Travel advice explained as Greece experiences a series of wildfires

GREECE is experiencing a series of wildfires as the country faces a severe heatwave – with scorching temperatures sweeping through southern Europe.

Thousands of residents and tourists have been forced to flee in the biggest evacuation effort Greece has ever seen.

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Where are the fires in Greece?

On July 22, 2023, thousands of locals and British tourists were urged to evacuate parts of Rhodes as an out-of-control wildfire sweeps across the Greek holiday island.

Greek authorities are saying it is the largest evacuation mission that has ever taken place in the country as they battle with the biggest blaze Greece has ever seen.

The country has been battling wildfires for nearly a week following a spell of extreme heat.

The fire has scorched swathes of forest and also burned buildings since breaking out in a mountainous area on Tuesday.

Other areas affected by the fires include Kiotari, Kalathos, Pefkoi, Lindos and Laerma.

British Embassy officials in Athens urged Brits to leave the area on Saturday evening.

Authorities have warned that the battle to contain the flames, raging in the middle of peak tourism season for heavily visited Rhodes, will take several days.

Is it safe to travel to Greece?

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits as devastating wildfires rip through Europe.

Those travelling to Greece have been urged to follow all the health guidance below.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The safety of British Nationals is our top priority. I encourage those in Rhodes, and those with family and friends there, to continue checking FCDO travel advice for updates.”

What has the Foreign Office said about travelling to Greece?

The Foreign Office said: ”If you are a British national affected by wildfires in Rhodes near Kiotari, Pefkoi, Lindos and the surrounding area, please follow the guidance from the emergency services.

”Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger.”

The Greek government has also established a Crisis Management Unit to respond to the situation in Rhodes.

They can be contacted on +30 210 368 1730.

For 24/7 British consular assistance, call +4420 7008 5000.

The Foreign Office added: ”If you are planning to travel to Rhodes, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit is not impacted by the current wildfires.”

Guidance has also been provided on extreme weather and wildfires in Greece and NHS advice on coping in hot weather.

You can also register on the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service to receive emergency alerts.