Greece is one of the dream destinations for tourists around the world, however, before you book your Greece trip, you need to make sure that you need a Greece visa or not and how to get it. This guide explains the Greece Visa Requirements, details of the Schengen visit visa process, and offers tips for completing a successful application.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Greece?
Whether you need a visa or not will depend on your nationality and reason for visiting. Greece is a member of the Schengen Area, and citizens of Schengen member states and visa-exempt countries do not need a visa for short stays.
If you’re from a country that needs a visa though, you have to apply for a Schengen visit visa to enter Greece. Tourist, family visit or business visa is available for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Greece Visa Requirements
If you are planning to travel to Greece and need a visa, you will need to prepare certain documents and meet specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you will need:
Visa Application Form
- Visit the website of the Greek consulate or visa center and download the official application form.
- Please, complete the form, making sure you fill the required fields. Mismatch may cause delay or rejection.
Passport
- Validity for minimum 3 months after your planned arrival in Greece
- It must have a minimum of two empty pages for visa stamps.
- A copy of previous visas is also required if this applies.
Photographs
- Attach two copies of passport-size photographs (35 mm x 45 mm).
- The photo should comply with certain standards, with the person presenting a neutral facial expression and head covering only for religious reasons.
Travel Insurance
- Show evidence of visiting medical insurance to the tune of at least 30,000 Euros.
- Insurance that is valid across all Schengen countries covering emergencies like accidents or repatriation.
Proof of Accommodation
- If you’re staying at a hotel, show proof for confirmed booking details.
- When visiting friends or family, you will need your host’s invitation letter, as well as proof of their home in Greece.
Travel Itinerary
- Show them your tickets or booking confirmations for flights.
- Showing a day by day itinerary of what you will be doing in Greece will help your application.
Proof of Financial Means
- Recent bank statements, pay slips or proof of sponsorship should be submitted to show you can afford your stay.
- As a general rule of thumb, €50-60 per day for a single traveler is usually more than enough.
Purpose of Visit Documentation
- Travelers must provide information such as travel itineraries and hotel reservations.
- For business purposes, you will have to submit a formal invitation issued by any Greek company, along with a letter of correspondence with that company.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visit Visa for Greece
Here is a step by step process to help you out with a Schengen Visit Visa for Greece application:
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Check Your Eligibility
- Does your nationality require a visa to enter Greece? If you come from a visa-exempt country, you can travel visa-free for visits of up to a few months, depending on nationality.
- Check that your specific eligibility and travel intentions are in line with Schengen visa criteria.
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Gather Required Documents
- See above for the full list of documents. Ensure all paperwork is filled out correctly and is consistent with your application.
- You’ll be delayed or worse, rejected if your submission is incomplete.
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Schedule an Appointment
- Make an appointment directly from the official site of the Greek consulate or visa application center.
- Appointment slots can fill up quickly during peak travel times, so it’s best to plan ahead.
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Attend the Visa Appointment
- Show up to your appointment with all necessary paperwork in hand.
- As part of your Schengen application procedure, you will need to submit your biometric data, such as fingerprints and a digital photo.
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Pay the Visa Fee
- Schengen visa application fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children 6-12.
- Acceptable payment methods differ from place to place, so check in advance. Some categories, like students or researchers, are eligible for reduced fees or are exempted.
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Await Processing
- The normal Schengen visa processing time is usually between 10 and 15 working days, although this may take longer in peak travel season or when additional documentation is required.
- You will be contacted once your application has been processed, so be sure to provide accurate contact information.
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Collect Your Visa
- Once approved, you need to pick up your visa from the consulate or visa center that you applied to.
- Double-check everything on the visa to make sure there were no mistakes that could affect your travel plans.
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Plan Your Trip
- Now that you have your visa, you can book your journey to explore the beautiful scenery, incredible history, and lively culture of Greece.
Things to do in Greece
Then, once you’ve got your visa, you’re set for the tour. From stunning landscapes to cultural excursions, these are the best things to do in Greece:
- Visit Athens: Explore historical sites including the Acropolis and Parthenon.
- Island Hopping: Mykonos for the nightlife, Santorini for the sunsets, and Crete for the history.
- Relax on Beaches: You’ll find turquoise waters at Navagio Beach in Zakynthos and Elafonissi Beach in Crete.
- Audit Food: Try moussaka, souvlaki and baklava.
- Hiking Mount Olympus: It’s a must-do activity for adventurous souls and those seeking the heart of Greece’s mythology.
Airports in Greece and Connectivity
Greece is easy to get around with a well-connected air traffic network. Some of the major airports in Greece are:
- Athens International Airport (ATH) is the primary airport, providing both international and domestic flights.
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Best for Northern Greece
- Santorini Airport (JTR): Serves new islands and foreigners.
- Mykonos Airport (JMK): Ideal for tour groups seeking the Aegean party scene.
Island and mainland destinations are easy to reach with cheap internal flights.
Places to Visit in Greece
You haven’t been to Greece until you have done a little sightseeing. Here are some Places to Visit in Greece:
- Santorini: Iconic white-washed homes, black-sand beaches, and luxury accommodations.
- Meteora: Magnificent monasteries sitting on stone mountains.
- Rhodes: Soaked in medieval history, including the Palace of the Grand Master.
- Crete: Greece’s largest island, home to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature or cuisine, Greece offers something for every traveler.
Tips for a Successful Visa Application
- Apply Early: Do not wait until a day before you travel, try to apply at least three weeks in advance of your desired travel date.
- Be Accurate: All information should be the same in documents.
- Interviews: Go prepared to explain your reason for travel.
- Follow Up: If your application status is available online, track it.
Conclusion
Greece is considered a dream country for many travelers and for obvious reasons, it is the perfect blend of history, culture and nature. The good news is that with the right preparation and planning, the visa process becomes relatively easy so that you can enjoy looking ahead to the fabulous experiences that await you! Greece’s ancient ruins are breathtaking, and with its mesmerizing islands, you’re sure to have trips of a lifetime. So, finalize your travel plans and take the first step of creating lifetime memories.