The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Heatwave and wildfires in Europe

Extreme temperatures are affecting many areas of Greece. There are active wildfires across Greece, including in populated areas on the mainland and a number of islands.

On 26 July 2023, Greek authorities declared a ‘state of emergency’ in Rhodes. Other regions in Greece may take similar measures. The ‘state of emergency’ is an administrative measure designed to facilitate state aid in the aftermath of a crisis such as wildfires. It is not a reflection of the current risk to safety.

Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Follow “112 Greece” on Twitter for official updates.

Read ourthe guidance on extreme weather in Greece and NHS advice on coping in hot weather.

If you are travelling to an area affected by wildfires

If you are due to travel to an area that might be affected by wildfires, contact your travel operator or accommodation provider before you travel to check that it is not currently impacted. Make sure you have appropriate insurance.

If you are in or near areas affected by wildfires

Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires. You should:

• 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:alerts. For:

• for iPhones go to Settings > Notification. Enable the “Emergency Alerts” option at the bottom.
• for Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts

• for Samsung Devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications. Enable the “Emergency Alerts” option

• 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)

The Greek government has set up a Crisis Management Unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign visitors from Rhodes due to the ongoing forest fires. Contact them for advice on:

• +30 210 368 1730
• +30 210 368 1259
• +30 210 368 1350

If you need consular assistance

If you are a British national and need consular assistance, call our 24-hour helpline on +44 20 7008 5000

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.