Greece

Professional Immigration Guidance for Greek Travel

If you're planning to explore the ancient wonders of Athens, conduct business in Thessaloniki, or pursue academic opportunities at Greek universities, understanding visa requirements is your crucial first step toward a successful journey.

Navigating Greece's Immigration Framework

Greece maintains a structured yet accessible visa policy that welcomes millions of international visitors annually. As a key Schengen Agreement member, Greece offers streamlined access for many travelers while maintaining specific requirements for various visitor categories.

Our comprehensive guidance addresses:

• Tourist and Business Travelers - Short-term visit requirements
• Students and Researchers - Academic program documentation
• Professional Migrants - Work authorization pathways
• Transit Passengers - Airport connection protocols

Expert Support for Complex Processes

Whether you're a first-time visitor or experienced traveler, Greece's visa landscape requires careful navigation. Our specialized team transforms complex immigration requirements into clear, actionable strategies tailored to your unique travel objectives and personal circumstances.

Whether you need a visa for Greece depends on your nationality, passport type, and length of stay. As a Schengen Area member, Greece follows unified European visa policies for most travelers.

Visa-Free Travel to Greece

EU/EEA citizens can enter Greece freely with a valid national ID card or passport, with no time restrictions for stays.

90-day visa-free access (within 180-day period) applies to citizens of:

• Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia
• Others: United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, UAE, Serbia

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be:

• Valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date
• Issued within the last 10 years
• Contain at least 2 blank pages

Transit and Special Cases

Airport transit: Most travelers can transit through Greek airports without visas if not leaving the international zone. However, citizens of certain countries require Airport Transit Visas (ATV).

Diplomatic passport holders often enjoy extended visa-free privileges - check bilateral agreements.

Visa Required

Citizens of most Asian, African, and some Eastern European countries need Schengen visas before arrival. This includes travelers from China, India, Russia, and Turkey.

Verify current requirements through the official Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your nearest Greek consulate, as policies change frequently.

Greece offers diverse visa categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes and durations. Understanding the specific requirements and conditions for each visa type ensures proper application submission and successful approval.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Short-stay tourist visas permit stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, ideal for leisure travel, sightseeing, and family visits. Multiple-entry tourist visas accommodate frequent travelers with valid reasons for repeated visits, typically issued for one to five years with individual stay limits maintained.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas facilitate commercial activities including:

• Conference and meeting attendance - for professional events and trade shows
• Contract negotiations - supporting commercial discussions and agreements
• Market research - enabling business exploration and partnership development

Processing typically requires 15 business days with invitation letters and company documentation mandatory.

Student and Academic Visas

Student visas support enrollment in Greek educational institutions, requiring acceptance letters and financial proof. Research visas accommodate academic collaboration and scholarly exchanges, with streamlined processing for EU research programs.

Employment and Work Visas

Work visas necessitate pre-approved employment contracts and work permits from Greek authorities. Categories include skilled worker visas, seasonal employment permits, and intra-company transfer visas, each with specific documentation requirements and processing timelines extending 30-60 days.

Transit and Special Categories

Airport transit visas apply to specific nationalities during international connections. Family reunion visas unite relatives with Greek residents, while diplomatic and official visas serve government representatives with expedited processing protocols.

Standard Processing Times

Tourist visas typically require 15-20 business days for processing, while business visas are completed within 10-15 business days. Student visas demand longer processing periods of 30-45 business days, and work permits can extend up to 60-90 business days depending on documentation completeness.

Visa Fees and Cost Structure

Standard Schengen visa fees are €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. National visa fees range from €180-€350 depending on visa category. Expedited processing incurs an additional €35 surcharge and reduces standard timeframes by 5-7 business days.

Application Locations and Contact

Applications are processed through:

• VFS Global Centers in major cities worldwide
• Greek Consulates and embassies
• Online portal: visa.gov.gr for preliminary submissions
• Appointment booking: Essential for all in-person submissions

Essential Documentation

Required documents include valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, travel insurance coverage of €30,000 minimum, proof of accommodation, and financial documentation demonstrating €50-75 daily funds.

Peak Season Impact

Summer months (June-August) experience increased processing times, with delays extending additional 7-10 business days. Applications submitted during off-peak periods (November-February) typically process faster than standard timeframes.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose: tourist, business, student, or work visa. Review duration requirements and ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Collect essential documents including:

• Valid passport with blank pages
• Completed application form
• Recent passport photographs
• Travel insurance coverage
• Financial proof and accommodation details

Important: All foreign documents require official translation into Greek or English and apostille certification.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

Fill out the national visa application form accurately. Double-check all information matches your supporting documents exactly. Use the official Greek consulate website or designated visa application centers for form access.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment

Book an appointment at the nearest Greek consulate or authorized visa application center. Appointments typically require 2-4 weeks advance booking, so plan accordingly during peak seasons.

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Attend your scheduled appointment with all required documents. Submit biometric data if requested and pay the visa fee using accepted payment methods (typically cash or card, varies by location).

Step 6: Track Application Status

Monitor your application progress through the official tracking system provided at submission. Processing times range from 15-30 calendar days depending on visa type and individual circumstances.

Step 7: Collect Your Decision

Receive notification when processing is complete. Collect your passport with visa decision in person or through authorized collection services if available at your application center.