Travel Vaccines and Advice for Greece
Greece’s breathtaking coastlines, pristine architecture and historic influence have attracted travellers from around the world for centuries.
The country is a Mediterranean paradise that boasts something for all who visit. Whether you’re looking to experience a gorgeous sunset off of the Santorini coast or take a tour down the streets of Athens, Greece is the perfect destination!
Do I Need Vaccines for Greece?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Greece. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Greece: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Greece |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Greece |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Outbreaks of routine diseases do happen in some parts of Europe. Make sure your routine immunizations are up to date.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Greece
“It’s not every day that getting stabbed with a needle can be described as a great experience. But the quality of the service received was excellent. Combine that with useful and informative information about Greece and a knowledgeable practitioner Passport Health nails it out of the park.”
“The nurse I had was very friendly and knowledgeable about the vaccinations recommended for Greece as well as informative about the side effects of the vaccinations and symptoms of infection.”
“Well I have to do a trip to Greece with little notice but the nurse helped me out big time. She really went out of her way to explain everything I needed to know about Liberia and prevention methods to take. Outstanding service. You are the best! Many thanks!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Greece?
Greece is a part of the Schengen Zone. All Canadian citizens visiting Greece do not require a visa for business or tourism stays under 90 days.
Greece Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Greece? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Greece and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Travellers’ passports must be valid for at least another 6 months beyond their trip. Make sure to have one blank page per stamp available in your passport.
Though no vaccinations are required to enter into the country, some are recommended.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Greece?
Greece is pictured as a vacation hot-spot with endless coastline and tropical temperatures. Much of the country lives up to these expectations. But, it is important to research weather trends specific to the region that you are visiting.
Summers in Greece are typically very hot and dry, with temperatures reaching the as high as 32 degrees in July. A strong northern wind called the “Meltemi” provides some relief from the summer heat.
Snow in Greece is not uncommon, especially in the northern regions. The country can have wet and cold winter months, with averages around 6 degrees in January and February.
Greece generally experiences extended periods of sunshine throughout the year.
How Safe is Greece?
Terrorism is always a credible threat in Europe. It is important to be aware of the threat whenever you are travelling abroad.
Domestic strikes, demonstrations and work stoppages are common throughout Greece. These strikes are often unpredictable. Be aware of your surroundings and flee the area immediately.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching, are common at tourist sites.
Greece is actually much safer than the United States. Greece is ranked 44th in world for total crime rate.
Olive Harvesting in Greece
Greece enchants visitors with its dazzling countrysides and harvesting experiences. The olive and olive tree have been huge influencers on the Greek culture, in recipes and ancient stories.
Visitors have the chance to pick olives and embrace the harvesting season in Greece. The experiences can last anywhere from one day to a few weeks, and bring to life with the local customs. This is an interactive visit that goes far beyond a, day-trip.
Harvesting season occurs anytime through early November to late February.
What Should I Take To Greece?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Greece:
- Electrical Adaptor – Electrical outlet standards vary by country. An electrical adaptor is an essential accessory to take on your trip to ensure your electronics stay charged.
- Sun-Block – Greece is generally very sunny. During the summer a small bottle of sunscreen can cost you up to 15 Euros due to the high demand. If you are planning to spend time outside, make sure you take the necessary precautions.
- Comfortable Shoes – Packing practical shoes is a good idea for any trip, it is especially for Greece. The country is known for its steep roads and mountainous terrain along the islands. Depending on where you are travelling, Greece’s beautiful streets are often paved with cobblestone. This can prove to be a dangerous and slippery challenge if you are visiting during the rainy season.
Canadian Embassy in Greece
The Embassy of Canada is located in Athens, Greece. Should you need assistance, the Honorary Consulate is located in Thessaloniki, Greece should it be closer to your location.
Embassy of Canada to Greece
48 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street,
Chalandri,
152 31 Athens, Greece
Tel.: 30-210-7273400
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Greece?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Greece?
What is the Climate Like in Greece?
How Safe is Greece?
Olive Harvesting in Greece
What Should I Take To Greece?
Canadian Embassy in Greece
