Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?
Most travellers to Greece won’t require a visa due to the Schengen Agreement that allows for 90 days of travel in the European Union (EU) without a visa for nationals of certain countries. Schengen is a passport-free zone with 27 member states that covers most European countries and makes up the world's largest area of free travel. Depending on your nationality, there may be different entry requirements into the Schengen region.
For EU nationals of Schengen member countries such as Austria, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany and Italy, you can enter Greece with your passport or other valid identification document.
There is also an agreement held between many countries and the Schengen member states that allows free entry, travel, and departure from the EU for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. This includes citizens from Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada and New Zealand. Nationals from these countries can enter Greece without a Schengen visa but may still need to abide by certain entry requirements.
If you are from a country that has not yet reached a visa-liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, you will most likely require a Schengen visa before arriving in Europe. Some of the countries included in this are China, Egypt, India and Indonesia.
Greece entry requirements
Visa-exempt countries
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will still need to abide by the entry requirements of the EU country you are entering from. If you are arriving in Greece, you may need:
- A valid passport that has been issued within the previous 10 years and is valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU
- You may also be required to show other documentation such as proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, a round-trip airline ticket, travel insurance, etc.
- You may also be asked for relevant information about your stay in Greece, such as how long you intend to stay, the purpose of your entry, etc.
It is also important that you receive an entry stamp in your passport upon arrival to the Schengen area from the border officer. You could be fined or detained if you do not have a stamp in your passport.
Countries requiring a visa
Nationals from countries that are not yet part of the Schengen free-travel agreement may need to apply for a Schengen visa that can allow them to travel to any member state in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per stay for either tourism or business purposes. You will need to show this visa alongside your passport upon entry to Greece. You may also be required to show the aforementioned documents and answer the same questions.
Schengen visa application
If you are in need of a visa to enter Greece, it is important to leave as much time as possible between applying and your travel to Greece, as applications can take longer than expected.
Documentation
When applying for the Schengen visa, you may need several documents, including:
- A Greek visa application form
- Two passport photos according to specific passport requirements,
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages, three more months of validity beyond your planned stay in the Schengen and must be issued within the last 10 years.
- Copies of your previous visa (if applicable)
- Schengen travel health insurance
- Round trip flight itinerary
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- A cover letter that includes why you are visiting and how long you plan to stay
- Proof of civil status
- Other documents relevant to your employment status
Application process
The general application process for a Schengen Visa for entry into Greece includes these stages:
- Completing the online application form relevant to your visa, which will then be reviewed by officials.
- Receive an appointment time at the Greek consulate (make sure you have a signed, hard copy of your Schengen Visa application form with you when you go).
- Gather your supporting documents for visa officials to look over.
- Attend your appointment at the Greek consulate.
- Wait for your visa approval (this could take up to 15 days).
If you are planning to be in one of the Schengen countries for longer than 90 days to study, work or live, you will need to attain a different type of visa that is specific to the country you are going to be in.
Schengen visa fees
The fees shown below are typically the fees to be paid during your Schengen visa application.
- Adults: €80
- Children between 6-12 years of age: €40
- Children under the age of 6: Free
These fees may change depending on several factors, including if you are a national from a country that is granted visa discounts for Greece.
Please note that even if you're granted a Schengen Visa for travel into Greece, you're not automatically guaranteed entry into the country with border and immigration officials at the airport determining whether you'll be allowed to stay in Greece once you get there. This also applies to nationals travelling from visa-exempt countries.
The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.
Last updated: 30 January 2023
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