Travel law magazine progect
Santorini is the most popular island in Greece. It may be the most popular island in the world
Greece
Introduction
Welcome! Looking for a place to visit? Greece is the perfect destination for you, you're family or even an honeymoon! Greece is a country located in Southern Europe on the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula possessing an archipelago of about 2,000 islands. Greece has land borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Aegean Sea, the Ionia Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece has a strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to the Turkish Straits. The government system is a parliamentary republic. The chief of state is the President and the head of government is the Prime Minister. Greece has a market economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. Greece is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).
Important laws, travellers should be aware of within these countries!
Indecent behaviour, including mooning, is not tolerated. The police will make arrests and the courts are likely to impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently. Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws.
Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind, and don’t bring drugs - including ‘class C’ drugs - from the UK. Possession of even small quantities can lead to a long prison sentence. The plant Khat is an illegal narcotic in Greece. You will be arrested and may be imprisoned if you are caught trying to take Khat into Greece.
Driving any vehicle while over the legal drinking limit can result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment.
If you are seeking employment in bars or night clubs in Greece, you will need a health certificate/licence issued by the local authorities. Failure to have such a certificate is punishable by a fine and or imprisonment.
Make sure you get a receipt for any goods or services you buy. If you buy pirate CDs or DVDs in Greece you could be imprisoned.
Don’t buy any offensive weapons like knuckledusters or knives with a blade length of 10cm or above.
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It’s illegal to smoke in all indoor public places. The penalty for violating this law is a fine of up to €500.
Customs
Customs and traditions in Greece and the Greek Islands one important aspect of the
Greek culture. There are either of a religious character or coming from paganism. Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still celebrated today are religious. The Greeks are very superstitious and believe a lot in religion but also in supernatural or paranormal phenomenon. Traditions and superstitions vary from island to island, from villages to villages and from region to region.
Superstitions
Greek superstitions are coming either from religion or paganism. They vary from region to region. The Evil Eye (Mati) Some Greeks, especially in villages, believe that someone can catch the evil eye, or matiasma, from someone else's jealous compliment or envy. A person who has caught the evil eye usually feels bad physically and psychologically. In this case, an expert in xematiasma must tell a special pray to release the person in pain from the bad effects of the evil eye. To avoid the matiasma, those who believe in it wear a charm, a little blue bead with an eye painted on it. Blue is believed to be the colour that wards off the evil eye, but it is also believed that people with blue eyes are most possible givers of the matiasma
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Spiting It is believed that spitting chases the devil and the misfortune away. That is why when someone talks bad news (deaths, accidents, etc), the others slightly spit three times saying ftou, ftou, ftou. Another example is that someone that compliments a baby, a child or even an adult for its beauty, has also to spit three times on the complimented person so that he doesn't give him the bad eye (mati).
Black cat If someone sees black cat, this is supposed to be bad luck for the rest of the day. Also if a glass or mirror breaks, it is believed to be bad luck for seven years.
Did you know?
In Greece, people celebrate the “name day” of the saint that bears their name rather than their own birthday.
There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece. There are also Pan-Hellenic dances, which have been adopted throughout the Greek world.
In Greece, people celebrate the name day of the saint that bears their name.
Greeks do not wave with an open hand. It is considered an insult to show the palm of the hand with the fingers extended.
Attitudes towards Women
Division of Labor by Gender. Rural men and women traditionally shared agricultural tasks, doing some jointly and dividing others by gender. Land and property have long been owned by both men and women, with husbands and wives contributing fields to the family. As the population became urbanized, this pattern shifted. Among families that operated small shops and workshops, both men and women remained economically active. Among those who sought employment outside the home, women were more likely to work at lower-paid positions and to stop working when they had children. Open access to education and evolving child care arrangements are changing this situation, and women now constitute 45 percent of the paid workforce.
The Relative Status of Women and Men. Gender roles were relatively differentiated and male-dominant until recently. Traditionally, men were associated with public spaces and women with private, with the major exception of the role played by women in attending, cleaning, and maintaining churches. There were nevertheless many arenas in which women asserted power or operated in a female-centered world. Their economic role in the family; ownership of property; position as mother; wife, and daughter; maintenance of the household; religious activities; and artistic expression through dancing, music, and crafts all worked in this direction.
There has been a dramatic decline in gender differentiation in the last few decades. Women received full voting rights in 1956, and the Family Law of 1983 established legal gender equality in family relationships and decision making. A majority (53 percent) of students in universities are women, and the percentage of women in public office has increased. Women are now fully present in public spaces, including restaurants, nightclubs, beaches, stores, and public plazas.
Bringing goods back to Canada
Travellers are required, by law, to declare all plant, animal, and food items they bring into Canada. This includes items related to plants, animals and food, or their by-products.
If you bring these products into Canada, you may go through further inspections at the point of entry (that is, border crossings, airports). Be prepared for delays if further inspection is required.
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No goods containing meat
up to 20 kilograms per person
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Conifers and garden plants are restricted
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Dairy products (e.g.: cheese, milk, yogurt, butter) up to 20 kilograms per person with a value of $20 or less
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Fish and seafood all species except, Puffer fish, Chinese mitten crab.
When importing a susceptible aquatic animal species, an import permit will not be required when importing individual maximums of each of the following commodities of aquatic animals:
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Flowers: cut restrictions on coniferous foliage or green cones must not be propagation.
There may be some restrictions depending on the type of flowers and where they come from. Use the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to confirm if a specific item is allowed.
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Fruits and vegetables, including herbs: dried
Up to 15 packages per person
But not more than 250 kilograms
Fruits and vegetables, including herbs: frozen or canned
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Fruits
Up to 15 frozen packages or 15 cans per person
But not more than 250 kilograms
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Vegetables
Up to 20 kilograms of frozen or chilled vegetables per person
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Spices, tea, coffee, condiments ( Entry Permitted)
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Leather goods and skins fully tanned hides and skins only
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Meat and poultry products (for example, jerky, sausages, deli meats and patties, fois gras) up to 20 kilograms per person
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packages must have identifying marks, indicating what the product is proof of country of origin may be required
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Sea shells and sand: sea shells and items made from them small quantities of sand from salt-water beaches must be free from all animal matter, soil, soil-related matter and plant debris
Laws different from Canada
Blasphemy law is a law limiting the freedom of speech and expression relating to blasphemy, or irreverence toward holy personages, religious artifacts, customs, or beliefs.
In place of, or in addition to, prohibitions against blasphemy, some countries have laws which give redress to those who feel insulted on account of their religion. These laws forbid hate speech, the vilification of religion, or "religious insult.
Hate speech laws in Canada include provisions in the Criminal Code of Canada, provisions in the Human Rights Act and in other federal legislation, and statutory provisions in each of Canada's ten provinces and three territories. The Criminal Code prohibits "hate propaganda." The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on various grounds, and forbids the posting of hateful or contemptuous messages on the Internet. Legislation in the provinces and territories prohibits discrimination on the same grounds as Canada's Human Rights Act in matters of provincial or territorial concern such as employment and accommodation. These laws are considered controversial by many commentators because of the perceived threat they pose to rights.[1]
Security and advisories
Security
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
Strikes and Demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations in Athens are a common occurrence due to austerity measures imposed by the government. Demonstrations and marches occur largely in the centre of Athens in Syntagma Square and in front of the Parliament building. Avoid all public gatherings and demonstrations and stay away from areas where they can occur as they may turn violent without notice. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Strikes and demonstrations affecting public health services and transportation, such as trains, buses, taxi, metro, ferries and cruise ships, are usually announced in advance. Road closures may occur at short notice, particularly in Athens. Flights may be disrupted and access to airports and ports may be difficult. Contact your airline to check the status of your flight and allow plenty of time to make your way to the airport.
Terrorism
There have been periodic bomb attacks by anarchists and ultra-leftist militant groups against the Greek state, Greek institutions, and Western commercial and diplomatic interests on the mainland, including in Athens and Thessaloniki. Several bomb and arson attacks have occurred in urban areas. To enhance public safety, police officers conduct patrols in subway stations, bus terminals and other public places.
Several attacks occurred in Athens in January 2013 in response to the latest round of austerity measures, as well as measures dealing with crime and corruption that were imposed by the Greek government.
Crime
Petty crime (pickpocketing, purse snatching, luggage theft, muggings) occurs in tourist areas and on public transport. Do not walk in the Athens districts of Monastiraki and Omonia, or around the two railway stations of Larissa and Peloponissos after dark. Avoid secluded areas, parks, and down-market bars and restaurants. Remain vigilant at all times.
Women should not accept rides from strangers or casual acquaintances. Sexual assaults have occurred, particularly on the islands.
Attacks against non-Caucasians have been reported in Athens and condemned by local authorities.
Road travel
The traffic fatality rate in Greece is among the highest in the European Union. Poor driving standards, aggressive drivers, difficult terrain and heavy traffic create hazards.
Driving motorbikes, scooters and mopeds is particularly dangerous, especially on the islands. Travellers must obtain insurance coverage. A helmet is a legal requirement. Stiff fines can be imposed for non-compliance.
Small, unlicensed rental agencies (especially on the islands) do not always offer vehicles that comply with up-to-date safety standards. Read the rental contract carefully.
In the event of an accident, wait until the police arrive; otherwise the insurance may not be valid.
Public transportation
Accidents have occurred due to poor safety standards on regional buses and ferries. Use reputable bus and ferry operators.
General safety information
Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Tourist facilities are widely available.
Some border areas are militarily sensitive and should be avoided, including the north-northwest zone.
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.