Location: Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece
Event: November 17 Anniversary Demonstrations
The U.S. Mission in Greece alerts U.S. citizens to planned demonstrations on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Athens and Thessaloniki. Demonstration sites often include but are not limited to the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Athens and the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki.
Major demonstrations usually take place each year on November 17 to commemorate the Athens Polytechnic University student uprising against the ruling military junta in 1973.
In Athens, demonstrators are expected to converge in various points around the city, continue to Syntagma Square, and march up Vasilissis Sofias Avenue to the U.S. Embassy. In preparation, local police will close streets and metro stops near the U.S. Embassy and in the downtown area of Athens during the day. Severe traffic disruptions may occur.
In Thessaloniki, Hellenic National Police expect demonstrations and anticipate that access may be restricted in the vicinity of the U.S. Consulate General.
Some past demonstrations have turned violent and have involved destruction of property. There is potential for confrontation between police and demonstrators. In previous years, similar demonstrations have drawn more than 30,000 participants in Athens and tens of thousands in Thessaloniki.
U.S. government personnel have been advised to avoid the demonstrations and the downtown areas of Athens and Thessaloniki on November 17, 2025. Starting at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, the U.S. Embassy in Athens and U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki will close for in-person public services. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, November 18.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Keep a low profile.
- Carry identification and cooperate with police.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Athens
+(30) 210-721-2951
AthensAmericanCitizenServices@state.gov
https://gr.usembassy.gov
U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki
+(30) 2310-376-300
usconsulate@state.gov
U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
+1 (888) 407-4747 or +1 (202) 501-4444
Greece Country Information
STEP Enrollment
