If you are a Green Card holder or a US resident who wishes to travel and behold the blossoming of Greece, there are all the chances that the application process for Greece Schengen Visa would be hard. Greece is among the most popular tourist destinations on the earth due to its stunning nature, various historic sites, and unique antique culture. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide with the visa granting requirements for pursuing a Greece Schengen visa
Introduction to Greece Schengen Visa
Getting a Schengen Visa for Greece is quite easy for US residents, with a high approval rate. The Embassy of Greece and its Consulates in the US processed 5694 visa applications. Since US passport holders can visit Europe without a visa for short trips, Greece is a popular destination for many US visitors.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Greece?
US citizens enjoy visa-free access to Greece for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. This privilege covers various purposes, including tourism, business, short-term studies, cultural or sports events, and medical treatment. However, if your plans involve long-term residence, studying, or working in Greece, you’ll need to apply for a National (D) Visa.
Starting in 2024, US citizens must register for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to Greece. ETIAS will facilitate visa-exempt travel in the Schengen area, valid for three years or until your passport expires.
Do Green Card Holders Need a Visa for Greece?
Green Card holders in the US might require a visa for Greece, depending on their passport’s origin:
If you hold a passport from a country with a visa liberalization agreement with the EU, you won’t need a visa.
If your passport country lacks such an agreement, you must apply for a visa.
To determine your eligibility, it’s crucial to verify your passport’s status.
Who Can Apply for a Greece Visa from the US?
You are eligible to apply for a Greece Schengen Visa from the US if you:
Are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen Area. You must also be a legal resident in the United States, which includes Green Card holders and various visa holders (F1, H1B, G1, J1, etc.). Your US residence permit must remain valid for at least three months after your Schengen visit.
You are a US citizen who has previously been denied visa-free entry to Greece or any other Schengen country.
Additionally, if Greece is your sole European destination or your primary one among multiple Schengen states, ensure your stay in Greece is longer or of equal duration to other countries you plan to visit. Tourists and visitors with US visa type B1/B2 and J1 Summer Work Travel visas must apply in their country of residence.
Types of Greece Short-Stay Visas
US residents and Green Card holders can choose from various Schengen visa types based on their purpose of entry to Greece:
Greece Airport Transit Visa: If you plan to transit through a Greek airport to reach your final destination outside the Schengen Area.
Tourist/Visitor Visa: Ideal for holidaymakers, sightseers, or those visiting friends and family residing in Greece.
Greece Business Visa: For individuals attending business-related activities in Greece.
Visa for Official Visit: Reserved for official delegations coming to Greece on official trips.
Greece Medical Visa: If you require medical treatment in Greece.
Short-term Study Visa: Suitable for those attending short-term courses at educational institutions in Greece, for up to three months.
Greece Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: Designed for participants in cultural, sports, or film activities in Greece.
Requirements for a Greece Visa from the US
To apply for a Greece Schengen Visa from the United States, you must gather the following documents:
Application Form: Complete and sign the application form with a blue pen.
Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is not older than 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after your visa’s expiry date. It should have at least two blank visa pages.
Two Photographs: Provide passport-sized photos meeting Schengen requirements.
Proof of Residency: Present your Green Card (alien residence card) or valid US residence visa.
Travel Arrangements: Include a flight reservation with your name, destination, and flight number.
Travel Medical Insurance: Provide travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros or equivalent in USD (up to $50,000).
Proof of Accommodation: Show evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Greece.
Cover Letter: Draft a cover letter detailing the purpose and duration of your visit, travel dates, and any accompanying individuals.
Visa Fee Payment: Submit proof of visa fee payment along with your application.
Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Greece. This can include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or a combination of both.
Proof of Civil Status: Provide relevant documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
Proof of Employment: Include employment-related documents like employment contracts, bank statements, leave permissions, income tax returns, or business-related documents if self-employed.
Additional Requirements
For Students: If you are a foreign student in the US on an F1 visa, provide a valid I-20 and a reference letter from your educational institution.
Retirees: Present pension statements for the last six months.
For Tourists: Show detailed hotel reservations for your entire stay or other proof of accommodation in Greece.
Visitors: If visiting friends and family, prove your relationship with the host, and include an invitation letter from them.
For Business Travel: Include an invitation letter from the company you’ll visit, along with business-related documents.
Medical Purposes: Provide a local medical report and medical attestation from the Greek medical institution where you’ll receive treatment.
Requirements for Minors
Minors applying for a Greece Schengen Visa should submit:
Original birth certificate
A visa application form signed by both parents
If the minor travels alone, a notarized authorization to travel, signed by both parents or legal guardians
If one parent resides outside the US, their signed consent should be submitted to the Embassy/Consulate of their residing country
Financial Requirements
To obtain a Greece Schengen Visa, US residents need a minimum of EUR 50 per day (equivalent to USD 55.19)* in their bank account. If your stay extends up to five days, the required amount rises to EUR 300 per day. These amounts are reduced by 50% for visa applicants who are minors.
Where and How to Apply
To initiate the Greece Schengen Visa application process, follow these steps based on your location:
Embassy of Greece in Washington, D.C.: Residents of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia can apply online.
Greek Consulate General in San Francisco: Residents of states like Alaska, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming can apply online.
The Greek Consulate General in Boston: Residents of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont can email their applications to grgencon.bos@mfa.gr.
Greek Consulate General in Los Angeles: Residents of states like Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, and New Mexico can apply online.
The Greek Consulate General in New York: Residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania can email their applications to visas.was@mfa.gr.
Greek Consulate General in Chicago: Residents of states like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin can apply online.
The Greek Consulate General in Tampa: Residents of states like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin can email their applications to grgencon.tam@mfa.gr.
Greek Consulate General in Atlanta: Residents of Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee can apply online.
The Greek Consulate General in Houston: Residents of states like Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands can email their applications to grcon.hou@mfa.gr.
Application Process
When applying for a Greece Schengen Visa, adhere to the following steps for each respective location:
Washington, D. C.: Please schedule an appointment on the Internet to complete the form, and gather the required documents before going to the Embassy of Greece in Washington DC.
San Francisco: Schedule the appointment through the website, complete the application form and submit your documents, then appear at the building addressed as Greek Consulate General
Boston: Book an interview by email and complete the application form, generate the required documents, and the respective Consulate General will accept it at the Greek Consulate General
Los Angeles: Make your appointment online, complete the application form, collect the required documents, and visit the Greek consulate
New York: Email to make an appointment, please fill in the application form and provide all the necessary documents. Also, you can visit the Greek Consulate General located in New York
Chicago: You can schedule an appointment online, fill out the questions form, endeavor to acquire your relevant documents, and attend the Greek Consulate General in Chicago
Tampa: Make an appointment through email. finally, visit the Greek Consulate to fill out the application form secure the necessary documents with it, and go for the first step of citizenship.
Atlanta: Develop an online application form, ask the applicants to submit the needed documents, make an appointment, and pay a visit to the Greek Consulate General in Atlanta
Houston: Letter of e-mail regarding the appointment and fill in the (application form), get the necessary documents, and visit the Greek Consulate General in Houston.
Processing Time and Visa Fees
The processing time for a Greek Schengen Visa generally takes around 15 days, but during periods of high application volume, it can extend to 30 days. In exceptional cases, it might even take up to 60 days. To ensure a smooth experience, apply well in advance, but not earlier than three months before your intended travel to Greece.
Visa fees vary based on different categories:
- Greece Schengen visa application fee: €80 (USD 95.45)
- Greece Schengen visa fee for children aged 6-11 years: €40 (USD 47.72)
- Fee for children under 6 years: No fee
- US residents with passports from Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Kosovo: €35 (USD 38.52)
- Researchers for scientific activities: No fee
- US residents with Gambian passports: €120 (USD 132.07)
Navigating the Greece Schengen Visa application process can be intricate, but armed with this comprehensive guide, you can embark on your Greek adventure. From understanding eligibility criteria to gathering the necessary documents and choosing the right consulate, you’re now ready to pursue your dream of exploring the wonders of Greece. So, don’t delay – start planning your journey and discover the magic that awaits you in this mesmerizing Mediterranean haven.
