Greece is a very interesting country with a great history and breathtaking views. Greece was visited by 34 million tourists in 2022 and this is one of the best scores ever. Reasons to travel to Greece are different such as for business or for tourism. Citizens of Schengen may travel to Greece without a visa, but there are a lot of nationalities, which citizens must apply for a visa to enter the Schengen area.
Warning: The article is based on general rules, which may be temporarily changed due to COVID-19. Almost all countries decided to close their borders to some or all foreigners, so you’d better check the newest decisions of the Greek government concerning traveling and entering Greece.
How to apply for a Greek Schengen visa?
First of all, you must apply for a Schengen Visa if Greece is the destination of your travel. If you have a valid Schengen Visa from another member country, you are allowed to visit Greece.
You can find all information on the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
The best way to apply for a visa is to contact the Greek consulate or embassy in your country.
Greece Visa Application Requirements
There are a few types of Greek Schengen Visa depending on the reason you decide to travel. It could be travel, work, study, or permanent stay. There are some requirements for a Greek visa application, which all applicants must qualify for, but there are also additional requirements depending on the type of the visa.
Documents you need for a Greek Schengen Visa
We prepared a complete list of general requirements for all types of Greek visa applications. If you want to apply for it, read carefully this article, because it may help you during the application.
- Find and download the application form. Fill it in sincerity and make a printed copy.
- Prepare two identical biometric passport photos. They have to qualify for a lot of requirements and here are the most important of them:
- 45 mm of height and 35 mm of width;
- The photo must be in very high resolution and of good quality. If it is broken or damaged, it will be rejected;
- The photo must be taken en face – in the other words you have to stay in front of the camera and look straight into the lens;
- The picture must be in color, the recommended color of the background is white or light grey, so avoid clothes matching the background;
- Your head should take 70-80% of the photo;
- Your eyes must be 100% visible;
- Do not cover your face with sunglasses or headcover;
- It is required to show a neutral facial expression, so you cannot smile and you should have your mouth closed.
- A travel medical insurance confirmation of a minimum of 30,000 € coverage within Greece and the entire Schengen area.
- Your passport and copies of the previous visas, if they existed.
- Plan your journey with details like the date of the flights, the most probable accommodation, length of travel to Greece, etc.
- A cover letter, where you should explain the reason for your visit.
- Proof of civil status.
- It is also required due to the Regulation (Ec) No 810/2009 of The European Parliament and of The Council of 13 July 2009, the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you plan traveling to will ask you about confirmation of your financial status to verify you will be able to travel or reside abroad. It could be a credit card, cash, a personal bank statement, proof of employment, or if you have sponsorship, and others.
Additional documents required for different types of Greece Schengen Visa Applications
In the case of different types of visas, you need to prepare some extra additional documents for a Greece Schengen Visa.
If you are employed, you need to prepare your contract, current bank statement of the latest 6 months, a leave approval letter from the employer, and an Income Tax Return (ITR) form.
If you are self-employed, you have to prepare a copy of your business license, current bank statement of the latest 6 months, and an Income Tax Return (ITR) form.
If you are a student, you need to prepare proof of enrollment and a no-objection certificate from a school or university.
If you are a retired person, you have to prepare a current bank statement of the latest 6 months.
Greece Tourist/Visitor Visa
If you want to travel to Greece to relax and sightsee, you need to apply for a Greek Tourist/Visitor Visa. In this case, you must submit copies of your passport, a current bank statement of the latest 6 months, and an invitation letter from your family or friends in Greece with the address and phone number (optional).
Greece Visa for Business Purposes
If you are traveling to Greece for business reasons, you need to submit some extra documents to get a Greek Visa for Business Purposes.
Here is a complete list of them below:
- An invitation letter from a Greek company – it must show details concerning your visit and full address of the company;
- A business bank statement of the last six months;
- If it is not the first relationship with companies, you have to prove the previous contact;
- A certificate from your current employer allowing your business travel;
- The information about the applicant’s expenses for their visit to the Schengen Zone.
Greece Visa for Medical Purposes
If you are going to visit Greece for medical reasons, you need to submit a local medical report concerning your health, a medical attestation from the hospital in Greece, which confirms the date of the treatment, a description of your medical situation, and confirmation of paying fees for treatment.
Greek Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes
This is a special type of Greek Schengen Visa for people involved in cultural or sports events, film crew, or religious purposes, which takes place in Greece. In this case, you need to prepare an invitation letter with details concerning the event or the activity like date, expenses, names of applicants, and so on. It is also important to present the duration and itinerary of visiting Greece.
Greece Visa for Members of Official Delegations
Officials from countries that are not members of the Schengen Area also need to get a Greek Schengen Visa. It is a special kind of permission for diplomats. They have to submit the official copy of the invitation, plan of the journey (like events, meetings, etc.), the identity of applicants, and duration of stay in Greece. It is required to prove the place of stay during the visit as well.
Greece Visa for Study, Training, Research, or other types of Internship Purposes
The other type of Greece Schengen Visa is prepared for people traveling to Greece for study, training, research, or other types of internship purposes. This visa allows entering the country for people, which are going to improve their skills. They must submit a confirmation they are taking part in the course, a confirmation they have sufficient funds to accommodate and eat or prove it is assured by organizers, and a certificate of completion or courses attended.
Greece Visa For The Wife/Husband of a Greek citizen
If your partner – wife or husband – is a Greek citizen, you can also get a visa. First of all, you have to prepare citizenship evidence by showing a copy of him or her ID Card, consular card, or certification of Greek nationality or naturalization order. The other things you need are a Greek marriage certificate and a Greek family record book.
Greece Airport Transit Visa
If you have a connecting flight via any Greek international airport, you may need a Greek Airport Transit Visa, which allows you to land and wait for the next flight in a Greek airport. In this case, you need to prepare two additional documents: a visa or other type of permission to enter the transit country and a copy of your valid visa of the final destination.
Greece Visa for Underage Children
The last quite important type of Greek Schengen Visa is permission for underage children. To get this visa for your child, you have to prove your good financial situation by submitting a bank statement or employee contract. Secondly, you should provide notarized travel permission from his/her parents. Keep in mind that you have to go to an embassy or a consulate with your child.
Can I extend my temporary visa to Greece?
Yes, your Greek Schengen Visa can be extended, but only in exceptional cases. More information you can find on a special Greek website.
Do I have to provide biometric data (fingerprints) every time I apply for a Greek visa?
You do not have to submit your fingerprints if you get a visa within 59 months before. Once this period has passed your fingerprints will be collected again.
What is the fee of the Greek Schengen Visa?
The Greek Schengen Visa fee is €80.
