Greece

Greece boasts one of Europe's most dynamic aviation sectors, serving as a strategic gateway to the Mediterranean. The system consists of the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (the main hub) and an extensive network of 14 regional airports (including popular tourist destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu), most of which are operated by the concessionaire Fraport Greece. The sector is regulated by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA - YPA), in close compliance with EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) guidelines and European Union regulations.

In 2026, Greece operates under Schengen Area rules:

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen territory and must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• ETIAS: Not yet in operation (checked in October 2026). Visa-exempt travellers do not need to apply for any authorisation before travelling today: they enter with a valid passport for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When ETIAS starts, the European Union will announce the date several months in advance on its official website. Be wary of websites that charge for it before then.
• Visas: Travelers from countries that do not have visa-free access must apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C) at Greek consulates.

Greece strictly enforces the European Union’s Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This regulation protects passengers on flights departing from Greek airports (regardless of the airline) or arriving in Greece from outside the EU (if operated by an EU-based airline).

• Financial Compensation: Ranges between €250, €400, or €600, depending on the flight distance and the length of the delay (exceeding 3 hours at the final destination).
• Assistance: In cases of significant delays, the airline must provide free meals, refreshments, access to communication, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation and transportation between the airport and the hotel.
• Cancellation: Passengers are entitled to a ticket refund or re-routing, as well as compensation, unless they were notified at least 14 days in advance or if the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather conditions, air traffic control strikes).

There is no Greek or European law that mandates a universal "free baggage allowance." Weight and measurement policies (typically 10kg for carry-on and 23kg for checked baggage) are defined by the commercial policy of each airline.

• Security Regulation: Security rules for carry-on baggage (a 100ml limit for liquids and a ban on sharp objects) follow EU security standards and are strictly implemented at all Greek airports.
• Rights: The airline is legally liable for damage, delay, or loss of checked baggage in accordance with the Montreal Convention.

To enter Greece with dogs, cats, or ferrets from third countries, you must comply with EU pet movement regulations:

• Microchip: Electronic identification in accordance with ISO standards.
• Rabies Vaccination: The vaccine must be administered after the microchip is placed and must be currently valid.
• Health Certificate: An official document completed by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin.
• Antibody Test: For countries not on the EU’s low-risk list, a rabies antibody titration test must be performed at least 3 months prior to entry.

• Documents: minors must have their own passport. If they travel with only one parent or with another adult, it is advisable to carry a travel consent signed by the parents or legal guardians, with notarised signatures (useful to avoid problems at Schengen borders).
• Priority: Families with small children generally receive priority boarding and expedited security clearance at Greek airports.

Greece adheres to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, which guarantees the right to assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility (PRM).

• Airport Assistance: Passengers are entitled to free assistance from the point of arrival at the airport to their seat on the aircraft.
• Requesting Assistance: Passengers must request assistance from the airline or travel agency at least 48 hours before the flight.
• Infrastructure: All Greek airports are required to have ramps, accessible restrooms, and designated assistance points in accordance with European accessibility standards.

• Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA): https://www.ypa.gr
• Fraport Greece (Regional Airports): https://www.fraport-greece.com
• Passenger Rights in the EU (Your Europe): https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm
• Official ETIAS Portal: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece (Visa Information): https://www.mfa.gr/en/services/visas-for-foreigners-traveling-to-greece/
• Pet Travel Rules (European Commission): https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/pet-movement_en