Saturday, July 5, 2025

The UK government has issued a new urgent travel alert for Greece due to a significant rise in wildfire threats, extreme summer heat, and increasing occurrences of natural disasters such as earthquakes and flash floods. With millions of British tourists expected to visit Greece during the peak holiday months, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is warning travelers to remain vigilant as the country faces a heightened risk of climate-driven emergencies. The advisory stresses the importance of preparing for rapidly changing conditions, staying informed through official Greek emergency channels, and taking preventive measures to avoid triggering fires, as even unintentional acts can lead to criminal charges under Greek law.

As Greece enters the peak of its summer season, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a critical update to its travel advisory, warning of heightened risks posed by wildfires and other extreme natural events. Released on the afternoon of Friday, July 4, the alert comes amid escalating temperatures across southern Europe and growing concern over public safety during the holiday period.

Each year, more than four million British travelers make their way to Greece, drawn by its sun-soaked islands, historic landmarks, and inviting beaches. However, with the climate becoming increasingly volatile, UK officials are urging travelers to remain vigilant, especially during the fire-prone months between April and October.

The FCDO’s update specifically highlights the “high risk of wildfires during the summer season,” underscoring how Greece, like much of southern Europe, is especially vulnerable to extreme heat and dry conditions. With 2025 already seeing record-breaking temperatures and a number of wildfire outbreaks, authorities are ramping up efforts to keep the public informed and protected.

This year, Greece has already battled several blazes across its mainland and islands, fueled by strong winds and prolonged heatwaves. These conditions have not only strained local firefighting resources but also forced evacuations in certain areas. British travelers planning holidays in Greece are being warned that the wildfire situation can develop rapidly, often leaving little time to react.

In addition to wildfires, the FCDO notes that Greece is susceptible to a range of natural hazards. These include:

Travelers are advised to prepare for such possibilities, monitor local conditions closely, and follow the guidance of Greek civil protection authorities.

A crucial piece of advice from the FCDO is for UK nationals to ensure their mobile devices are registered to receive emergency alerts in Greece. The country uses a system linked to the emergency number , which can issue real-time warnings for fires, earthquakes, and evacuations.

To register, visitors should check with their mobile provider or ensure roaming capabilities are enabled. Receiving alerts in time can make a significant difference in evacuation scenarios or emergency response coordination.

The FCDO also recommends following on social media platforms for the latest updates from the Greek authorities.

While travelers are primarily concerned with avoiding danger, the FCDO also emphasizes the role tourists can play in preventing wildfires. Many fires begin due to careless or accidental behavior, often when people are unaware of the consequences of their actions.

Travelers are strongly advised to:

In Greece, causing a wildfire—intentionally or through negligence—is a . Penalties can include fines and even imprisonment, particularly if the fire results in property damage or injury.

If travelers find themselves near a wildfire or threatened by its spread, they are urged to take the following actions:

Airlines and travel providers are often notified in cases of evacuation or emergency, and may be able to assist travelers with rescheduling flights or arranging return transport to the UK.

To help mitigate risk while still enjoying their holiday, UK travelers should:

With the Mediterranean region experiencing more intense climate impacts each year, the UK government’s updated advisory for Greece serves as a timely reminder for tourists to prioritize safety alongside enjoyment. While Greece remains a stunning and popular destination for British holidaymakers, the changing weather patterns necessitate more informed and cautious travel behavior.

The UK has issued a new urgent travel alert for Greece due to rising wildfire threats, extreme heatwaves, and increasing natural disasters during the peak summer season. British travelers are urged to stay informed and take precautions as conditions can escalate rapidly.

By staying alert, respecting local regulations, and planning ahead, travelers can ensure that their summer getaway remains memorable for the right reasons—not for being caught in an avoidable crisis.

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