The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for anyone visiting Greece over the summer months, issuing new warnings on alcohol laws, quad bike safety, swimming risks, and wildfire alerts.
Alcohol and Driving Laws
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Greece, the Foreign Office warned. If motorists are tested and found to have more than two-thirds of England's legal limit of alcohol in their system, they could face a fine and possible imprisonment. The legal blood alcohol limit in Greece is 0.05%, compared to 0.08% in England.
Quad Bike and Moped Safety
The Foreign Office issued updated advice on quad-bike rentals, stating: "Every year people suffer serious injury and even death due to accidents involving quad bikes. Make sure you get full instructions and training on their use. If you are not experienced with driving quad bikes proceed with caution as you will be sharing the roads with larger and faster vehicles."
Travelers are advised to obtain specific travel insurance for quad biking, as it is defined as an extreme sport and excluded on many policies. "Insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third-party cover. It's likely the company will charge you for any damage to the rental vehicle, and you may face arrest if you do not pay," the Foreign Office added.
For mopeds, a valid driving licence with at least category A1 ('light motorcycle') is required. Category P, valid in the UK for mopeds up to 50cc, is not valid in Greece. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets; failure to do so may invalidate insurance and result in fines and licence confiscation.
Swimming and Water Safety
Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Greece. The Foreign Office urged parents to always supervise children, stating: "Keep small children within arms-reach in and around swimming pools, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present."
Wildfire Risk and Emergency Alerts
There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Travelers are advised to ensure their mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near their location.
