Planning a trip to Greece, famous for its ancient sites and stunning views, starts with understanding the entry rules. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which means people from 62 countries can visit without a visa. They can enjoy everything offered like a Greece tourist/visitor visa without any extra paperwork. However, beginning in 2024, travelers from these countries will need to sign up for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before their trip.
If you’re from a country that does not have visa-free access and you want to visit Greece, you’ll need to check if you require a short-stay tourist visa. This guide will walk you through the application process and what documents you need to prepare.
Countries Eligible for Greece Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
Here’s the 62 list of countries eligible to apply for a Greece Schengen visa:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burma/Myanmar
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Congo (Democratic Republic)
- Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
These countries represent a mix of regions and varying levels of economic development, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of travelers who may seek to visit Greece but require a visa to do so
Navigating the Visa Requirements for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
When pursuing a Greek Tourist/Visitor Visa, assembling the right documents is crucial. Here’s what you need:
Visa Application Form for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
This form stands as your introduction to the Greek authorities. It should be meticulously filled out, ensuring accuracy and completeness. The form should then be printed and signed, a simple act that holds the promise of a memorable journey.
Recent Photos for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
When applying for a visa, it’s important to be precise. Recent photos taken within the last three months, meeting the Schengen visa photo requirements, represent you as a traveler and act as your visual introduction.
Valid Passport for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
Your passport is your key to exploration. Ensure it isn’t older than a decade, and that it boasts a minimum of three months’ validity beyond your planned stay in the Schengen Area. Plus, make sure it has a minimum of two blank pages, ready to receive the visa sticker.
Round Trip Reservation or Itinerary for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
A well-structured travel plan sets the tone for a successful visa application. Detail your entry and exit from the Schengen area, including flight numbers and dates, painting a vivid picture of your adventure.
Travel Health Insurance
Safety is paramount, and having health insurance coverage is a testament to your responsible approach. Ensure your coverage spans a minimum of €30,000, safeguarding your well-being during your Greek escapade.
Proof of Accommodation for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
Demonstrating where you’ll rest your head each night lends credibility to your travel plans. This could include a hotel/hostel booking, a rent agreement, or a letter from your tour organizer.
Proof of Financial Means
Sufficient funds for your journey solidify your commitment as a traveler. Whether through bank account statements, sponsorship letters, or a combination of both, these financial breadcrumbs lead to a successful application.
Proof of Invitation for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
If you’re fortunate enough to have an invitation from a relative or friend residing in Greece, this adds a personal touch to your journey. An invitation letter, along with the host’s passport and/or residence permit, highlights your connections.
Proof of Civil Status for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other relevant documents showcase your civil status, adding depth to your application.
Evidence of Employment or Study for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
Your employment status or student identity carries weight. Provide employment contracts, leave permissions, income tax returns, proof of enrollment, or a “No Objection Letter” from your university, as applicable.
Travel Itinerary for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
A comprehensive breakdown of your European exploration lends insight into your journey’s purpose. From destinations to timeframes, these details paint a vivid picture.
For Minors
When traveling with minors, birth certificates, custody decrees, and parental consent letters are essential, accompanied by passport copies of parents/legal guardians.
Calculating the Financial Aspect for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
Finances are a cornerstone of travel planning, and Greece sets clear financial expectations for visa applicants. For a Greek Tourist/Visitor Visa, you need a minimum of EUR 50* per day in your bank account. If your Greek sojourn spans up to five days, the required amount increases to EUR 300* per day. It’s important to note that these amounts are reduced by 50% for minor visa applicants.
Application Process for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
- Submit your application at least 3 weeks before your intended travel date to secure an appointment with the Greek embassy or consulate.
- Identify the nearest Greek embassy or consulate for your visa application. In cases where no Greek diplomatic mission exists in your country, neighboring countries’ embassies or visa application centers might assist.
- The application form serves as your introduction. Whether online or in-person, complete it with precision. Two signed copies are typically required.
- The visa fee payment varies and should be confirmed with the relevant authority. Keep the payment confirmation to complete your documentation.
- Anticipate the visa interview by researching common questions. Being well-prepared enhances your chances of success.
- Ensure all required documents are gathered and organized before submission.
- Arrive punctually for your visa appointment with your fully prepared application.
The Processing Time for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
Processing times can vary, typically ranging from 15 to 60 days. It is advisable to apply at least two months in advance due to potential delays and limited appointment availability.
The Optimal Timing for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
With the introduction of new Schengen visa rules, applicants can submit their applications up to 6 months before the planned travel date, allowing for more strategic preparation.
Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa Fees
A service charge may apply, which can vary by location (for example, AED 88 in some regions) in addition to the visa fee.
Standard Fees:
- Adults (12 years and older): €80
- Children (6 to 12 years): €40
- Children under 6 years: Free of charge
Special Categories Exempt from Fees:
Certain groups may be exempt from paying the visa fee, including:
- Family members of EU/EEA citizens.
- School pupils, students, and accompanying teachers traveling for educational purposes.
- Researchers traveling for scientific research.
- Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 or younger participating in specific events.
Additional Costs:
A service charge may apply, which can vary by location (for example, AED 88 in some regions) in addition to the visa fee.
Maximum Stay for Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
Under the Greek Tourist/Visitor Visa, you can relish Greece for a maximum of 90 days within six months. However, the actual validity of your visa depends on the issuing embassy.
Greece beckons, promising history, beauty, and enchantment. Navigating the intricacies of the Greek Tourist/Visitor Visa is your passport to this captivating world. Armed with this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on your odyssey. Remember, the journey begins with meticulous planning and a heart brimming with excitement.
What are the common reasons for visa rejection in Greece?
Common reasons for visa rejection in Greece include a variety of factors that applicants should be aware of to enhance their chances of approval. Here are the primary reasons:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Application
Submitting an application that is incomplete or contains errors is a frequent cause of rejection. It’s crucial to ensure that all sections of the application form are filled out accurately and completely, avoiding any blank sections or spelling mistakes.
2. Insufficient Financial Means
Applicants must demonstrate they have adequate financial resources to cover their stay. Failure to provide sufficient proof, such as bank statements or payslips, can lead to rejection.
3. Lack of Travel Insurance
Providing valid travel health insurance that meets Schengen requirements is mandatory. If the insurance is invalid or missing, the visa application may be denied.
4. Unclear Purpose of Travel
If the purpose of the trip is not clearly explained or supported by documentation, such as an itinerary or invitation letter, it may raise suspicions and result in a rejection.
5. Passport Issues
Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay and in good condition. Issues such as an expired passport or insufficient blank pages can lead to denial.
6. Poor Interview Performance
A lack of preparation for the visa interview can negatively impact the outcome. Nervousness or inconsistent answers may lead visa officers to question the applicant’s intentions.
7. Lack of Accommodation Proof
Failure to provide confirmed accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or an invitation from a host, can result in rejection. Immigration officers often verify these arrangements.
8. Criminal Records
Having a criminal history can significantly affect visa approval chances. Applicants with past offenses should disclose this information and provide explanations if necessary.
9. Insufficient Ties to Home Country
Visa officers look for evidence that applicants have strong ties to their home country, such as employment or family connections. A lack of such ties may suggest a risk of overstaying the visa.
10. Previous Visa Violations
If an applicant has previously overstayed a visa or violated immigration laws, this history can negatively impact future applications. Understanding these common pitfalls can help applicants prepare more effectively and increase their chances of obtaining a visa to Greece.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to Greece’s Schengen Visa Process straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Short-Stay Visa (Type C) or Schengen Visa for Specific Purposes, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit Greece. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
