The UK Government has issued separate travel warnings for tourists planning to visit two European destinations in the coming weeks.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO), which offers safety advice and updates for British nationals abroad, has updated travel device for France and Greece.
Brits planning to visit France are being warned of impending strike action taking place next month, which may disrupt tourism. Travellers are being advised to monitor the country's entry requirements on the FCDO website as they may change at on short notice.
The government department has also issued fresh guidance for anyone planning to visit Greece, updating information on strikes and demonstrations, Covid-19 and staying safe while abroad.
Here's what you should know about each country's latest new advice.
France
According to the FCDO, several French unions have called for strike action and demonstrations across the country on Tuesday, March 7.
The industrial action is set to impact France's public transport sector, as eight unions are fighting back against government pension reforms, including raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. A number of protests have already occurred in the past two months.
As a result, the FCDO has updated its travel advice for anyone visiting the country in the coming weeks, stating: "Industrial action may start the evening before a strike day and run until the morning after. Localised or sector-specific strikes could also occur outside these dates.
"Industrial action may lead to disruption to services. Please check the latest advice with operators before travelling, avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities."
Before traveling, check the FCDO's entry requirements' section for France’s current entry restrictions and requirements, as these may change with little warning. Tourist should monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with any travel provider dealt with.
Greece
The FCDO has updated its travel advice for anyone planning to visit Greece concerning safety, strikes and demonstrations and Covid-19.
Strikes
The FCDO has warned that strikes can occur in Greece on short notice and frequently, which can impact public transport - including air and sea travel as well as roads and boarders.
Their advice states: "Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities. Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. If you do find yourself unexpectedly near a demonstration, move away to the last known safe place. Be aware that security forces often use CS/Tear gas to break up demonstrations, which can adversely affect your breathing and vision.
"Demonstrations take place regularly around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. Nationwide strikes and protests can occur at any time and may disrupt road, air, sea travel and cause delays/diversions at border crossings."
While demonstrations can happen at anytime, they traditionally occur on May 1, November 17 and December 6.
Covid-19
Tourists should still be aware of the risks of Coronavirus and what to do if an infection arises, as anyone who tests positive still needs to isolate.
In Greece, facemasks are still mandatory on public transport, including taxis, as well as indoor spaces on boats, in hospitals and care facilities for the elderly - and advised for pharmacies.
On what to do if you contract Covid-19, the FCDO advises: "If you test positive for Covid-19 while in Greece you must self-isolate for five days from the date of the positive test result. You may leave self-isolation after five days if you have not had a fever in the past 24 hours, otherwise you should continue to self-isolate."
However, if you become infected with Coronavirus in Greece, this doesn't mean that you must stay there until fully recovered.
"There is an exception for tourists leaving Greece to return home. You may leave self-isolation before the end of the five day isolation period in order to travel back to your country of origin, provided you wear a high protection mask and do not have a fever.
"If you test positive for COVID-19 you should inform your accommodation provider. If you have serious symptoms you may be transferred to a medical centre dedicated to COVID-19 treatment.
"The UK government will not cover quarantine costs for British nationals."
Crime
Most visits to Greece are trouble-free, but theft of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist hotspots.
However, the FCDO reports that 33 cases of rape and sexual assaults in Greece were reported to British consular staff in 2022. Their advice added: "We also saw a small number of other personal attacks reported, and in some cases the alleged attackers were also British nationals."
Because of this, the FCDO recommends that travellers take the following safety measures:
- saving the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easier to find at the end of the night
- setting up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with each other
- keeping an eye on each other’s drinks to make sure they don’t get spiked
- not letting a friend walk back to their hotel alone
- not giving a drunk person more alcohol
Travellers should report anything suspicious to the proper authorities or hospitality management.
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