Travel Vaccines and Advice for Greece
Greece’s breathtaking coastlines, pristine architecture and historic influence have attracted travelers from around the world for centuries.
The country is a Mediterranean paradise that boasts something for all who visit. Whether you’re looking to experience a gorgeous sunset off of the Santorini coast or take a tour down the streets of Athens, Greece is the perfect destination!
Do I Need Vaccines for Greece?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Greece. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Greece: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Greece |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Greece |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Outbreaks of routine diseases do happen in some parts of Europe. Make sure your routine immunizations are up to date.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Greece?
A valid passport is required to enter Greece. The country does not require a visa for stays under 90 days.
Greece Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Greece? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Greece and U.S. State Department
Travelers’ passports must be valid for at least another 6 months beyond their trip. Make sure to have one blank page per stamp available in your passport.
Though no vaccinations are required to enter into the country, some are recommended.
What Is the Climate Like in Greece?
Greece is pictured as a vacation hot-spot with endless coastline and tropical temperatures. Much of the country lives up to these expectations. But, it is important to research weather trends specific to the region that you are visiting.
Summers in Greece are typically very hot and dry, with temperatures reaching the high 80’s in July. A strong northern wind called the “Meltemi” provides some relief from the summer heat.
Snow in Greece is not uncommon, especially in the northern regions. The country can have wet and cold winter months, with averages in the 40’s in January and February.
Greece generally experiences extended periods of sunshine throughout the year.
Is It Safe to Travel to Greece?
Terrorism is always a credible threat in Europe. It is important to be aware of the threat whenever you are traveling abroad.
Domestic strikes, demonstrations and work stoppages are common throughout Greece. These strikes are often unpredictable. Be aware of your surroundings and flee the area immediately.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching, are common at tourist sites.
Greece is actually much safer than the United States. Greece is ranked 44th in world for total crime rate.
Olive Harvesting in Greece
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Greece enchants visitors with its dazzling countrysides and harvesting experiences. The olive and olive tree have been huge influencers on the Greek culture, in recipes and ancient stories.
Visitors have the chance to pick olives and embrace the harvesting season in Greece. The experiences can last anywhere from one day to a few weeks, and bring to life with the local customs. This is an interactive visit that goes far beyond a, day-trip.
Harvesting season occurs anytime through early November to late February.
What Should I Take to Greece?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Greece:
- Electrical Adapter – Electrical outlet standards vary by country. An electrical adapter is an essential accessory to take on your trip to ensure your electronics stay charged.
- Sun-Block – Greece is generally very sunny. During the summer a small bottle of sunscreen can cost you up to 15 Euros due to the high demand. If you are planning to spend time outside, make sure you take the necessary precautions.
- Comfortable Shoes – Packing practical shoes is a good idea for any trip, it is especially for Greece. The country is known for its steep roads and mountainous terrain along the islands. Depending on where you are traveling, Greece’s beautiful streets are often paved with cobblestone. This can prove to be a dangerous and slippery challenge if you are visiting during the rainy season.
U.S. Embassy in Greece
If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Greece, there is a U.S. embassy in Athens.
U.S. Embassy Athens
91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue
10160 Athens, Greece
Telephone: +(30)(210) 721-2951
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +30 210 729-4444 or +30 210 729-4301
Fax: +(30)(210) 724-5313
Email: athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Greece
“I first went last year prior to a trip to Greece. Your nurse was extraordinarily helpful, coming up with suggestions I had not considered and thoroughly covering all health considerations. This follow- up visit was no different. You have a very valuable employee!!”
“The nurse was very knowledgeable regarding my trip to Greece. Recommended immunizations as well as OTC meds that I should take with me. In addition, she prescribed some meds that my pharmacy filled. Nice booklet with travel tips.”
“I had a great experience in this clinic! That staff was very welcoming and kind, and I received very thorough and Greece-specific information regarding what to expect on my trip. I feel 100x more prepared to go to Haiti after my visit! I will definitely be relying on Passport Health from now on for all my travel/immunization needs. Thank you again!”
“polite and courteous response to questions I had for my up coming trip to Greece. Medications were recommended and called in to my local pharmacy.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Greece?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Greece?
What Is the Climate Like in Greece?
Is It Safe to Travel to Greece?
Olive Harvesting in Greece
What Should I Take to Greece?
U.S. Embassy in Greece
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