The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel warnings for popular British tourists destination. The list concerns more than 200 countries and territories, among them European countries like Greece, Spain and France.
The information covers a broader range of issues that could pose a risk for the UK holidaymakers. Among these factors are minor issues, such as vaccinations, but also dangerous threats, like terrorism.
For Greece, the risks for visitors from the UK include Passport Controls, Money withdrawals, Strikes, Severe weather extremes and …mosquitoes!
Greece
As an EU member you can expect easy travel until the UK is set to leave in October. However, there are a few things you should bear in mind when travelling:
Travel restrictions
As of April 7, 2019, the Hellenic Police will begin implementing systematic passport control checks for all European citizens travelling to/from destinations outside the Schengen area (including the UK).
Mosquitoes
There were a number of cases of West Nile virus in Greece in 2018. You should consider preventative measures to minimise exposure to mosquitoes, for example using mosquito repellent when outdoors and closing doors or windows or using screens.
Cash restrictions
Greece has capital controls in place. You can withdraw cash using a UK card up to the daily limit imposed by the Greek banking system (usually €600) or the daily limit imposed by your UK card issuer – whichever is the lower amount.
Alcohol
The Greek police won’t accept rowdy or indecent behaviour, especially where excessive drinking is involved. Greek courts impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently.
Of course, the cap on withdrawals due to capital controls has been lifted since 1, October 2018, but apparently the Finance Ministry decision has not reached London yet.
Anyway, according to British authorities things are worse in Spain, then it includes “falling from balconies” as an issue worth included in the Travel warning.
A list of selected countries posted by Bristol Post.
