New advice on entry and exit conditions for dual nationals travelling between Australia and Greece has been issued by DFAT.

The advice – published on September 27 on the DFAT Smarttraveller website – contains updated information on visa requirements, limitations on carrying cash into the EU, and warns of potential problems in relation to travel documents. DFAT has taken the opportunity to warn Australian citizens born in Greece that they may encounter problems entering Greece on travel documents that use place names (for example, place of birth) that are not officially recognised by the Greek authorities.

“There have been cases where Australian passport holders have been denied entry into Greece on this basis, particularly when attempting to enter Greece from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,” says the DFAT update.

The Department has also taken the opportunity of reminding travellers of currency restrictions that are in force between EU and non-EU countries. “People travelling directly to or from a country outside the EU carrying 10,000 euros or more (or the equivalent amount in another currency) are required to declare the cash at the place of their arrival or departure from the EU,” says DFAT.

“Under the legislation, the term “cash” includes cheques, travellers’ cheques and money orders. “Travellers failing to declare the cash or providing incomplete or incorrect information will incur a fine. There is no requirement to declare cash for people travelling to or from another EU country.” DFAT says that any traveller to the EU should make sure their passport has at least six months’ validity from their planned date of return to Australia.

The Department reiterated that Greek Australian dual nationals should be aware that the Greek Government introduced a new series of passports in 2007, and old-style Greek passports issued before January 2006 have ceased to be valid. “Greek Australian dual nationals must ensure that they travel on the new Greek Passports and/or a valid Australian passport,” says the advisory, adding that, “Greek Australian dual national males, or those of Greek descent born outside of Greece, could be subject to compulsory military service and other obligations.” “Under the Greek Military Penal Code there are penalties for non-compliance. Adult male travellers who hold, or may be eligible for Greek citizenship, are strongly advised to seek further information and advice from the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate, well in advance of travel.”

For the full updated travel advisory go to: www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Greece