Is Greece safe for Black travellers?
Safe for tourists overall; UN flags racist policing of non-citizens
Why this rating
Greece is US Level 1 with no FCDO area warnings, so general tourist safety is good. However, UN CERD (December 2024) raised concern about hate crimes, excessive police force against minorities and non-citizens, and low conviction rates, while the Racist Violence Recording Network recorded 158 racist incidents in 2023, 89 of them against migrants and refugees. Black traveller evidence is limited and dated, including a 2018 Travel Noire account of hostile treatment on the islands, so confidence is low.
Vibe check
Essentials
- Currency
- EUR
- Language
- Greek
- Best time to visit
- Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
- Visa
- Schengen visa rules apply for non-EU visitors.
- Health
- No specific vaccines needed.
- Emergency
- 112 路 Police 100 路 Ambulance 166 路 Fire 199
- Plugs
- Type C, F 路 230 V, 50 Hz
- Driving
- On the right
Know before you go
- UN CERD (2024) called for investigation of racial profiling and racially motivated police violence
- Racist Violence Recording Network logged 158 incidents in 2023, mostly against migrants and refugees
Border & airport: Athens airport efficient.
SafeRoute tip: Athens and the islands are generally safe for tourists. Keep your passport copy on you and report any incident to the tourist police.
Travelling to Greece?
Join SafeRoute free to share your experience of Greece, post travel reports and find Travel Twins heading there. No paywall, ever.
Create a free accountBlack-owned in Greece
No verified Black-owned listings here yet. Know one? Tell us in the app and we will check it.
Greece: common questions
Is Greece safe for Black travellers right now?
SafeRoute rates Greece 40/100 (watch: mixed picture), last reviewed Sep 2026. Greece is US Level 1 with no FCDO area warnings, so general tourist safety is good. However, UN CERD (December 2024) raised concern about hate crimes, excessive police force against minorities and non-citizens, and low conviction rates, while the Racist Violence Recording Network recorded 158 racist incidents in 2023, 89 of them against migrants and refugees. Black traveller evidence is limited and dated, including a 2018 Travel Noire account of hostile treatment on the islands, so confidence is low.
What is the official travel advice for Greece?
US Level 1 (Oct 2025); FCDO: no areas advised against (wildfire risk Apr-Oct). Advice changes, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov before you book.
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?
Schengen visa rules apply for non-EU visitors. Rules depend on your passport and change often, so confirm with the official embassy or e-visa site.
What should Black travellers know before going to Greece?
Athens and the islands are generally safe for tourists. Keep your passport copy on you and report any incident to the tourist police. Athens airport efficient. Key warnings: UN CERD (2024) called for investigation of racial profiling and racially motivated police violence; Racist Violence Recording Network logged 158 incidents in 2023, mostly against migrants and refugees.
Can I share my own experience of Greece?
Yes. Create a free SafeRoute profile to post a travel report on Greece, rate how you were treated and find Travel Twins heading there. It is free, with no paywall.
Editorial summary, not an official safety rating; conditions, visa and health rules can change without notice. Check official advice before you travel, e.g. GOV.UK foreign travel advice or travel.state.gov.