Do you have to go through customs at Athens Airport?

Signs in the baggage claim area indicate which route to use for Customs. Citizens of Common Market countries (EEC) do not have to go through Passport Control; citizens of non-EEC countries, such as the U.S. and Canada, must go through Passport Control.



Whether you pass through customs at Athens International Airport (ATH) in 2026 depends on your origin and final destination. If you are arriving from a non-Schengen country (like the US, UK, or India) and Athens is your final stop or a gateway to a Schengen destination (like Rome), you must go through Passport Control and Customs. Customs is generally a quick process where you walk through the "Nothing to Declare" green channel unless you have restricted items. However, if you are transferring from one non-Schengen flight to another (e.g., London to Dubai via Athens) and staying in the international transit area, you usually do not clear customs. For those entering the Schengen Area, remember that you are limited to 10,000 euros in cash without declaration. Always follow the specific signs for "Area A" (Non-Schengen) or "Area B" (Schengen/Domestic) to ensure you hit the correct checkpoints.

People Also Ask

Short, very quick. Took us less than 10 minutes to get through security a few days ago. Checking bags/checking in at the desk can take >1 hour.

MORE DETAILS

However, it is immigration -- passport control --- that can take time. There is no immigration in Canada or Turkey if it is just a connection. Connection time at Athens airport. 2 hours is sufficient.

MORE DETAILS

Athens International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Greece. By the end of 2021, it was the 15th busiest airport in Europe.

MORE DETAILS

In case you want to check in things n Athens, you 'd need at least 90' minimum, 2 hours preferably, in order to get luggage, go out in free zone, recheck in, pass through security and go back to departure gates, 50 feet from the point you actually entered the terminal.

MORE DETAILS

Do You Have To Go Through Customs During A Layover? Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

MORE DETAILS

You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening. This may include a physical inspection of your luggage and personal items with a metal detector or a full-body scan.

MORE DETAILS

Do you have to go through TSA again for connecting flights? No, you do not. As long as you don't exit the security area, you are okay. Upon arrival from an international destination, you will need to recollect your luggage, go through customs and immigration, and then re-check your bags after you have been cleared.

MORE DETAILS

Security Fast Track is a dedicated lane at the airport security control enabling you to reach your departure gate quickly.

MORE DETAILS

There is not a strong tradition of tipping in Greece, particularly among the locals, but it's become expected that tourists leave a small tip while travelling through the country. In restaurants it's common to leave a cash tip for whoever is looking after you – 10–15 per cent is standard.

MORE DETAILS

Schengen – ID-free travel zone It allows EU nationals and many non-EU nationals to travel freely without border checks. Since 1985, it's kept growing, and now covers almost all EU countries and a few non-EU countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland).

MORE DETAILS

Currency Exchange Foreign currency can be exchanged at most Greek and foreign banks and at exchange bureaus located at Athens International Airport, Piraeus port, and around the city centre. You will need your passport to exchange money. Travellers checks and credit cards are also widely accepted.

MORE DETAILS

Peak season is summer, when Athens is packed with tourists, and hotel prices can be high. July and August are the hottest. The best time to visit is late spring (May) and fall (Sept–Oct).

MORE DETAILS