As a UK resident who wants to visit Greece, you might want to know about the Greece Visa requirements and in this guide, we will look at all the essential information you need to know to have a smooth application process.
Who Needs a Visa to Travel to Greece from the United Kingdom?
- UK Citizens with a full UK passport can travel to Greece without a visa, which means no paperwork, or waiting, just have to pack your bags and go.
- Non-EU Nationals Residing in the UK need a Schengen visa to travel to Greece
Visa Eligibility
In recent years, visa liberalization policies for non-EU countries have reduced the number of countries that need Schengen visas so to know if you qualify for it, check the eligibility checker tool.
Extending Your visit
If you have a 3-month UK visa but plan to stay in Greece for a longer time you can extend for three additional months and it should be done before the current visa expires.
Exceptions and Emergencies
In exceptional cases and emergencies, the Greece Consular Office may accept visa applications from non-UK residents who are legally present in the UK. Holders of Diplomatic/Service Passports and their family members and family members of EU/EEA/CH Nationals are exceptions to the appointment rule.
Required Documents for a Greece Visa
Basic Documents
- A valid passport or Travel document: Ensure your passport meets certain criteria, such as being issued within the last 10 years, having 2 blank pages, and being valid for at least three months after leaving the Schengen Area.
- Valid UK residence permit or another form of Identity Card: This permit must be endorsed in your passport or on a new biometric ID card.
- One completed and signed application form: Ensure to read the instructions carefully before filling it out.
- A recent passport-size photo: It should have a light background, be brightly colored, show your full face features, and be less than three months old.
Biometric Data
You’ll also need to provide biometric data if you haven’t done so in the last 59 months, including fingerprints and a copy of the passport bio page with your photo.
Cover Letter
Include a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Greece.
Proof of Travel Arrangements
Provide evidence of round trip flight or travel reservations and a complete itinerary for your visit to Greece.
Travel Insurance
You must have travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000, not only for Greece but the entire Schengen zone. You can easily purchase this online from Europ Assistance.
Proof of Accommodation
You’ll need to show evidence of your accommodation in Greece, such as a hotel booking or rental agreement, or an invitation from your Greek host.
Proof of Financial Subsistence
Also, Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Greece, typically around €50 (or £40) per day. This can be shown through a recent UK bank statement, traveller’s checks, or proof of sponsorship.
Additional Documents Based on Employment Status
For Employees:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
The Self-Employed:
- A copy of your business licence
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
- For Foreign Students:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
For Retirees:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
- Family Members of EU/EEA/CH Citizens
- If you’re a family member of an EU/EEA/CH citizen, your visa application process is simplified.
The following individuals are considered family members:
- The spouse
- The partner with whom the EU citizen has contracted a registered partnership
- Direct descendants under 21 or dependents of the spouse or partner
Dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner as defined above
Requirements for Children Under 18
Parents or adult guardians must accompany underage children to the Greece Embassy in London for their visa application. Minors granted a Greece visa cannot travel to Greece alone and must be accompanied by an adult during their stay.
Language Requirements
Legalize all documents and ensure they are in English or Greek. If you are married to a Greek national, register the marriage with the relevant Municipality in Greece.
How to Apply for a Greece Visa from the UK
To book an appointment for a Greece visa from the UK, you have two options:
- Directly at the Greek Consulate Office in London: Diplomatic passport holders, their family members, and family members of EU/EEA nationals do not need to book an appointment. All other applicants should schedule an appointment with the Consulate Office.
- Through VFS Centres: This option is available for all applicants, except for the exceptions mentioned above.
Visa Application Processing Time
You can apply for a Greek Schengen visa up to 180 days before your planned trip and the process usually takes a minimum of 5 working days. However, for nationals of certain countries, it may take up to 14 working days.
Greece Visa Fees for UK Residents
As Greece is a Schengen state, visa fees are the same as for any other Schengen visa. Here are the costs for a Greece Schengen Visa when applying from the UK:
- Adult: £90
- Children between 6-12 years: £45
- Children under 6 years: Free
Note that fees can change due to currency fluctuations and can only be paid in UK Pounds. Pay in cash or by credit or debit card.
Visa Fee Exemptions
- Children under 6 years of age
- Family members of an EU/EEA national
- Persons travelling for the purpose of study or educational training
- School pupils, undergraduates, postgraduates
- Invited researchers
Greece Visa fee discounts
Some applicants may qualify for a reduced fee of €35, including nationals from certain countries like;
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Russian Federation
- Serbia
- Ukraine
Frequently Asked Questions
Do holders of a Refugee Passport need a visa to Greece?
No, holders of a Refugee Passport do not need a visa to enter Greece. They can travel freely within the Schengen Area without requiring prior visa approval.
What happens if some required documents are missing?
If you submit your visa application and realize that some required documents are missing, you can still submit additional documents later. However, this may delay the processing and issuance of your visa, as the consulate will need to review the new information before making a decision.
Can a non-resident apply for a Greece visa in London?
In certain emergencies, the Greek Consular Office in London may accept visa applications from non-UK residents. However, this is not guaranteed and typically depends on individual circumstances, so it’s advisable to contact the consulate directly for guidance.
Can I get a visa on the same day I apply?
No, visas are not issued on the same day, except for extreme medical emergencies. The process usually takes several days or weeks.
Do all applicants have to come in person to the visa centre?
Yes, all applicants must appear in person at the visa center to submit documents and provide biometric data.
Are fees a guarantee of getting a visa?
No, paying the fees does not guarantee a visa. Applications are assessed based on their merits, regardless of payment.
Which British travel document holders need a visa?
Certain British travel document holders, like those with a British National (Overseas) passport, may need a visa to enter Greece. Check specific requirements for your document.
If you follow all the steps and provide the necessary documents, your visa application process to applying for a greece schengen visa from the UK can be smoother with thorough preparation and adherence to the guidelines which will in turn increase your chances of a successful application.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to Greece from the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Short-Stay Visa or a Schengen Visa for Family Members, 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.
