Travel Emergencies in Greece

Thefts and general Policing issues

Not all police officers in Greece speak English or any language other than Greek, especially in less touristy areas like parts of Athens. However, at Tourism Police stations, you’ll always find someone who speaks at least basic English.

Keep in mind, though, that Tourism Police may not always be the best option for your situation. They operate within specific hours, and filing a report can take 2-3 hours.

If you need to file a report for an incident, especially for insurance purposes, be prepared for a detailed and potentially lengthy process. Only pursue this if your travel insurance requires a police report.

In other cases we do not recommend going throough the process. Cloudkeys has published practical guides on avoiding such situations and keeping yourself and your belongings safe at all times.

Medical emergencies

For any unplanned medical situation or emergency contact the number above to talk to the National Health Service. In Athens and other major destinations in Greece, public hospitals have a rotational 24-hour emergency ward. Pharmacies can also provide some basic medical guidance on emergencies.

Foreign travelers should be aware that if they have a medical condition that does not require emergency treatment, hospitals offer what is called “external medical clinics”. These clinics provide an initial assessment and a scheduling service for medical appointments. These types of treatments are usually scheduled few or several weeks after the assessment.

For faster access to medical care, travelers are advised to consult with a private hospital.

Fires and fire safety

Especially during the hot summer months, forest fires can become a major concern, and some can quickly get out of control. While fire incidents are rare in major towns and cities like Athens, particularly in residential areas and hotel locations, it’s always wise to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the emergency escape routes in your accommodation.

Fire & gas alarms 

Many travelers search for accommodation using a variety of Online and Offline travel agents with specific safety criteria. In Greece very few properties have such equipment (i.e.: fire and gas alarms).  Natural gas usage is relatively new in the country and there is a very modern natural gas network installed in few areas already.

From 1st October 2025 any accommodation must feature fire and gas alarms and emergency exit signs (among other quality accommodation standards).