Foreign Office issues warning for travel to Greece with 'widespread disruptions'

An urgent warning has been issued by the Foreign Office for anyone travelling to Greece this week.

Huge transport strikes and demonstrations will sweep the European country on Friday for the anniversary of a tragic train crash.

The deadliest rail accident in Greek history dubbed the February 28 disaster, left 57 people dead.

A passenger train shockingly collided head-on with a freight train due to outdated signalling systems and inadequate safety protocols, with the investigations pointing to human and systemic error within the Hellenic Railways Organisation.

Critics of the fatal crash, including the families of those killed, have accused the ruling New Democracy party of not claiming enough responsibility for the accident.

On Friday (February 28), mass protests and walkouts are planned up and down the country with air traffic control, ferries and trains all taking part.

This afternoon the Foreign Office issued advice to anyone planning to travel to Greece, adding that hospitals will only be able to deal with emergency cases.

The statement read: "Mass demonstrations and widespread disruption to public services will take place across Greece on 28 February to mark the second anniversary of the 2023 Tempi Valley train collision (Thessaly region, in central Greece). The collision, involving a passenger train and a freight train, killed 57 people and injured 85 passengers.

"All public transport will face serious disruptions and suspension to services. Ferries, nationwide trains, and air traffic controllers will conduct a 24-hour strike. Expect flight cancellations and delays for national and international flights to and from all airports in Greece.

"Public services, including hospitals, will face widespread disruptions and may only deal with emergency cases."

The Foreign Office warned that previous demonstrations across Greece had turned “violent.” Officials urge visitors to avoid the protests wherever possible and to move to a safe place.

To break up the demonstrations, security forces have previously used tear gas, which the government states can harm your breathing and vision.

For more information from the Foreign Office on how to stay safe during demonstrations, click here.