Travel Vaccinations for Greece: A Practical Guide

Do I need travel vaccinations for Greece?

For most UK travellers visiting Greece, no additional travel vaccinations are routinely required beyond ensuring routine UK vaccinations are up to date.

Depending on your health, travel plans, length of stay and activities, your pharmacist may discuss whether any additional travel health precautions are appropriate.

Routine vaccinations

Before travelling, it is sensible to ensure your routine UK vaccinations are fully up to date.

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Polio
• MMR
• COVID vaccination where appropriate
• Seasonal flu if eligible

Food and water precautions

Greece has excellent food hygiene standards, although stomach upsets can still occur, particularly during hot weather or when eating unfamiliar foods.

Simple precautions can help reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhoea.

• Drink plenty of bottled or safe drinking water
• Wash hands regularly
• Choose freshly prepared food
• Store food correctly during self-catering holidays
• Take care with food left out in the sun

Mosquito bite prevention

Mosquitoes are common throughout Greece during spring and summer, particularly around lakes, wetlands, coastal areas and some island destinations.

Using insect repellent and avoiding mosquito bites remains sensible for all travellers.

• Use insect repellent containing DEET
• Wear loose clothing during evenings
• Sleep in air-conditioned accommodation where possible
• Keep windows screened where available

Sun and heat advice

Heat-related illness is one of the most common health problems experienced by visitors to Greece.

Taking sensible precautions can help prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunburn.

• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid prolonged exposure during midday sun
• Wear a hat and sunglasses
• Seek shade regularly

Travelling with medicines

Take enough regular medication for your entire holiday and carry medicines in their original packaging whenever possible.

It is also useful to carry a copy of your prescription or medication list, especially if you take several medicines or have a long-term condition.

When should I book?

If you would like personalised travel advice or need vaccinations for onward travel, book around 6-8 weeks before departure.

If you are travelling sooner, we can often still provide travel health advice.

Travel health advice for Greece in Swindon

At Swindon Health Hub, we provide personalised travel consultations based on your destination, medical history and previous vaccinations.

Whether you are visiting Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu or mainland Greece, we can help you travel with confidence.