Customs Regulations in Greece

For the British visas are not required to enter Greece. As British passport holders they may stay at the territory of the country as a visitor for three months. For longer time of lodgment, they will need to apply to the proper office for a residence permit.

Intending visitors whose passports enclose different descriptions from that above should check with the nearest Greek Consulate or visa issuing post to get to know if a visa is needed. Passports should be protected always and refreshed before the expiry date. Typical ten-year passports are issued by the Consular Section of the British Embassy in Athens. Application forms for renewal may be received from the Embassy or other British Consulates in Greece.

Prohibited Items
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Matches
- Firearms
- Drugs and medications
- Playing cards

Documents required:
a) Certificate of secondary residence from nearest consulate with detailed list of household goods; b) Personal bank guarantee for amount of duties; c) Passport; d) House contract; e) Greeks repatriating, foreigners married to Greeks, Greeks military and foreign EEC member who have lived abroad for at least 2 years have to produce Certificate of repatriating from Greek consulate; f) Detailed list of household goods; g) Application for 5 years of residence permit and deposit to customs of an amount equivalent to duties until permit is received. After that deposit will be returned.

Those British coming to Greece to assume residence should get a change of residence certificate which is issued by the Greek Consular authorities in the United Kingdom. This certificate encloses only points which are subject to Special Consumption Tax in Greece. UK citizens visiting Greece may import and re-export household and personal goods. Moreover, they are no longer subject to any customs controls or other formalities at points of direct entry from UK. However, for cars, boats, and other vehicles you should check with the corresponding authorities. Small quantities of flowers, bulbs and fresh fruit may be imported. Plants must be accompanied by phytosanitary certificates obtained from the appropriate authority in UK. Small animals may be imported as long as accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by the MAFF.