Foreign Office issues Greece travel warning as 'state of emergency' declared

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice as wildfires continue to blaze across Greece.

The government department's website has highlighted that Greek authorities declared a 'state of emergency' in Rhodes on July 26, 2023. It adds that other regions across Greece have taken similar measures to Rhodes with the extreme measure designed to facilitate state aid in the aftermath of a crisis such as wildfires.

However, the advice stresses that the measures are "not a reflection of the current risk to safety" and is strictly for state aid. It adds: "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly".

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features

The government advises anyone travelling to an area affected by the wildfires in Greece to contact their travel operator or accommodation provider before travelling to check that they're journey won't be affected and to ensure they have the appropriate insurance.

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link

The Foreign Office also issued the following advice for anyone near an area affected by wildfires:

follow the guidance of the emergency services

call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger

contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK.

enable the “Emergency Alerts” option to receive the Greek government’s emergency alerts. For:

read the Greek Government’s protection guidelines in the event of a forest fire.

register via the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service (in Greek)

If you are a Brit in Rhodes during the wildfires and are in need of evacuation, the Greek government has