The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel advisory for Greece, Hungary, and Germany ahead of the autumn 2025 season. The warning highlights key concerns for UK travelers, including rising wildfire risks in Greece, heightened security threats in Germany, and upcoming changes to Schengen visa entry rules with biometric checks starting in October 2025. Travelers are urged to prepare thoroughly by checking passport and visa validity, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, and staying informed on local emergency updates.
🇬🇷 Greece: Wildfire Risks & Safety
- Wildfire Season: April–October is high risk; fires spread quickly and unpredictably.
- Precautions:
- Don’t leave litter (especially glass).
- Extinguish cigarettes fully.
- Avoid barbecues in dry/high-risk areas.
- Emergency Steps:
- Dial 112 if in danger or to report fires.
- Register your mobile for @112Greece alerts.
- Note: starting a fire, even unintentionally, is a criminal offense.
Entry Rules
- Passport: Issued <10 years before arrival; valid ≥3 months beyond Schengen exit.
- Visa: UK citizens can stay 90 days in any 180-day period visa-free.
- From Oct 2025: Entry/Exit System (EES) starts → biometric checks (photo & fingerprints). Expect delays.
Insurance
- Must cover wildfires, medical emergencies, and planned activities.
🇩🇪 Germany: Security Risks & Terror Threats
- Terrorism Threats: High risk in public areas like restaurants, markets, events, and places of worship (esp. synagogues).
- Advice:
- Stay alert in busy places.
- Follow UK Counter Terrorism Policing updates.
- If caught in an attack → escape, alert, assist if safe.
Crime Risks
- Similar to UK: pickpocketing, bag-snatching, counterfeit money.
- High-risk spots: airports, railway stations, tourist areas.
Entry Rules
- Same as Greece (passport <10 years old, valid ≥3 months after exit).
- Visa-free for 90 days in 180.
- Longer stays require residence permit/national visa.
- EES begins 12 Oct 2025 → biometric checks + Schengen Q&A.
🇭🇺 Hungary: General Safety & Rules
- Security: Relatively safe but stay alert in cities & crowds.
- Terrorism Risk: Low, but caution advised at tourist spots & public events.
Entry Rules
- Same Schengen rules (passport validity + 90 days in 180 visa-free).
- Longer stays = residence permit or work visa.
- EES applies Oct 2025 with biometric checks.
🧳 Travel Insurance: Essential
Your policy should cover: hhh
- Medical care & repatriation
- Trip cancellations/delays
- Emergencies (wildfires, terrorism, political unrest)
- Activities planned (sports, hiking, cultural tours)
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