Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Greece, you will encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Drivers and pedestrians alike should exercise extreme caution when operating motor vehicles or when walking along roadways or crossing streets, mindful that Greece's traffic fatality rates are the fifth-highest of the 28 nations that make up the European Union. Visitors to Greece must be prepared to drive defensively. Heavy traffic, poor roads, obscured traffic signs, and high speeds pose hazards, especially at night or in inclement weather. Greece is a mountainous country; cold weather and elevation can additionally contribute to treacherous road conditions and closures.

Be especially careful if you are riding a motorbike. The law in Greece requires motorcyclists to wear a helmet. You may see many wearing theirs on the arm, but do not be tempted to follow their example. When driving, be sure to double-check rear and side mirrors, as motorbikes will often ride between lanes and pass on both the left and right. On many two-lane highways, slower traffic will drive on the shoulder and cars will pass straddling the center, double yellow line.

Small motorbike and ATV rental firms frequently do not insure their vehicles; customers are responsible for damages and should review their coverage before renting.

Talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal in Greece; the police check cell phone call records when investigating accidents.

Driving while under the influence of an alcoholic substance is illegal.  Each municipality may have more restrictive provisions, but in general, penalties include fines (250 to 2000 Euro), suspension of license, and may also include mandatory confinement.  Alcohol levels are lower than those established in the United States.  For vehicle operators, the violation occurs as low as .25 mg/l BrAC (.05% BAC).  For new drivers (less than two years since license issued), motorcycle/moped drivers, and professional drivers (e.g., taxi/bus operators), the violation occurs as low as .10 mg/l BrAC (.02% BAC).  Police may conduct random testing, without probable cause.  

There are a number of nationwide auto-service clubs and plans, similar to those in the United States, providing towing and roadside service, which a tourist can call and pay per service; the largest, quite similar to AAA, is ELPA, whose nationwide phone number is 10400.

License Requirements: Tourists and temporary residents who will stay in Greece for fewer than 185 days and plan to drive must carry a valid U.S. license as well as an international driver's permit (IDP). Failure to have both documents may result in police detention or other problems. Fines for drivers without complete documentation are high. The U.S. Department of State has designated two organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver's licenses: AAA and the National Automobile Club. Issuance of an IDP is quick and inexpensive, but must generally be done before a traveler leaves the United States.

According to Greek law, vehicles – including motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) - may not be rented without the IDP, although sometimes rental agencies do not obey this law.  In the event of an accident, some insurance companies will not cover your claim unless you can show you had both a valid U.S. license and the IDP.  Additionally, a visiting driver without both a U.S. license and an IDP can be cited by the police for failure to have valid authority to drive and, in the case of an accident, may be open to civil suit. Individuals who expect to spend more than 185 days in Greece should either obtain a Greek license or convert their valid U.S. license for use in Greece through their local Regional Office of Transportation and Communications.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the Greek National Tourist Office website.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Greece’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.