Tourists on holiday in Greece have been told to ‘stay aware of your surroundings’ and ‘follow the advice of local authorities’ after security measures were ramped up at some tourist attractions.
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.
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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.”
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 added: “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.”
Travellers have also been advised to keep a copy of their passport photo page somewhere safe as pickpocketing of passports, wallets and handbags is common in busy tourist areas. It is a legal requirement in Greece for tourists to carry their passport on their person at all times to show police if they ask for identification and it’s worth noting that copies may not be accepted.
The advice from the British government is to carry your valuables in different bags and pockets and, when driving abroad, keep valuables out of sight and the vehicle locked at all times. Always park in a well-lit area or a secure car park when possible.
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