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!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Greece?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Greece
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Greece?
What Is the Climate Like in Greece?
Is It Safe to Travel to Greece?
Seeing Amazing Rhodes
What Should I Take to Greece?
U.S. Embassy in Greece
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, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Greece |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Greece |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective prevention against the virus. It is administered in a series of shots, usually starting in childhood, and is recommended for travel to areas with high infection rates.
- Rabies – Preventing rabies involves avoiding contact with infected animals and ensuring timely vaccination. The rabies vaccine is a critical tool, offering protection through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preemptive vaccination for high-risk individuals like travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious diseases transmitted via respiratory droplets and touch. Preventing these illnesses is primarily achieved through vaccination, using the MMR vaccine. It’s administered in two doses and provides immunity against all three viruses.
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.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Greece
Prevent Bug Bites in Greece
Safeguard against bug bites by dressing appropriately and using EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. If bitten, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and mitigate discomfort with OTC treatments. Seek medical aid for serious reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Greece
Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Altitude Sickness in Greece
When ascending to high altitudes, beware of altitude sickness, which can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness due to reduced oxygen levels. Preventive measures include gradual ascent, staying hydrated, and possibly using medications like acetazolamide. If symptoms appear, swift descent to lower elevations, rest, and medical evaluation are essential.
Infections To Be Aware of in Greece
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, which spreads through ticks and human-to-human contact, can be mitigated by practicing tick bite prevention. Vaccinations against the disease are in development.
- Leishmaniasis – Infected sand flies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis. Preventive measures include the use of insect repellents, protective clothing and staying indoors during sand fly peak hours.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Greece?
A passport with at least six months’ validity 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’s most popular tourist destinations have a Mediterranean climate. It is hot and dry summers and mild winters. In Athens temperatures can range from 80 to 90 degrees during the summer months of June to August, with occasional heatwaves reaching up to 105. Winter temperatures are mild, ranging from 50 to 60.
Santorini and Mykonos, two popular Greek islands, have similar climates to Athens. Temperatures during the summer months ranging from 80 to 90 degrees, and occasional heatwaves reaching up to 95. Winter temperatures are mild, ranging from 50 to 60.
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 during the summer months of June to August, with occasional heatwaves reaching up to 105. Winter temperatures are mild, ranging from 50 to 60 degrees.
Weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always best to check the forecast before traveling to any destination.
Is It Safe to Travel to Greece?
To stay safe while traveling in Greece, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to any potential dangers. Keep your valuables safe by not leaving them unattended and using official taxis.
Be careful when using public transportation and watch out for pickpockets. Follow any COVID-19 guidelines in place. Check for environmental warnings before going out and follow any instructions given by local authorities.
Be respectful of local customs and laws, such as dress codes and not taking photos of military installations. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Greece.
Seeing Amazing Rhodes
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Rhodes is a beautiful island in Greece that attracts many tourists. Visitors can explore the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see a medieval castle and historic buildings.
They can also relax on the beaches and try water sports. The Palace of the Grand Master is a museum with exhibitions of Byzantine and medieval artifacts. Lindos is a village with an Acropolis that offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
Visitors can take boat trips to nearby islands and visit the Valley of the Butterflies, a nature reserve where thousands of butterflies can be seen in summer.
Rhodes has a rich culinary tradition with dishes such as tzatziki, moussaka, and souvlaki, and local wines like Muscat.
What Should I Take to Greece?
When traveling to Greece, it is important to pack for the climate and region you will be visiting. Greece can be very hot during the summer months, it is recommended to bring light and breathable clothing like cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and dresses. Comfortable shoes like sandals, sneakers, and hiking shoes are a good idea as the streets and terrain can be uneven.
Sun protection is important, so don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. If you plan to visit coastal areas, don’t forget your swimsuit. Greece is a beautiful country, so a camera is a good idea to capture all the sights.
Make sure to bring an adapter for electronic devices, cash or a credit card that works internationally, and any medications you may take. Insect repellent is also a good idea, especially during the summer months when mosquitoes can be a problem. A comfortable backpack or daypack is recommended for carrying your essentials while exploring Greece’s many attractions.
U.S. Embassy in Greece
The U.S. embassy in Greece offers different services for travelers. They can assist American citizens who are in Greece and give information about traveling to Greece.
If you’re a U.S. citizen in Greece and need help with emergencies, passport or notarial services, the embassy can assist you. They also provide information about Greece, such as entry requirements, safety, local customs, and laws.
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
The embassy’s website or direct contact is a good source for the latest information on the services they offer.
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.”
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