Foreign Office issues two-word safety warning to UK tourists travelling to Greece

The Foreign Office has heightened security in some "prominent tourist" sites following events in Israel and Occupied Palestinian territories

The government has issued updated information regarding travelling to Greece due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In the Foreign Office's 'Safety and Security' section, the government has noted an increase in security patrols in "prominent tourist" sites.

The information has been issued in the wake of events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, urging tourists visiting Greece to be aware of the threat of "political protests." The advice issued to travellers warns of a heightened risk of protests particularly in central Athens.

The Foreign Office has also asked UK tourists to be wary of other strikes and demonstrations which may be occurring during the holiday period. Most recently, travellers were urged to be aware of possible Air Traffic Control strikes in the upcoming days.

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Advice issued to holidaymakers by the government includes being extra vigilant of your surroundings, staying away from any planned protests and following the rules set by the local authorities on safety and conduct.

In addition to advice on political protests which may take place, the UK authorities have also urged travellers to be wary of strikes and demonstrations which could take place. The government website says: "There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice, that can cause disruption to buses, trains, ferries and air travel, as well as road networks and borders."

The 'Safety and Security' page also adds that demonstrations often occur around major squares such as Syntagma Square in Athens. The government also listed set dates which political demonstrations may commence in Greece.

This includes May 1 (Labour Day), November 17 (anniversary of when student protests against a military dictatorship were put down violently - 'Polytechnio') and December 6 (anniversary of the shooting of 15-year-old student Alexandros Grigoropoulos).

Foreign Office guidelines state many protests in the past have become violent, so tourists should be super vigilant when travelling during these dates especially.

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The advice says: "Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and move away to the last known safe place. Security forces often use tear gas to break up demonstrations, which can harm your breathing and vision."

Protests which have turned violent over the last few years include a demonstration which happened last month. At the start of March, activists calling for Greek politicians to be held accountable over a 2023 railway disaster which killed 57 people, clashed with the police force.

The protestors were launching gasoline bombs and fireworks in the Foreign Office-warned Syntagma Square, with bins set alight and police responding with measures such as tear gas and baton charges. The strike in March followed earlier strike action held in Athens in memory of Greece's deadliest train crash two years on.

Any travellers flying to Greece for their holidays should be aware of the Foreign Office's advise and warnings before visiting - particularly during the dates listed above.

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