travel insurance is essential in addition to a GHIC.\n\nEmergency number: In Greece, dial 112 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). The tourist police can be reached on 171.\n\nSun safety: The Greek sun is extremely strong, especially on the islands and from May through September. Use high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), stay hydrated, seek shade in the afternoon (12pm to 3pm), and protect children carefully. Heat exhaustion and sunburn are among the most common reasons UK tourists seek medical help in Greece.\n\nSea safety: Greek seas are generally safe for swimming. On some beaches, sea urchins are present on rocky seabeds; wear water shoes where indicated. Jellyfish can appear in certain areas and seasons, particularly late summer. Follow any local beach flags: red means no swimming.\n\nWater: Tap water is generally safe in mainland cities, but on many islands bottled water is recommended. Check local advice on arrival.\n\nFerry travel between islands: Inter-island ferries are a common and scenic way to travel. In peak season (July and August), popular routes between Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and other islands can book up well in advance. Book ferry tickets ahead for peak travel dates. High-speed catamarans are faster but more expensive; conventional ferries are slower but cheaper and often more relaxing. Conditions in the Aegean can be rough; those prone to seasickness should take precautions.\n\nTravel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all trips to Greece, covering medical expenses, cancellation, lost luggage, and delays. Ferry and flight disruptions do occur, particularly in stormy weather.