Protests are planned in and around Chania, Crete, on October 17-18, 2025, according to an alert from the U.S. Embassy in Athens. The embassy is monitoring the situation and expects large crowds, traffic congestion, and a heightened security presence in downtown Chania, Souda Bay, and Mouzouras.
U.S. government personnel have been advised to avoid areas where protests may occur. The embassy also issued guidance to U.S. citizens, stating, "The U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens avoid areas around demonstrations, protests, and marches whenever possible. Even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to turn violent without any warning."
The alert provides several safety recommendations for U.S. citizens, including avoiding demonstration areas, exercising caution near large gatherings, monitoring local media, keeping a low profile, and carrying identification while cooperating with police.
For assistance, the embassy lists contact information for U.S. Embassy Athens, the U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki, and the U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs. Additional resources such as Greece Country Information and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) are also mentioned, along with the embassy's social media channels.