State Department: Greece - Consular Information Sheet, February 13, 1996
Greece - Consular Information Sheet
February 13, 1996
Country Description: Greece is a developed and stable democracy
with a modern economy.
Entry Requirements: An AIDS test is required for performing
artists and students on Greek scholarships; U.S. test results are
not accepted. For information concerning overall entry requirements
to Greece, travelers can contact the Embassy of Greece at 2221
Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202)
939-5800, or the nearest Greek Consulate in Atlanta, Boston,
Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, 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 loss or theft abroad of a U.S.
passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 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, but not tourists.
Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling. In Greece, penalties for
possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and
convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Those
arrested may spend up to 18 months in pretrial confinement.
Penalties for Customs Violations: Unauthorized purchase or removal
from Greece of antiquities, including pieces of archaeological
sites, is forbidden. Penalties range from large fines to prison
terms.
Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be
Greek citizens may be subject to compulsory military service and
other aspects of Greek law while in Greece. Those who may be
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.
Driving: Visitors to Greece must be prepared to drive defensively
as Greece has the third highest fatal accident rate in Europe.
Heavy traffic and rough terrain on the islands make motorbikes
especially dangerous. The majority of U.S. citizen traffic
casualties in Greece have involved motorbikes. Owners of rental
motorbikes are not required to carry insurance coverage; the renter
is liable for damages caused to therental vehicle and to property of
third parties. An international driver's license is required.
Registration and Embassy/Consulate Location: U.S. citizens who
register at the Consular Section can obtain updated information on
travel and security in Greece. The U.S. Embassy in Athens is
located at 91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, telephone (30)(1)
721-2951. The U.S. Consulate in Thessaloniki is located at 59
Leoforos Nikis, telephone (30)(31) 242-905.
No. 96-026
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued September 15,
1994, to update sections on driving and terrorism.
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