Everything you need to know before and during your trip to Greece. From visa requirements to packing tips, weather info, and transportation guides.
Preparing for a trip to Greece in 2026 requires understanding the new European entry rules. Covered non-EU short-stay travelers should note: The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational at external Schengen borders on April 10, 2026. ETIAS is not operational. It is planned for the last quarter of 2026, but the exact start date has not been announced. The application fee will be €20. Beyond entry rules, your Greece travel essentials should include a Type C/F adapter (230V), a suitable mobile-data plan, offline maps, and confirmed transport bookings.
ETIAS is not operational. It is planned for the last quarter of 2026, but the exact start date has not been announced. The application fee will be €20. The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational at external Schengen borders on April 10, 2026.
Current action: No ETIAS application is currently available or required. Do not use unofficial application sites.
Check the official ETIAS status. Verified July 30, 2026; review scheduled September 1, 2026.
Open the complete Greece travel checklist →The European border framework for Greece is changing fast in 2026. Here is exactly what applies, when, and to whom.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational at external Schengen borders on April 10, 2026. It digitally records entry, exit, and biometric information for covered non-EU short-stay travelers.
ETIAS is not operational. It is planned for the last quarter of 2026, but the exact start date has not been announced. The application fee will be €20. No application is currently available or required. When the system becomes operational, use only the official ETIAS website.
If your country is not visa-exempt, apply for a short-stay Schengen Type C visa through the Greek consulate at least 15–45 days before travel. The 90/180 rule applies: maximum 90 days inside the Schengen Area in any rolling 180-day window.
For non-EU nationals using the Schengen short-stay rules, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended EU departure date and have been issued within the previous 10 years.
Euro (€)
ATMs everywhere
Contactless widely accepted
Type C & F plugs
230V / 50Hz
Free WiFi common
May-June & September
Perfect weather
Fewer crowds
For non-EU nationals using the Schengen short-stay rules, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended EU departure date and have been issued within the previous 10 years.
ETIAS is not operational. It is planned for the last quarter of 2026, but the exact start date has not been announced. The application fee will be €20.
Cash vs Cards:
Contactless cards work in cities and tourist areas. Carry cash for small tavernas and remote islands.
ATM Strategy:
Use bank-branded ATMs (Piraeus, Alpha Bank) to avoid €3-5 fees. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
Tipping:
10-15% at restaurants, 5-10% for taxis, €1-2/day for hotel staff. Cash tips preferred.
Standard UberX does not exist in Greece. Most ferry bookings sell out 2–4 weeks ahead in summer, and Athens taxi cash scams are still common. Install these apps before you fly so you arrive ready.
Books Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, and Golden Star high-speed routes in one place. Real-time cancellation alerts during Meltemi wind days.
The standard licensed-taxi app in Athens. Replaces UberX, which does not operate in Greece in its standard ride-share form.
On Santorini and Mykonos, the Uber app hails licensed Uber Taxis — the only legal way to use Uber in Greece.
Airalo runs on the Cosmote network for the strongest island coverage; Holafly offers truly unlimited data without hotspot tethering.
Pre-download offline tiles for Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete the night before travel days — signal drops in the calderas and inland Crete.
Bookmark our live strike dashboard plus the VAT refund calculator for shopping returns at airport tax-free counters.
Current conditions and 7-day forecasts for all Greek destinations.
Complete ferry guide with schedules, booking tips, and routes.
Complete transportation guide for buses, trains, and flights.
Answers to common questions about traveling to Greece.
Learn sustainable etiquette, low-impact packing, and how to support local communities.
Use our comprehensive planning tools to create the perfect Greece itinerary tailored to your preferences and budget.