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State Department: Greece - Consular Information Sheet, October 7, 1992
Greece - Consular Information Sheet
October 7, 1992
Embassy and Cosulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Athens is
located at 91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard; telephone (30) (1)
721-2951. There is also a consulate in Thessaloniki at 59 Leoforos
Nikis; telephone (30) (31) 266-121.
Country Description: Greece is a developed and stable democracy
with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.
Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist or business
stays up to three months. An AIDS test is required for performing
artists and students on Greek scholarships; U.S. test results are
not accepted. For further information concerning entry requirements
to Greece, travelers can contact the Embassy of Greece at 2221
Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008, tel: (202)
939-5800, or the nearest Consulate General in Atlanta, Boston,
Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco.
Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. U.S.
medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.
Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.
Further information on health matters can be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on
(404) 332-4559.
Crime Information: Greece has a low rate of crime, but some
pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and luggage theft does occur in
Greece at popular tourist areas. The Department of State's pamphlet
"A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting
personal security while traveling abroad.
Terrorist Activities: Civil disorder is rare. However, there are
several active terrorist groups, including the "17 November"
organization, which at times has targeted U.S. government and U.S.
commercial interests. Between 1975 and 1991, "17 November"
assassinated four Americans assigned to U.S. diplomatic or military
installations in Greece. Terrorists in Greece have seldom targeted
tourists.
Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail
sentences and fines. Arrestees may spend up to 18 months in
pretrial confinement.
Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be
Greek citizens could be subject to compulsory military service and
other aspects of Greek law while in Greece. Those who may by
affected can inquire at a Greek Embassy or consulate to determine
status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S.
government efforts to provide protection abroad.
Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of
the Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel
and security within the country.
No. 92-022
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