Is Khat legal in Greece?
- Legal status
- Banned/controlled. Khat is classified as an illegal narcotic under Law 3459/2006 (Code of Laws on Narcotics), with the leaf treated as a controlled narcotic and the alkaloids cathinone/cathine also controlled. Mechanism: NAMED (national narcotics table).
- Consequences if caught
- Fresh leaf is illegal and enforced — record seizures at Athens airport; import/supply prosecuted under the narcotics code.
- If prescribed or medical
- Khat is traditional plant material with no recognised medical use and no lawful prescription route.
- Documentation
- No lawful personal-import route; fresh leaf is prohibited and seized at the border.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Greece’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →