(1.) Security level:

(2.) Healthcare:

(3.) Recommended vaccines and personal hygiene advice:

(4.) Customs requirements:

(5.) Traffic on roads:

(6.) Practical advice:

(7.) Local currency:

(8.) Climatic characteristics:

(9.) Other:

USEFUL TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR A SAFE AND PROBLEM-FREE STAY IN THE HALKIDIKI DISTRICT DURING THE SUMMER PERIOD OF 2022
A. ADVICE WHEN MOVING OR STAYING OUTSIDE THE PLACE OF RESIDENCE (HOTEL, ROOMS FOR RENT)
•    • For your safety, always bring your personal documents with you to show them to the competent authorities when and if they ask for them and to avoid any unnecessary worries during your vacation. In no case do you agree to leave your documents at the reception or the owner of the tourist establishment where you are staying, provided that they will be returned to you when you leave, because this is not a legal procedure.
•    • Before leaving the place where you are staying, always make sure that you close all doors and windows properly. If you notice that some of the windows or doors do not close or lock due to technical damage, ask the owner to move you to another room or fix the damage immediately.
• Attention! Do not leave windows or balcony doors open at night, no matter which floor you are on.
•    • If you intend to leave the hotel at night, it is best not to leave the lights on the front door. It is better to leave the TV, radio or interior light with a switch on, if your hotel has one.
•    • For greater safety, do not leave your keys hidden under carpets, pots or window sills, but rather carry them with you or hand them over at the reception.
•    • For greater security of your personal property, it is good not to leave money, valuables, electronic devices (laptop, iPad, digital cameras and cameras, mobile phones, etc.), car keys and personal documents in prominent places in the room. It is advisable to carry them with you. In case the rooms or the reception have a safe, it is better to leave them there.
•    • For your personal safety, it would be good for someone close to you to know your program and movement.
•    • If you find a person or persons entering your absence at the place where you are staying, do not touch any object or enter the room. Call the Halkidiki Police Directorate IMMEDIATELY (phone 100) and wait for the police to arrive.
•    • For the safety of your valuables, it is best not to leave your car doors unlocked and not to leave in prominent places inside (on the dashboard, seats, etc.) electronic devices, bags, clothes and other items that may to become the object of theft. It is better to carry them with you or hide them in the trunk.
•    • When moving, it is good to avoid deserted places, as well as those in low light, especially during the night. If you have to go through such places, make sure you have more people with you.
•    • To avoid possible theft, it is recommended that you do not put money, mobile phones and personal documents in your trouser pockets and in the outer pockets of your clothes when you are in a busy place or on public transport. It is good to keep them in a bag that is in front of you and is tightly closed.
•    • When you are in restaurants, cafes or bars, do not place mobile phones, wallets, bags or other valuables on the table. Be careful when you are approached by people selling different things.
•    • It is preferable to make payments by debit / credit cards or by frequently withdrawing small amounts from ATMs. Before making any transaction, it is good to check the ATMs for set "traps". Also, remember the pin code by heart and never write it down on the card.
•    • During your stay on the beach, try to keep an eye on your personal belongings and do not park your car in remote and secluded places.
•    • In case you become the object of verbal or physical aggression by one or more people, in no case do not come into conflict with them. Try to keep your composure, remember the characteristics of the perpetrators and describe them to the police IMMEDIATELY after you file a complaint. Remember that your life and physical integrity are your most valuable assets and you have a duty to protect them.
•    • To quickly resolve any problem, it is good to have on hand the phones to call in case of need (police, fire, hospital, loved ones, etc.).
•    • In case you become a victim of an accident or crime, or you witness one, do not hesitate and call the emergency center of the Police Directorate of Halkidiki (phone 100). The Greek police are always close to you and watch over your security and the resolution of any problem or issue that worries you.

SPECIAL COUNCIL
Remember that people who are prone to crime take advantage of your carelessness during a holiday that can happen to anyone and anywhere. This relaxation, which is characteristic of each of us, weakens the physical protection we have as human beings in self-defense. That's why we should always be careful about our personal belongings or other items that have financial or sentimental value for you.
 
B. TIPS FOR SAFE ROADS
Always thinking about the original right to life and safety while driving on the roads:
• Always drive sensibly and carefully and observe the light, sound and sign signals.
• Maintain a safe distance behind the car in front of you, drive at a reasonable speed and drive in the middle lane.
 Note: In the road section located on the first arm of Halkidiki (Kassandra Peninsula) from the road junction Nea Moudania to the bridge at Potidea during the days and hours when traffic congestion is reported (Friday to Monday), is carried out by Traffic Halkidiki widening lanes with technical means (through cones) and therefore you must observe the new road markings on the specific road section.
•    • Wear a seat belt or helmet on all your journeys. Your life is the greatest value you must preserve.
•    • Avoid alcohol and drugs if you have to drive.
•    • If you use a rental car (Rentacar), always ask the company to provide you with all the necessary documents of the car. Always carry your driver's license with you, which entitles you to drive the appropriate category of vehicle.
•    • Be aware of possible accidents or unforeseen situations.
 
C. ADVICE IN THE EVENT OF PARTICIPATION IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
To make it easier for the competent authorities to deal quickly and efficiently in the event of an accident, please note the following:
• Stop the vehicle in a place that will not obstruct traffic and never leave the scene of the accident.
• Take all necessary measures to avoid causing another accident (placing a warning triangle in a visible place).
• Call the emergency center (phone 100) IMMEDIATELY to have a police car arrive at the scene as soon as possible and a report drawn up.
• Inform about the accident and your insurance company, as well as in case roadside assistance is needed to move the vehicle.
• In case of injuries, call an ambulance IMMEDIATELY (tel. 166) to get an ambulance to pick up the wounded immediately or contact the hospital through the emergency center of the Halkidiki Police Directorate (tel. 100).

Travel advice to Bulgarian citizens travelling to the Hellenic Republic for tourism

Before travelling to Greece for tourism all Bulgarian citizens should read carefully the specific advice for a visit to Northern Greece, as well as the rest of the country. You can find this specific information on the web site of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Athens www.mfa.bg/embassies/greece, as well on the site of the Consulate General in Thessaloniki www.mfa.bg/embassies/greecegk.

Local currency

Euro (EUR)

Crime and security

In recent years, street thefts and home robberies are not uncommon. In view of their personal safety, Bulgarian citizens staying in Greece should exercise greater care and caution when moving across crime areas - usually the central parts of cities, where they can become the victims of robbery of personal belongings and documents.

Legislation specifics

Mandatory replacement of Bulgarian license plates with Greek license plates for all foreign nationals residing in Greece over a long term (over 3 months in every 6 months).

After six months of initial entry into the country, cars with Bulgarian license plates must be registered with and customs duty needs to be paid at territorial customs divisions.

Greek authorities classify all Bulgarian citizens who have a tax number or social security contributions paid in a national insurance institution as residents.

For more information, please check HERE.

Road traffic

Roads in the country are very well constructed and maintained.

In the past year a number of amendments were made to the Road Traffic Code of Greece introducing very strict penalties for violations of traffic rules, such as:

Note!

If the payment is made within 10 days, the amount of the fine payable is reduced by 50% of the one stated in the ticket.

The new amendments to the Road Traffic Codethat the Greek Parliament is currently debating provide for even more severe sanction, such as for driving without a license the penalty can be up to 1 year imprisonment.

Healthcare

Free medical care is provided in emergency cases threatening the life of the victim.

fees and charges

Certification and Legalisation:

• Validation of one signature on a document or private papers - 15 euro
• Validation of the contents of one document - 30 euro (for disposal of the property - sale, mortgage, partition, gift, etc.)
   

Identity Documents:

• Issue of temporary passport - 67 euros
• Issuance of passport - 42 euros
• Issue of identity card and passport - 52 euros
• In case of lost or stolen document - a fine of 75 euros

The Bulgarian-Greek border can be crossed with a valid Bulgarian ID card, passport or temporary passport. There are no special requirements for entry into the country.

When travelling to the Republic of Greece, Bulgarian citizens must have a valid European Health Insurance Card, with a view to obtaining medical care in case of emergency.

Bulgarian citizens do not need visas for a short stay.

A green card or valid vehicle insurance is required.

Greek laws against trafficking of drugs and people, smuggling and illegal immigration are extremely stringent. Bulgarian citizens should avoid carrying the luggage of strangers, or taking strangers in their cars. In this respect, Bulgarian truck drivers are advised to be especially careful when in exit ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa.

In the Republic of Greece, the carrying of firearms and sharp weapons is prohibited, including their transportation by car. This rule includes knives for normal use with greater length of the blade.

When travelling to Greece, Bulgarian citizens need to seek information in advance about any possible strikes on the territory of the country, as well as about expected cross-border difficulties.

The conclusion of additional medical insurance is recommended.

In case of a traffic accident, it is required to call traffic police. In less severe accidents the police may choose not to write a protocol, but ask the participants to exchange their insurance details. Lights during the day are not obligatory.

Traffic police imposes high fines and administrative measures for violation of traffic laws, therefore Bulgarian citizens should strictly observe traffic rules and the restrictions.

Certification and Legalisation

The Embassy certifies signatures and stamps of foreign embassies based in Athens accredited to Bulgaria.

The Embassy is not legalizing documents issued by the Greek authorities, since Greece is a party to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.

Bulgarian ID Documents

Temporary passport (laissez-passer)

For the issuance of a temporary passport, a photo is required.

If the person has an expired identity document or a photocopy of their ID, the laissez-passer may be issued immediately. If there is no document of any kind to confirm the identity of the person, a coordination process is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to be carried out.

The issuance of a laissez-passer of a child born in Greece requires the following documents - birth certificate (and a photocopy) stamped with an “Apostille”, containing at least two names of the child, a photograph, photocopy of valid identification documents of both parents (or one parent), as per the birth certificate. Upon issuance of a laissez-passer to a minor, the presence of both parents (or one parent), as per the birth certificate is necessarily.

Passport / identity card

The Embassy accepts documents for the issuance of a passport / ID card. To renew an ID card or a passport, it is necessary to submit the following documents - expired identity card or passport, birth certificate of the person, certificate of permanent address (if there is a change of the latter), 1 photo, photocopies of the above documents.

Upon issuance of a personal document to a minor, the presence of both parents (or one parent) as per the birth certificate is required.

Upon receipt of new IDs, it is mandatory to return their old counterparts.

Driving license

The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Athens, under the EU regulations, does not accept documents for issuing a driving license.

Civil status

Birth certificate

For recognition in Bulgaria of a birth certificate, issued by a Greek municipality, it must contain at least two names of the child and be provided with an “Apostille”. This document must be translated into Bulgarian by a sworn translator and certified at the Bulgarian Embassy.

Marriage

Marriage between Bulgarian citizens may be concluded at the embassy.

The following documents are required – birth certificate, marital status certificate (issued not earlier than 6 months), medical certificates (Bulgarian or Greek) and a valid ID. The above documents must be original and do not require translation or legalisation.

For Bulgarians wishing to marry Greek citizens or nationals of other countries on the basis of a certificate of marital status issued in Bulgaria, the embassy issues a certificate confirming their status and said certificate is accepted by Greek municipalities.

Deaths

Bulgarian diplomatic missions do not have the financial ability to finance funeral costs.

In cases of burial of mortal remains in Bulgaria (if relatives so desire), Greek medical authorities issue documents for transporting the body, which are to be translated into Bulgarian. The corresponding Greek municipality issues a death certificate, which must be provided with an “Apostille”.

Prices of services of Greek funeral agencies range between 1500-3000 euros.

Detained and sentenced Bulgarian citizens

The Embassy cannot interfere in the independent Greek judiciary when determining the sentence, the period of detention or investigative actions to be taken. At the explicit request of the detained / imprisoned Bulgarian citizen, the Consular Office may look into whether his/her rights under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and local laws are complied with.

There are no lawyers “accredited” to the embassy, for the benefit of citizens. The local press has ads of many Bulgarian and Greek lawyers.

In specific cases of rude and discriminatory treatment of our fellow citizens, the consul shall be notified about the case.