What actually gets you arrested in Greece: the legal lines that matter
Greece is a warm, welcoming country, but a few clear legal and social lines matter more than knowing the "right" way to greet someone. The most useful etiquette advice here is practical: dress respectfully at religious sites, keep your behaviour in check in public, and stay well away from anything military.
What should I know before visiting a church?
Dress appropriately when visiting a church, and be mindful not to disturb people who are there to pray or attend services. This applies whether you're sightseeing an active church or a historic site that's still used for worship. If in doubt, err on the conservative side rather than assuming tourist areas are exempt.
Is public behaviour taken seriously in Greece?
Yes — high standards of public behaviour are the norm, and this is enforced more strictly than many visitors expect. While tourist resorts tend to be more tolerant, Greek courts can impose heavy fines or even prison sentences for indecent behaviour in public. Police will arrest anyone they consider rowdy or indecent, and this applies especially where excessive drinking is involved. If you're heading to a lively resort area, it's worth remembering that "everyone does it" doesn't mean it's legally tolerated.
One less obvious point: some fancy dress costumes can be regarded as offensive and may fall foul of decency laws, so think twice before packing anything provocative for a themed night out.
What about photography and military sites?
This is a firm legal line, not just a courtesy: it's illegal to approach or photograph/video military installations, vehicles, or buildings in Greece, and authorities have prosecuted people for doing so. Border areas are also militarily sensitive, so exercise extra caution with your camera near any coastal, island, or frontier zones that could be near military infrastructure. When in doubt, don't point your phone or camera at anything that looks official or restricted.
Any practical tips for dining out and shopping?
By law, restaurants must give you an itemised bill — make sure you get a receipt for any goods or services you pay for, whether that's a meal, a taxi, or a souvenir. It's a simple habit that protects you and is a legal requirement on the seller's part, not just good practice.
English is widely spoken across Greece, which makes navigating everyday interactions — ordering food, asking directions, sorting out a bill — considerably easier for most visitors, even outside major tourist hubs.
FAQ
Do I need to cover up to visit a Greek church? Yes — dress appropriately and avoid disturbing anyone inside, regardless of how casual the setting looks.
Will I get in trouble for being loud or drunk in public? Potentially, yes. Greek police can and do arrest people for rowdy or indecent behaviour, particularly when heavy drinking is involved, and courts can impose serious penalties.
Can I take photos anywhere I like? No — photographing or filming military installations, vehicles, or buildings is illegal, and this is actively enforced, including in border regions.
Sources
Related Topics
Stay Connected Anywhere
Get instant eSIM data plans for 160+ countries. No physical SIM required.