Greece Tourist Visa - Application, Requirements, Validity and Appointments
Last Updated : 4 Sep 2023
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Anyone who knows anything about Greece will tell you that, while it might take an entire lifetime to explore all of this beautiful Mediterranean country, it only takes a moment to fall madly in love with it. Greece offers unforgettable experiences for those who visit, from the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, the parties and nightlife of Corfu and Mykonos, to the awe-inspiring history and cultural heritage of Athens.
Greece truly is one of those rare destinations that offer all its visitors something special. However, to experience these wonders, you may need to apply for a Greece Tourist Visa. Luckily, you came to the right place!
In this guide to the Greece Tourist visa, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about your Tourist Visa to Greece. We'll cover everything, from the Greece Visa Application Process and the requirements to getting a Greece Tourist visa appointment. At the end of this post, you'll also find some helpful answers to questions many travelers traveling to Greece have.
In this Greece Tourist Visa post, we'll look at:
But first, here's the must-know information on a Tourist Visa to Greece
Greece Tourist Visa At A Glance
Greece forms part of the Schengen Area, and as such, a GreeceTourist Visa is known as a Schengen Tourist Visa.
Citizens from countries outside the EU may need to acquire a Schengen Visa before traveling to Greece. EU, US, & UK citizens do not need a Schengen Visa when traveling to Greece for 90 days or less.The main details of this visa are as follows:
Greece Schengen Visa Fees: Greece Schengen Visa Fees differ from country to country, but for most countries, it's EU 80.00.
Greece Schengen Visa Processing Time: In normal circumstances, a Greece Schengen Visa can take up to 15 days. However, the processing time can take as long as 30 days, depending on the number of applications being processed. In some rare cases, the processing time for a Schengen Visa to Greece can take up to 60 days.
Greece Schengen Visa Requirements: To apply for a Schengen Visa To Greece, an applicant will need a complete Flight Itinerary, a full Hotel Itinerary, as well as various other requirements that we'll discuss in detail in this article.
How To Get Your Next Greece Tourist Visa Now!
Applying for a Tourist Visa to Greece can be stressful, confusing, and time-consuming. The good news is it doesn't have to be. Atlys!
Atlys delivers a brand new way of dealing with travel documents and visas, allowing you, the traveler, more time to focus on what's really important. With Atlys, you'll be able to complete your Greece tourist visa application in a fraction of the time. All you need to do is select where you'll be going, travel date, and enter your relevant details. Afterward, Atlys will do all the tedious paperwork for you. It really is that easy!
What Is A Greece Schengen Tourist Visa
In short, the Greece Tourist Visa, also known as a short-stay visa or a Greece Schengen Visa, is a travel authorization that allows you to travel to Greece for non-essential purposes, such as tourism and short business trips. With your Greece Tourist Visa, you can travel to any one of the extraordinary Greek islands and experience everything Greece has to offer.
Greece forms part of the Schengen Area, and as such, you'll have to apply for a Greece Schengen Visa. Apart from entry into Greece, a Greece Schengen Visa grants access to all 26 European countries in the Schengen Zone.
These Countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
When applying for a Schengen Visa, the country you spend the most time in should usually be the country where you apply for your Schengen visa. If you spend an equal amount of time in different countries, the country that is your first entry into the Schengen Zone should be the country where you apply for your Schengen Visa.
Your Greece Tourist Visa will allow you to visit Greece for 90 days for every 180-day period. However, you can only visit Greece with a Tourist Visa for tourism purposes. Therefore, if the purpose of your travel is not tourism or exceeds 90 days, you'll need to apply for a different type of visa. Check our Ultimate Greece Visa Guide to learn more about the types of visas you can apply for.
Quick Note: During this post, we'll be referring to the Greece Tourist Visa as the Greece Schengen Visa and vice versa. The Greece Schengen Visa is more commonly known as a Greece Tourist Visa. Nonetheless, you're actually applying for a Schengen Visa when visiting Greece for non-essential purposes. There is no difference between a Greece Schengen Visa and a Greece Tourist Visa - they are the exact same document.
Who Needs A Greece Schengen Visa
When planning your trip to Greece, you need to consider if you need a Greece Schengen Visa or not. Not all visitors need to apply for a visa when visiting Greece. Let's look at who needs a Greece Schengen Visa to travel to Greece.
If EU/EEA/Swiss National
If you're a citizen from the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you don't need a Greece Schengen Visa to visit Greece. Moreover, because Greece forms part of the Schengen Area, citizens from one of the Schengen Member States don't need to apply for any type of visa to visit, work, study, and travel to Greece.
Check our Schengen Country guide to learn more about the Schengen Agreement and its member states.
If Citizen Of Schengen Area Country
Citizens or residents of the Schengen Area do not need a visa to visit Greece.
If US Citizen
If you're a US citizen, you'll be happy to know that you enjoy visa-free travel to Greece for short-term stays. Meaning, you don't need to apply for a Greece Schengen Visa to visit Greece. US citizens may visit any one of the Schengen Member States without applying for a visitors visa. Remember that you may only travel to Greece (or any other Schengen Member States) for 90 days per 180 days.
Visa-free travel to Greece does not mean document-free travel - as a US citizen, you'll still need a couple of things before touching in Greece. We'll look at all of these documents a bit later on. Americans traveling to Greece can read our American specific Travel Guide.
If Green Card Holder
If you're a US Green Card Holder, you don't automatically enjoy visa-free travel to Greece. Instead, if your nationality, i.e., the country of your passport, needs a visa to travel to Greece, you'll need one too. But don't worry, you can apply for your Greece Schengen Visa in the US at your nearest Greece Embassy or Consulate in the United States. You don't need to travel back to your home country and apply from there.
Note that if you're visiting the US with a visitors visa (B1/B2 visa) and wish to travel to Greece, you can't apply for a Greece Schengen Visa in the US. Instead, you must travel back to your home country and apply for your Schengen Visa from there.
Where Should I Apply For My Greece Tourist Visa
We suggest that as soon as you've figured out if you need a Greece Schengen Visa, your next step should be to determine where you'll be applying for your Greece Schengen visa. The location of your closest facility might affect how long your application will take due to travel time to and from the facility.
When it comes to making this choice, you basically have 3 options:
1. Use Atlys To Effortlessly Apply For Your Greece Visa.Atlys is your easiest and quickest option. Atlys is designed to be fast and simple. With Atlys, you can cut the time it takes to apply for your visa in half. Furthermore, Atlys has very helpful and friendly customer service that will help along the way. With the Atlys app, you can apply from the comfort of your home.
2. Apply At Your Local Greek Embassy or ConsulateApplying at your local Greek Embassy or Consulate-General Of Greece is the more traditional way of getting your Greek Schengen Visa. Keep in mind that this option does involve some uncertainty and time-wasting. Unlike Atlys, there is no clear guidance from the Embassy. Forgetting a document or submitting an incomplete application form can lead to your visa being denied without you even being aware of the error until it's too late.
3. Apply Through A Visa Application CenterSubmitting an application at an application center is fairly similar to submitting an application at the Embassy. In fact, many embassies outsource their visa services to application centers. However, due to the increasing demand for visas, these application centers may become overburdened at times. As a result, there is a lengthier wait time. Also, there are numerous accounts of people who have had negative experiences with the application center's customer support. However, this is not always the case.
Each of these options can lead to you getting your Greece Schengen Visa. The final decision is always yours to make. Choose the option you like the most, and be sure to follow the exact instructions given to you.
When Should I Apply For A Greece Schengen Visa
To ensure you are not caught unawares by last-minute problems when applying for your Greece Schengen Visa, we recommend that you start the application process 2 months before your intended date of departure.
Typically, a Schengen Visa Application for Greece takes a minimum of 14 calendar days to process, but in some extreme cases, the processing time for a Portuguese Schengen Visa has been as long as 60 days!
How Much Is The Greece Schengen Visa Fee
Schengen visa fees depend on the nationality applying for the Schengen Visa. As such, citizens from India will need to pay more than citizens from South Africa. Therefore, we advise you to contact your nearest Greek Embassy to find out exactly what the Schengen Visa Fee will be.
That being said, we have gathered an average Schengen Visa fee, and most applicants can expect to pay as follows:
For an adult - €80
For children between the age of 6 - 12 years - €40
For children younger than 6 years - Free
Note that paying the visa application fee doesn't guarantee a successful visa application. Instead, the fee you're paying is for the service provided by the Embassy. Also, the payment for your Greece Schengen Visa is non-refundable.
Fees are liable to change, and we suggest you contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate-General of Greece to determine the exact fee.
What Are The Visa Free Travel Requirements For Greece
Countries that benefit from visa-free travel to Greece, like the US, don't need to apply for a Greece Schengen Visa to visit Greece. However, you still need to present a few documents upon entry into Greece. When traveling to Greece, you may be asked to present the following:
A Valid PassportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended date back to your home country. In addition, it must be in good condition and not older than 10 years.
Proof Of AccommodationGreek authorities may ask you to present proof of accommodation upon your arrival in Greece. Documents you can present as proof include hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a friend or family member that agreed to provide accommodation for you during your stay.
Sufficient Financial MeansYou may be asked to present proof that you have the financial means to support yourself fully during your stay in Greece. You can expect to have an amount of €50 per day. Note that you require a minimum of €300 for a stay of up to 5 days. Also, the cost for minors is reduced by 50%. Documents you can provide include recent bank statements, credit card statements, payslips, or cash.
Itinerary/Return Flight TicketAuthorities will want proof that you plan to travel back to your home country after your initial 90 days of visa-free travel is over. Here you can present a return flight ticket that states the date you'll be departing back to your home country. Also, you can present an itinerary that indicates when you'll be leaving Greece. An itinerary will also help prove the purpose of your trip and what you plan to do while visiting Greece.
Medical Insurance/Travel InsuranceYou'll need to obtain valid medical insurance that provides coverage across the entire EU. Your medical insurance covers all medical expenses that may occur during your trip. It must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 and must be valid for the duration of your trip. For example, if you plan to visit Greece for 10 days, your medical insurance must be valid for 10 days.
Note that different countries have different required documents for visa-free travel. Therefore, we recommend you contact your nearest embassy to ensure you collect the correct documents for your trip to Greece. You can also enquire about other related visa services.
What Are The Required Documents For A Schengen Visa to Greece?
When applying for your Greece Schengen Visa, you'll need to gather and submit the following documents:
A Valid PassportYou must present a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date back to your home country. It must be in good condition and not older than 10 years. Also, ensure that your passport has two blank pages available for your visa sticker/stamp.
A Greece Schengen Application FormYour application must be filled out completely. The information you provide on the application form must be correct and accurate. Incorrect information may lead to your visa application being denied. We recommend double-checking the information you provide and comparing it to the travel document you'll be using.
2 Passport PhotosThe photos must not be older than 3 months, in color, and meet the following photo requirements.
Copies Of Previous VisasIf you have visited the Schengen Area before, you must bring copies of your previous visas.
Medical Insurance/Travel InsuranceWhen applying for your Greece Schengen Visa, you must prove that you have valid medical insurance.
Proof Of Sufficient FundsWhen visiting Greece, you'll need to prove that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your stay. You can expect to have around €50 per day. If you plan to travel to Greece for 5 days or less, you need to have a minimum amount of €300. Documents you can provide include recent bank statements, cash, credit card statements, or a payslip.
Proof Of AccommodationYou need to show authorities where you will be staying in Greece during your trip. Proof of accommodation can include hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a friend or family member.
An ItineraryAn itinerary will help you prove the purpose of your trip. Your itinerary should include what Schengen Countries you plan to travel to, travel dates, hotel reservations, activities you plan to do, etc.
A Return Flight TicketA return flight ticket (alongside your itinerary) will prove to authorities that you plan to return to your home country after your trip. Remember, if you want to stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a visa that permits you to do so.
A Schengen Cover LetterYour cover letter should explain what you plan to do in the Schengen Area, where you will be going, where you'll be staying, and so on. Also, it must include all your planned travel dates.
Clean Criminal Record
You must provide a certificate/document that shows you do not pose a threat to Greece.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, you'll need to attach documents that prove your employment status.
If You're Employed
An employment contract.
A letter from your employer that permits you to take leave from work.
Your bank statements for the previous 6 months.
An Income Tax Return (ITR) Form
You must provide a letter from your employer confirming you will be leaving for vacation. Also, you can submit your work contract and recent payslips as proof of sufficient funds and proof of employment.
If You're Self-Employed
A copy of your business license.
An Income Tax Return (ITR) Form.
Your company's bank statements for the previous 6 months
A letter from a solicitor, accountant, or Companies House, which confirms your status.
If You're A Student
Proof of enrollment at a recognized educational institution.
A letter from your educational institution that permits you to be absent from your studies.
You'll need to submit a document that proves you are a student. The document you provide must include your personal details, the institution you're studying at, your current major, and must be stamped by the institution. Also, you need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. This can be done by providing a work contract, bank statements, or a letter from your sponsor. Note that if you have a sponsor, they should attach all relevant documents to the letter.
If You're Retired
A document that proves you're a retiree (or any similar document).
Pension statement of the previous 6 months.
You can submit a document or certificate that states you are a retiree. You may also present a pension statement from the last 6 months.
What Type Of Travel Insurance Should I Get For A Greece Schengen Visa Application
Because most Schengen countries provide public healthcare, travel insurance, but not health insurance, is required to obtain a Greece Schengen visa, to ensure that visitors don't become a financial burden on Greece's health system in the event of unforeseen issues.
The insurance should explicitly meet these requirements:
Coverage of at least EUR 30,000.
Be valid in all 26 Schengen States: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Cover medical emergency expenses and anything connected with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health attention, and/or emergency hospital treatment or death.
For those hoping to get a longer-term Schengen visa, it is advisable to provide travel insurance that lasts the whole year as per this EU directive:
"Applicants for a uniform visa for more than two entries (multiple entries) shall prove that they are in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance covering the period of their first intended visit.In addition, such applicants shall sign the statement, set out in the application form, declaring that they are aware of the need to be in possession of travel medical insurance for subsequent stays."
How To Complete Visa Application For A Greece Tourist Visa
Next, we'll walk you through the application process of applying for your Greece Schengen Visa. Note that the process may differ depending on the country you're applying from. Therefore, we recommend contacting your local Greece Embassy or General Consulate of Greece to ensure you follow their respective process. However, you can use the following guidelines when applying for your Greece Schengen Visa.
Follow these simple steps to get your Greece Schengen Visa:
Step 1 - Gather All The Required Documents For Your Greece Schengen Visa
Now that you know about the required documents for your visa application, you can start collecting them. We recommend you start collecting your documents as soon as possible, as some documents may take some time to acquire. Therefore, collecting documents ahead of time can save you a lot of frustration and time.
Pro tip: When starting to collect your documents, create a checklist with all the documents you require. This will ensure that you don't forget or miss a document.
Step 2 - Fill Out Your Greece Schengen Visa Application Form
Now that you have gathered all the required documents, you can fill out the Schengen Visa application form. This can be done in multiple ways:
Download the form onlineYou can opt to download the form online and fill it in from the comfort of your own home.
Travel to your nearest embassyYou can also travel to your nearest Greece Embassy or Consulate and collect your form from embassy officials. However, this requires you to travel back and forth and can waste some time.
Use AtlysIf you're looking for the fastest and easiest way to obtain your Greece Schengen Visa, you must use Atlys. Atlys will cut the time to apply for your visa in half. Also, Atlys has a friendly and supportive customer care service that will guide you through the entire process if you are unsure about anything.
Once you have selected the best option, you need to fill out your Greece Schengen Visa application form. Ensure that all information you provide is accurate and correct. After filling in all your information and trip information, you need to sign your application form. If the information you provide is inaccurate, your visa application may be denied. Check our guide to learn about the mistakes you should avoid while completing your Schengen Visa application form.
Step 3 - Schedule Your Schengen Visa Appointment
You have now filled out your Schengen Visa application form and collected all the required documents. Now you need to schedule your visa appointment. You can do this in two ways:
1. Use the Visa Appointment tool at the top of the page.
2. Contact your nearest Greece Embassy or Consulate to schedule your appointment.
After you have scheduled your appointment, ensure that all the documents you have gathered are in one place. You'll need to submit your visa application form alongside your supporting documents when attending your appointment.
Step 4 - Attend Your Schengen Visa Appointment
On the day of your Schengen Visa appointment, you must travel to the Greece Embassy to attend an in-person interview with an Embassy official. During your interview, you'll need to submit your application form and all the documents you've collected. Also, during your interview, the embassy official will ask you a few questions related to your trip. Ensure that you answer all these questions honestly. If you're nervous about your interview, check our guide on how you can ace your Greece Schengen Visa Interview.
After your interview, the embassy official will collect your biometric data. Your biometric data will include a digital photograph and your fingerprints.
Step 5 - Pay The Schengen Visa Fee
The hard part is finally over. Now all you need to do is pay your Greece Schengen Visa application fee. You can expect to pay around €80 for your application.
Note that paying your application fee does not automatically guarantee a successful Schengen Visa application. The fee you pay is for the service provided by the Greece Embassy or Consulate.
Step 6 - Collect Your Schengen Visa
You're one step away from traveling to Greece. All you need to do now is wait for feedback and collect your Greece Schengen Visa. If your application is successful, you'll be contacted via mail or email (or your preferred contacting method). You can now travel back to the embassy to collect your visa.
Congratulations! You can now travel to Greece with your Greece Schengen Visa. All you need to do now is read this guide about the best places to visit and things to do in Greece.
What Are The Photo Specifications For A Greece Visa Application
The photo requirements for a Greece Schengen visa follow ICAO standards.
Two identical photos. Not older than six months.
Photo size: 35x45mm or 2 in x 2 in
In color. No black and white.
The Head should cover most of the photo. Greece may make exceptions for religious reasons. Exceptions to this and the other requirements may be made in case of a permanent medical condition.
White background.
What Are The Requirements For Minors Applying For A Visa To Greece
If you require a Schengen visa to travel to Greece, chances are that your children will also require a Schengen visa. Each child will need their own application. In addition to all the standard documents, you've to provide the following:
Application form signed by both parents
Birth certificate of the child
If a child is traveling alone, a notarized parental authorization is signed by both parents or guardians.If the child travels with one of the parents, then a notarized permission letter must be issued from the other parent. Furthermore, in case of the parents' absence (divorce, death, etc.), a relevant official certificate (i.e., divorce, death, etc.) must be presented.
Additionally, copies of IDs of parents are also required.The visa photos requirements for children vary slightly. Children aged 5 and under do not need to have a neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and their heads do not have to be centered in the photo. Babies under one year do not have to have their eyes open.
Additionally, copies of IDs of parents are also required.The visa photos requirements for children vary slightly. Children aged 5 and under do not need to have a neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and their heads do not have to be centered in the photo. Babies under one year do not have to have their eyes open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to the global pandemic COVID-19, you'll need to present the following additional documents upon arrival:
A certificate proving vaccination against the COVID-19The vaccines approved in Greece include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca-Oxford, Novavax, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac Biotech, Sputnik V, Cansino Biologics, and Sinopharm, among others. Note that you must have received the second vaccination dose at least 14 days before entering Greece (where applicable).
Proof of a negative COVID-19 test resultThe test you present must not be older than 72 hours if it's a PCR. For rapid tests, it may not be older than 48 hours.
A certificate that proves recovery from the COVID-19 in the past nine months
Due to the pandemic, health regulations around the world are ever-changing. Therefore, we recommend you contact your nearest embassy before applying for your Greece Schengen Visa to ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest health requirements. Another useful tool you can use is Atlys's up-to-date COVID-19 tool. Here you'll find everything COVID-19 related.