Greece Travel Warning: Extreme Heatwaves

British holidaymakers planning to visit Greece have been given an urgent warning about extreme heat waves hitting the country.

Temperatures have reached up to 43°C, causing schools and popular tourist sites to close temporarily due to the intense heat.

As summer begins and many tourists flock to the Greek islands, local authorities are urging everyone to stay alert. This heatwave, the earliest ever recorded in Greece, has caused significant disruptions from Athens to the Aegean Sea islands. The definition of a heatwave here is temperatures above 38°C for three consecutive days.

With temperatures expected to exceed 43°C, schools and tourist attractions like the Acropolis have shut down. In some areas, the tarmac has reached over 70°C.

Meteorologists say this early heatwave is due to hot air from North Africa brought by southerly winds. The Aegean Sea region is particularly at risk, increasing the danger of wildfires.

Greek emergency services have issued a “level three” heat alert. They are sending text warnings to residents, advising them to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities if possible.

Entering Greece

Greece is a Schengen area country. British citizens do not need a visa for a trip to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. Nationals of countries without a visa waiver agreement with Greece need a Schengen Visa to visit the country.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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