Welcome to Greece Visa Portal and Policies with Travel Guidelines
Greece, as a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, follows the common visa policy established by the Schengen Agreement. This guide provides detailed information about the regulatory framework, documentation requirements, and fee structure for obtaining a visa to Greece.
The information provided herein is based on official regulations published by the Hellenic Republic and is subject to change. Applicants are advised to verify requirements with their local Greek consulate or visa application center prior to submission.
Regulatory Framework
Greece’s visa policy is governed by both European Union regulations and national legislation. The key regulatory documents include:
Schengen Visa Code
Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 establishes the procedures and conditions for issuing short-stay visas for the Schengen Area, which includes Greece.
- Maximum 90 days within any 180-day period
- Uniform visa format
- Common application procedures
- Harmonized entry conditions
National Legislation
Greek immigration laws supplement EU regulations with specific national provisions for long-stay visas and residence permits.
- Law 4251/2014 (Immigration Code)
- Presidential Decrees on implementation
- Ministerial decisions on specific categories
- Bilateral agreements with third countries
Visa Categories
Greece issues various types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of stay.
- Short-stay Schengen visas (Type C)
- Long-stay national visas (Type D)
- Airport transit visas (Type A)
- Multiple-entry visas with varying validity
🎯 Short‑stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
- For travel up to 90 days: tourism, business, conferences, meetings.
- Choose your main destination as the point of application; if evenly split, apply via the Schengen country of first entry, which may be Greece.
📄 Long‑stay National Visa (Type D)
- For stays longer than 90 days: studying, working, freelancing, or Greece’s Golden Visa investment program (property purchase from €250K or more).
Why Apply for a Greece (Schengen) Visa?
- Greece is part of the Schengen Area, meaning a Greek visa allows travel across 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180‑day period.
- U.S., UK, Canadian and many other passport‑holders do not need a visa for stays under 90 days for tourism or business—but official/diplomatic passport holders still require one.
When & Where to Apply
- Earliest: 6 months before planned travel; Latest: 15 calendar days before departure.
- Applications are in‑person, by appointment through the official Greek consulate or via authorized visa‑processing centres (e.g. VFS Global, Global Visa Center).
- Applicants must lodge applications from their country of residence or citizenship.
Documentation Requirements
All visa applicants must submit a complete application with supporting documentation. The exact requirements may vary based on visa type and applicant circumstances.
| Document Type | Description | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | Fully completed and signed visa application form | Recent passport-sized photo meeting Schengen standards |
| Travel Document | Valid passport or equivalent travel document | Minimum 3 months validity beyond intended stay, at least 2 blank pages |
| Travel Insurance | Medical travel insurance valid for entire Schengen Area | Minimum coverage €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation |
| Proof of Accommodation | Evidence of lodging arrangements for entire stay | Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation from host |
| Financial Means | Evidence of sufficient financial means for the stay | Bank statements (last 3-6 months), sponsorship letter if applicable |
| Travel Itinerary | Proof of travel plans and purpose of visit | Round-trip flight reservation, detailed daily itinerary |
| Employment Status | Proof of current employment or studies | Employment letter, student certificate, business registration |
| Additional Documents | Varies by visa purpose | Invitation letters, conference registration, tour details, etc. |
Important Note on Documentation. All documents must be presented in Greek or English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by an official translation. Additional documentation may be requested by consular officers based on individual circumstances.
Visa Fee Structure
The following fee structure applies to Greek visa applications as per EU regulations. Fees are non-refundable regardless of application outcome.
| Visa Category | Applicant Age | Standard Fee (EUR) | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) | Adults (12+ years) | €80 | Standard fee for tourism, business, family visits |
| Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) | Children (6-11 years) | €40 | Reduced fee for children |
| Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C) | Children (0-5 years) | €0 | No fee for children under 6 years |
| Long-Stay National Visa (Type D) | All applicants | €180 | For stays exceeding 90 days (study, work, family reunification) |
| Airport Transit Visa (Type A) | Adults (12+ years) | €80 | For transit through international zone of Greek airports |
| Extension of Schengen Visa | All applicants | €30 | Only in exceptional circumstances as defined by law |
| Express Processing | All applicants | €30-50 | Additional fee for expedited processing where available |
Payment Information: Visa fees must be paid in the local currency equivalent at the current exchange rate. Payment methods vary by application center but typically include cash, credit/debit cards, or bank transfers. Fees are subject to change and should be verified at the time of application submission.
Processing Procedures & Timeline
Standard Processing
The standard visa processing time is 15 calendar days from the date of application submission. This period may be extended under specific circumstances.
- Application submission at VAC or Consulate
- Biometric data collection (if applicable)
- Document verification and background checks
- Decision notification and passport return
Extended Processing
In certain cases, processing may take up to 45 calendar days. Extensions occur when:
- Additional documentation is required
- Security clearance is needed
- Consultation with other Schengen states is necessary
- Peak season applications (May-September)
Application Submission
Applications must be submitted within specific timeframes:
- Earliest:6 months before intended travel
- Latest:15 calendar days before intended travel
- Recommended:4-6 weeks before intended travel
- Appointments may be required at some locations
Fee Exemptions & Reductions
Certain categories of applicants are exempt from visa fees or eligible for reduced fees under EU regulations and bilateral agreements.
| Applicant Category | Exemption/Reduction | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Family members of EU/EEA citizens | Full exemption | Proof of relationship, EU citizen’s passport/ID |
| Diplomatic/Official passport holders | Full exemption | Valid diplomatic/official passport, note verbale |
| School pupils/students on educational trips | Full exemption | School certificate, official trip documentation |
| Researchers for scientific purposes | Full exemption | Hosting agreement from recognized research institution |
| Participants in non-profit seminars/conferences under 25 | Full exemption | Invitation, proof of non-profit status, age verification |
| Nationals of countries with visa facilitation agreements | Reduced fee: €35 | Passport from eligible country |
| Humanitarian cases | Case-by-case exemption | Supporting documentation from relevant authorities |
Important Notice on Exemptions : Fee exemptions do not guarantee visa issuance. All standard requirements and procedures still apply. Applicants must provide documented evidence supporting their exemption claim. Service charges levied by visa application centers may still apply even when visa fees are exempted.
Best Practices & Tips for Professionals
- Apply early: especially during May–September travel season.
- Use translations when required. Inconsistent documents may trigger delays.
- Show credible financial evidence: bank statements, credit cards, payslips.
- Insurance check: ensure it explicitly mentions Schengen-wide validity.
- Carry copies of all documents, both digital and printed.
- Keep itinerary flexible: if planning multi‑country trips, declare main destination clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Tourism, business, family visits, short-term study (up to 90 days).
- National Visa (Type D): Long-term stay for work, study, or family reunification.
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A): Transit through Greek airports.
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond return date)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Confirmed flight reservation
- Hotel booking or invitation letter
- Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Employment or business documents
- €80 – Adults
- €40 – Children (6–12 years)
- Free – Children under 6
- Standard processing: 15 calendar days
- Extended processing: up to 30–45 days
Yes. Appointments are required through:
- VFS Global (where available)
- Greek Embassy or Consulate
Yes. Fingerprints and a digital photo are collected and stored in the VIS system for 5 years.
You may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen states.
Yes. A Greece Schengen visa allows travel to all Schengen countries, provided Greece is your main destination.
Visa extensions are granted only for exceptional cases such as medical emergencies or force majeure.
- Insufficient funds
- Incomplete documentation
- Unclear travel purpose
- Weak travel history
- Overstay risk
- Invalid or fake documents
No. Employment requires a National Visa (Type D) and a valid Greek work permit.
Note: Greece visa rules are subject to change. Always verify with official Greek authorities.