Greek authorities ramp up security at tourist sites – what you need to know

The Foreign Office has issued a fresh warning to Brits holidaying in Greece, advising them to ‘stay aware of your surroundings’ and ‘follow the advice of local authorities’. This comes after security measures were heightened at several tourist hotspots.

On June 24, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Greece, which includes warnings about crime, local laws and protests. Greek authorities have increased security in certain well-visited areas ‘due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories’.

Protests have been staged and more demonstrations are likely to take place, particularly in Athens, prompting a warning for holidaymakers to stay alert. Tourists have been told to ‘stay away from protests’ and to leave the area if a demonstration starts.

The Foreign Office advice reads: “Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

“There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.”, reports Birmingham Live.

Strikes can be organised at short notice and cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders, the government warned. Previous demonstrations have taken place around major squares in central Athens including Syntagma Square.

The Foreign Office has recently updated its travel advice, remarking: “Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and move away to the last known safe place. Security forces often use tear gas to break up demonstrations, which can harm your breathing and vision.”

Visitors are also counselled to keep a secure duplicate of their passport’s photo page, as incidents of pickpocketing – targeting passports, wallets and handbags – often occur in bustling tourist zones. They further emphasized that Greek law mandates tourists to present their passport upon request by police at all times.

It is good practice to bear in mind that duplicates might not be accepted.

Additionally, the counsel from the British authorities advocate for belongings to be spread out in different bags and pockets. When driving overseas, valuables should be hidden and vehicles should be left locked at all periods.

Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area or safeguarded parking if feasible.