Security level:

In recent years, street thefts and home robberies are not uncommon. In view of their personal safety, it is advisable for Bulgarian citizens residing in Greece to exercise increased caution and caution when driving in criminogenic areas — usually the central parts of cities, where they can become victims of robbery of personal belongings and documents.

Healthcare:

Providing free medical care in emergencies that threaten the life of the injured person.

Specifics of the local legislation

Compulsory replacement of Bulgarian vehicle registration plates with Greek registration for all foreign nationals residing in Greece on a long-term basis (more than 3 months in every 6 months).

After six months from the initial entry into the country, cars with Bulgarian registration plates must be registered and taxed at the territorial customs office.

The Greek authorities qualify as permanent residents all Bulgarian citizens who have a tax number or have paid contributions to a local social security institution.

More information can be found HERE and HERE.

Customs requirements:

In view of the increasing cases of sanctioning Bulgarian citizens for violations of the Greek customs code, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends Bulgarian citizens travelling to Greece to respect the strictly allowed quotas for importing excise goods to Greece per person — 4 stacks of cigarettes, 10 litres of hard alcohol, 110 litres of beer and 90 litres of wine. The import of alcohol without a label is not allowed, regardless of the quantity. When the vehicle is checked, it must be clearly stated which of the excise goods is owned by which of the passengers. 

Customs requirements for Greece can be downloaded from HERE.

Road traffic:

Important!

A new traffic system is in force in the centre of Athens, which provides for the alternation of cars with even and odd numbers. The Daktylios system, a ring encircling the central part of the city where the measures will apply, stipulates that cars with number plates ending in an even number will be allowed to drive only on even days of the month, while those ending in odd numbers will only be allowed access to the city centre on odd dates. The restrictions are in force until August 2022.
The measure applies from 07:00 to 20:00 on Monday to Thursday and from 07:00 to 15:00 on Friday.
A fine of EUR 100 will be imposed for infringements.
The traffic measure in the centre of Athens applies to all vehicles, including those with foreign registration.
The following vehicles are excluded from the measure: electric and hybrid, gas or propane-butane, but only factory-built, and with Euro 6 emissions below 120 grams of carbon dioxide. Owners of the above can issue a special digital card — a permit for free movement in the city center.
There are exceptions for trucks and lorries up to 2.2 tonnes, vehicles of doctors and medical staff, disabled people, public organisations and diplomatic missions.

The country's roads are very well built and maintained.

Over the last year, a number of amendments have been made to the Greek Road Traffic Act, introducing extremely severe penalties for traffic offenders, such as:

Attention!

If paid within 10 days, the amount of the fine due is reduced by 50% of the amount stated on the receipt.

The new changes to the Road Traffic Act, which the Greek Parliament is currently debating, foresee even higher penalties, for example for driving without a licence, the penalty could be up to 1 year imprisonment.

Attiki Odos SA, the operator of the eponymous highway in Greece (a 70 km long high-speed bypass of Athens), has announced the introduction of new toll prices for all vehicles operating on the highway (https://en.aodos.gr/).

The price increase will take place in two phases, with the first price increase taking place from 1 July 2019 and the next from 1 January 2020, according to the following table:

As of 1 July 2019, the amendments to the Criminal Code (CC) of the Hellenic Republic (4619/2019), voted by the Greek Parliament on 6 June 2019 and promulgated in the Official Gazette on 11 June 2019, enter into force. These changes are the first comprehensive amendments since the codification of the Criminal Code in 1951 and provide for a number of amendments, with a separate chapter on traffic offences. Provisions affecting drivers are set out in Article 290A ‘Dangerous Driving’, which sets out the following penalties:

1. When driving on streets and squares:

• (a) a person who drives, failing to do so safely, because of the use of alcohol or drugs or because of physical or mental fatigue, or (b) drives on a national or local road in the oncoming lane, or in pedestrian areas, or on the pavement, or drives a vehicle which is mechanically defective or unsafely overloaded, or drives dangerously or participates in impromptu chases, shall be liable to (unless other provisions provide for more severe penalties):
• (aa) imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or a fine if his actions have caused a public danger to the property of others;
• (bb) imprisonment for a term of at least one year if, as a result of his act, danger to a person has resulted;
• (cc) by imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years if, in the cases of (a) and (b), his/her act has resulted in serious bodily injury or damage to public facilities;
• (dd) by imprisonment in rigorous imprisonment for a term of at least ten years if, in the case of (b), the act results in the death of another person. In the case of causing the death of a large number of people, the court may impose life imprisonment under strict regime.

1. Whoever drives, under the above conditions, dangerously, recklessly and as a result of his acts a public danger is caused to another's property or person, shall be punished by imprisonment for up to two years or a monetary fine.

It should be noted that the new provisions of the Criminal Code in question differ from the previous ones by being more specific in defining a greater number of acts qualified as offences under the law and by providing in some cases for imprisonment for a specific maximum term.

The full text of the new Criminal Code can be found in Greek in the State Gazette No Α΄ 95 of 11 June 2019 (http://www.et.gr/index.php/anazitisi-fek).

• From 25 October 2021, a new traffic system is in force in the centre of Athens, which provides for the alternation of cars with even and odd numbers. The Daktylios system, a ring encircling the central part of the city where the measures will apply, stipulates that cars with number plates ending in an even number will be allowed to drive only on even days of the month, while those ending in odd numbers will only be allowed access to the city centre on odd dates. The restrictions will be in place until next August.
• The measure applies from 07:00 to 20:00 on Mondays to Thursdays and from 07:00 to 15:00 on Fridays. A fine of EUR 100 will be imposed for infringements.
• The traffic measure in the centre of Athens applies to all vehicles, including those with foreign registration.

The following vehicles are excluded from the measure: electric and hybrid, gas or propane-butane, but only factory-built, and with Euro 6 emissions below 120 grams of carbon dioxide. Owners of the above can issue a special digital card — a permit for free movement in the city center.

There are exceptions for cargo vehicles and trucks of up to 2.2 tonnes, cars of doctors and medical staff and disabled people.

Practical advice:

Important!

A new traffic system is in force in the centre of Athens, which provides for the alternation of cars with even and odd numbers. The Daktylios system, a ring encircling the central part of the city where the measures will apply, stipulates that cars with number plates ending in an even number will be allowed to drive only on even days of the month, while those ending in odd numbers will only be allowed access to the city centre on odd dates. The restrictions are in force until August 2022.
The measure applies from 07:00 to 20:00 on Monday to Thursday and from 07:00 to 15:00 on Friday.
A fine of EUR 100 will be imposed for infringements.
The traffic measure in the centre of Athens applies to all vehicles, including those with foreign registration.
The following vehicles are excluded from the measure: electric and hybrid, gas or propane-butane, but only factory-built, and with Euro 6 emissions below 120 grams of carbon dioxide. Owners of the above can issue a special digital card — a permit for free movement in the city center.
There are exceptions for trucks and lorries up to 2.2 tonnes, vehicles of doctors and medical staff, disabled people, public organisations and diplomatic missions.

Greek laws against drug and human trafficking, smuggling and illegal immigration are extremely strict. Bulgarian citizens should avoid carrying luggage of strangers and transporting strangers in their cars. In this respect, Bulgarian heavy truck drivers are advised to be particularly careful at the ports of exit in Patras and Igoumenitsa.

In the Hellenic Republic it is prohibited to carry firearms and cold weapons, including carrying them in a car. This rule also includes common use knives with longer blade lengths.

When travelling to Greece, Bulgarian citizens should inform themselves in advance about possible strike actions on the territory of the country, as well as about expected difficulties when crossing the border.

Additional medical insurance is also recommended.

In the event of an accident, it is mandatory to call the traffic police. In the case of a minor accident, the police may not issue a report but ask the two parties to exchange insurance details.  Switching on lights during the day is optional;

The traffic police impose high fines and compulsory administrative measures for violation of the Road Traffic Act, therefore Bulgarian citizens should very strictly observe the traffic rules and the restrictions.

Permitted quantities of goods per person for personal use when importing into Greece:
— 20 millilitres of e-cigarette liquid
— 13 grams of tobacco blend used in tobacco heating devices /sticks for smokeless devices/
— 3 kg. coffee

— cigarettes — 800 pieces
— cigarillos /no more than 3 grams per cigarillo / — 400 pieces.
— cigars-200 pieces
— loose tobacco — 1 kg
— 10 litres of spirits
— 20 litres of alcohol-enriched wine
— 90 litres of wine, of which up to 60 litres is sparkling.

— 110 litres of beer

HELPFUL TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR A SAFE AND EMERGENCY-FREE HALKIDIKI DISTRICT IN THE SUMMER OF 2023.
А. TIPS FOR VISITING OR STAYING OUT OF YOUR PLACE OF VISITATION (HOTEL, RENTED ROOMS)
• For your safety, always carry your personal documents with you to show to the proper authorities when and if they ask for them and to avoid any unnecessary embarrassment during your vacation. Under no circumstances agree to leave your documents at the reception or with the owner of the tourist establishment where you are staying on the condition that they will be returned to you on departure, as this is not a legal procedure.
• Always make sure you close all doors and windows properly before leaving the place you are staying at. Do not leave only the mesh on the windows, because it can easily be torn. If you notice that any of the windows or doors are not closing or locking due to a technical fault, ask the owner to move you to another room or to fix the fault 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 a good idea not to leave the lights on outside the door. It's better to leave the TV, radio or indoor light with a switch on if your hotel has one.
• For safety, do not leave your keys hidden under carpets, in pots or on windowsills, but rather carry them with you or hand them in at reception.
• For greater security of your personal property, it is a good idea not to leave money, valuables, electronic devices (laptop, i-pad, 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 nice if someone close to you knew your schedule and movements.
• In the event that you discover a person or persons entering the place where you are staying in your absence, do not touch any object or enter the room. Call the Halkidiki Police Department (phone number 100) IMMEDIATELY and wait for the police to arrive.
• For the safety of your valuables, it's a good idea not to leave your car doors unlocked and not to leave electronic devices, bags, clothing and other items that could be stolen in conspicuous places inside (on the dashboard, seats, etc.). Better carry them with you or hide them in the trunk.
• During your travel, it's a good idea to avoid the more desolate areas, as well as those with low light, especially during the dark part of the day. If you have to go through such places, make sure you have more people with you.
• To avoid possible theft, it is advisable not to put money, mobile phones and personal documents in your trouser pockets or in the outer pockets of your clothes when you are in a busy place or on public transport. It's a good idea to keep them in a bag that is in front of you and well closed.
• When in restaurants, cafes or bars, do not place mobile phones, wallets, bags or other valuable items on the table. Watch out when you are approached by people selling different things.
• It is preferable to make payments by debit/credit card or by frequently withdrawing small amounts from ATMs. Before making any transaction, it is a good idea to check ATMs for ‘traps’. Also, remember the pin code by heart and never write it down on the card.
• During your stay at the beach, try to keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times and do not park your vehicle in remote or secluded areas.
• If you are subject to verbal or physical aggression from one or more people, do not, under any circumstances, engage in conflict with them. Try to keep a cool head, remember the characteristics of the perpetrators and describe them to the police IMMEDIATELY after you file a complaint. Remember that your life and bodily integrity are your most valuable possessions and you have a duty to protect them.
• For quick resolution of any problem, it is good to have the phones handy to call in case of need (police, fire, hospital, loved ones, etc.).
• If you are the victim of an accident or crime, or if you witness one, do not hesitate to call the Halkidiki Police Emergency Centre (telephone number 100).  The Greek police are always close to you, watching out for your safety and for the resolution of any problem or issue that concerns you. 

Local currency:

Euro (EUR)

Others:

Advice to Bulgarian citizens who are to visit the Hellenic Republic as tourists

When travelling to Greece for tourism purposes, Bulgarian citizens should familiarize themselves in advance with the specifics of visiting Northern Greece and the rest of the country. Specific information and recommendations are contained on the websites of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Athens www.mfa.bg/embassies/greece and the Consulate General in Thessaloniki www.mfa.bg/embassies/greecegk.

Advice to Bulgarian citizens travelling and staying in Greece

The administrative and organisational structure of the Athens Tourist Police includes a telephone information centre with the telephone number ‘1571’. The call centre provides information — mainly in English, French, Italian and Spanish — and it is possible to transfer the caller to the relevant embassy, travel agency, tour guide or staff in the translation department of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be served in their native language.

The Information Centre provides assistance in the following cases:

— presentation of all forms of tourism in Greece (conference, rural, sports, sea, therapeutic/medical, ecotourism, etc.), by providing all kinds of information related to the travel and stay of tourists (hotels, accommodation, transport, tours, archaeological sites, museums, beaches, ski centres, travel agencies, car rental, relaxation, etc.);

— providing general information on taxis, fares, 24-hour pharmacies, hospitals, gas stations, small and large road junctions, ferry schedules, public transportation, currency exchange, etc.;

— providing instructions or solutions to various complaints and problems encountered by foreign and domestic tourists, usually related to poor quality services, inappropriate behaviour of the staff of tourist organizations, violations of the agreed price, refusal to schedule  a room, missing items and belongings from a hotel room, etc.;

— services and event recommendations to the National Greek Tourism Organisation (social tourism, festivals, etc.);

— promotion of the tasks of the Greek Police and other public organizations and structures (port and fire agencies, health services, local authorities, Chamber of Hoteliers, Athens and Attica Region Hotel Owners Association, O.S.E., O.A.S., etc.);

— reporting complaints or information about drugs, wanted persons and other crimes to the relevant security services to take up the cases;

— providing legal information on tourism legislation and general issues.

In view of the increased sanctions against Bulgarian citizens travelling or residing in Greece for illegal possession of weapons, mainly knives and self-defence aids (guns, spray cans, etc.), our citizens should bear in mind the differences in the legislation of the two countries in the field of acquisition, storage, carrying and use of weapons in Greece.

Greek law (Act 2168/1993), unlike Bulgarian law, defines as a weapon any object and any device suitable for attack and defence, which may cause injury and/or damage to health or property, including fire.

It is prohibited in Greece to import and possess, except with the appropriate authorisation of the Ministry of Public Order and Citizen Protection /ΥΠΟΥΡΓΕΙΟ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΑΣ ΤΑΞΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΣΤΑΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΠΟΛΙΤΗ/:

• short-barrel weapons /guns/ firearms and non-firearms, regardless of the type of projectile, which may be gunpowder, chemical substances, rays, gases, etc.;
• hunting weapons;
• air weapons;
• mechanisms and devices for launching any agent, chemical /spray/ or energy release;
• knives of any kind, except those whose use is justified in the home and office, for educational purposes, in art, hunting and fishing or other similar uses. In the long-standing practice of the Greek police authorities, it has been accepted that knives with a blade length of more than 7—10 cm are considered as weapons within the meaning of Act 2168/1993 and the carrying and possession of such weapons without a proper permit is subject to the penalties provided for in the law. However, there is no language in the law that explicitly ties the length of the blade to the designation or non-designation of a knife as a weapon. In practice, any knife that is not intended for the uses allowed by law (household, office, hunting and fishing), even if its blade is less than 7 cm, could be defined as a weapon. What matters in this case is the specific use of the knife. Proving this specific use, however, often involves appealing the sanction already imposed by the police authorities in court, which takes time and funds for Bulgarian citizens. In the case of a declaration of use for hunting or fishing, this shall be evidenced by an appropriate authorisation issued by a competent authority in Greece.
• metal maces, clubs, nunjako with chain or rope;
• spears, swords, daggers, bayonets, bows, crossbows and police batons;
• objects or devices used to launch substances that are self-igniting or contain irritant chemical agents intended for offensive and defensive use;
• weapons for fishing, harpoons, etc. that shoot a sharp metal object;
• silencers, viewfinders, sights, shooting simulators, spare parts and accessories for weapons;
• imitation firearms, if they can be converted into functioning ones.
   

The following do not fall under the restrictive regime of Act 2168/1993:

• firearms manufactured before 01 January 1870, provided that they cannot fire ammunition intended for weapons for the possession of which a permit is required.
• collector's arms which were manufactured before 01 January 1922 and which are kept in special shops or commercial collections.
   

No import permit is required under Act 2168/1993 on:

• chemical spraying mechanisms for domestic or professional use;
• knives used in the home and office, for educational purposes, in art, hunting and fishing or other similar uses.

Exceptionally, the Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection may authorize the import, distribution, possession and use of devices mechanisms and devices for the launching of any means, chemicals /sprays/ or release of energy.

Attention! The permit to possess a weapon shall be issued by the competent police authority of the person's place of residence in Greece. Violations of the law are punishable by imprisonment for 6 months and a fine.

The Bulgarian-Greek border can be crossed with a valid Bulgarian identity card, passport or Emergency Travel Document. There are no special features when entering the country.

When travelling to Greece, Bulgarian citizens must have a valid European Health Insurance Card in order to receive emergency medical care.

The regime for short-term Bulgarian citizens is visa-free.

A green card or valid car insurance is required.

ISSUANCE OF A PASSPORT

Application for a passport is made in person, during the reception hours of the Consular Office with the Embassy and after making an appointment at the Embassy’s telephone numbers. Any Bulgarian citizen residing abroad can apply for a passport at our Embassy.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR PASSPORT ISSUANCE

1. Birth certificate for persons under 18 years of age;
2. Previous passports or identity cards;
3. One passport photo measuring 3.5/4.5 cm.

 PASSPORT ISSUANCE FEES

The fee is payable on the spot in cash or via POS terminal as follows:

• First passport of a person up to 14 years of age — EUR 27
• Subsequent passport of a person up to 14 years of age — EUR 32
• Passport of persons of 14—58 years of age — EUR 42;
• Passport of persons of 58—70 years of age — EUR 32;
• Passport for persons over 70 years of age — EUR 27;
• Passport for persons with disabilities — EUR 23.

If your passport is lost, destroyed or stolen, the Greek police must be notified and will issue you with a theft registration document.

Attention: Within 3 days of the relevant event (loss, destruction or theft), you need to declare it to the Consular Office with the Embassy, which will invalidate the document.

OBTAINING OF AN ISSUED PASSPORT

New Bulgarian identity documents shall be issued within 90 days from the date of application.

Attention: Due to the lack of schedule of the diplomatic couriers, for faster receipt of newly issued Bulgarian identity documents, Bulgarian citizens have the option to use the services of DHL for an appropriate fee at the rate of the courier.

The newly issued passport shall be obtained by the applicant in person. Where the applicant has previously authorised another person in the application, the finished document may be obtained from the authorised person.

Upon receipt of the new document, the previous identity document of the same type, if any, must be returned.

Passports of minors, under-aged persons or persons under guardianship shall be obtained from their parents, guardians or custodians, who must be Bulgarian citizens, against signature.

INFRINGEMENTS AND FINES

Citizens who have lost, damaged or destroyed their passport, as well as for other violations of the Bulgarian Identity Documents Act, shall be fined in accordance with the Administrative and Penal Provisions.

ISSUING OF AN IDENTITY CARD

An application for an identity card must be made in person, during the reception hours of the Consular Office with the Embassy and after booking an appointment in advance. Any Bulgarian citizen residing abroad can submit an application for the issuance of an identity card at our Embassy.

 DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ISSUING OF AN IDENTITY CARD

1. Birth certificate for persons under 18 years of age;
2. Previous passports or identity cards;
3. One passport photo measuring 3.5/4.5 cm. 

IDENTITY CARD FEES 

The fee is payable on the spot in cash or via POS terminal as follows:

— Identity card for persons from 14 to 16 years of age — EUR 21;

— Subsequent identity card for persons from 14 to 18 years of age — EUR 28;

— Subsequent identity card for persons from 18 to 58 years of age — EUR 31;

— Subsequent identity card for persons from 58 to 70 years of age — EUR 27;

— identity card for persons over 70 years of age — EUR 21;

— identity card for persons with disabilities — EUR 25.

If your passport is lost, destroyed or stolen, the Greek police must be notified and will issue you with a theft registration document.

Attention: Within 3 days of the relevant event (loss, destruction or theft), you need to declare it to the Consular Office with the Embassy, which will invalidate the document.

OBTAINING OF AN ISSUED IDENTITY CARD

New Bulgarian identity documents shall be issued within 90 days from the date of application.

Attention: Due to the lack of schedule of the diplomatic couriers, for faster receipt of newly issued Bulgarian identity documents, Bulgarian citizens have the option to use the services of DHL for an appropriate fee at the rate of the courier.

The newly issued identity card shall be received by the applicant in person. Where the applicant has previously authorised another person in the application, the finished document may be obtained from the authorised person. Upon receipt of the new ID card, it is mandatory to return the old one, if any. Identity cards of under-aged persons or persons under guardianship shall be obtained from their parents, guardians or custodians, who must be Bulgarian citizens, against signature.

INFRINGEMENTS AND FINES

Citizens who have lost, damaged or destroyed their identity cards, as well as for other violations of the Bulgarian Identity Documents Act, shall be fined in accordance with the Administrative and Penal Provisions.

ISSUANCE OF AN EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENT

The Emergency Travel Document is issued to Bulgarian citizens who reside abroad and do not have valid travel or identity documents. An Emergency Travel Document is issued after a Bulgarian citizen has applied for and proved his or her identity. In the absence of a document confirming the person's identity, a coordination procedure with the Ministry of the Interior follows, which takes up to 3 working days.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ISSUANCE OF AN EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENT

1. Application for an Emergency Travel Document, which must be made in person;
2. One passport photo measuring 3.5/4.5 cm.;
3. Document proving the identity of the person.

The fee for an Emergency Travel Document is EUR 67 and is payable on the spot in cash or via a POS terminal.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ISSUANCE OF AN EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENT TO A CHILD BORN IN THE REPUBLIC OF GREECE

1. An original and one photocopy of the child's birth certificate containing at least two names of the child, stamped with an Apostille;
2. One passport photo, size 3.5/4.5 cm.;
3. A photocopy of both parents' (or one parent's) valid identification documents on the birth certificate.

Attention: After the child reaches six months of age, a Birth Certificate with an Unique Civil Number is required. When issuing an Emergency Travel Document to a minor, the presence of both parents from the birth certificate is mandatory.

Attention: If the applicant does not appear to obtain an Emergency Travel Document within 3 months of notification, the application for the Emergency Travel Document shall be cancelled.

ISSUANCE OF IDENTITY DOCUMENTS TO MINORS AND UNDER-AGED PERSONS  

To issue a passport to a person of under 18 years of age, both parents sign in the presence of the Consular Officer (both parents are required to be present).