§ Mr. AncramTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice his Department is preparing for UK citizens who will visit Greece (a) this summer and (b) for the Athens 2004 Olympic games with regard to activities which are legal in the United Kingdom but illegal and imprisonable in Greece; and if he will make a statement. [54139]
§ Mr. StrawForeign and Commonwealth Office Travel advice is kept under constant review, and is available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel. The travel advice for Greece includes guidance on local laws and customs. Specific travel advice for the 2004 Olympic games will be prepared nearer the time. Currently the advice for Greece headed Local Laws and Customs reads
Visitors should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities can lead to long terms of imprisonment.Driving any vehicle whilst over the legal drinking limit is heavily penalised and can result in stiff fines and/or imprisonment.Visitors seeking employment in bars or night clubs should be aware that they are required to have a Health certificate/licence issued by the local authorities to work in such establishments. Failure to have such a certificate is punishable by a fine and or imprisonment.Do not take photographs or make notes near military or official installations. Seek permission before photographing individuals.Should we become aware of any other laws that differ significantly from those of the United Kingdom and which may impact adversely on British nationals we will, of course, highlight them in the travel advice.