Planning to visit Greece for tourism, business, or a short stay? If you’re not an EU/EEA national, you’ll likely need a Schengen Visa for Greece. This guide walks you through who needs one, how to apply, and what to expect — so your trip goes smoothly.
✈️ What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa allows non-EU citizens to visit Greece and 26 other European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s ideal for:
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🏖️ Tourism
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🤝 Business trips
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👩🎓 Short-term studies
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👨⚕️ Medical treatment
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👨👩👧 Family or friend visits
🌍 Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Visit Greece?
You need a Schengen visa if you’re from a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland and your nationality is not visa-exempt.
Examples of countries that need a Schengen visa to enter Greece:
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India
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China
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Nigeria
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South Africa
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Russia
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Pakistan
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Philippines
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Lebanon
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Turkey
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Iran
✅ Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for short stays (under 90 days), but must follow Schengen entry rules.
📄 Types of Schengen Visas for Greece
| Type | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Type C (Short Stay) | Tourism, business, family | Up to 90 days |
| Type A (Airport Transit) | Transit through Greek airport | Same-day, no entry |
| Multiple-Entry Visa | Frequent travelers | Up to 1-5 years |
For long-term stays (retirement, work, study), apply for a national D visa, not a Schengen visa.
📝 Schengen Visa for Greece: Required Documents
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Visa application form (signed)
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Passport (valid 3 months beyond return)
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Two recent passport photos
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Travel itinerary or round-trip reservation
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Proof of accommodation in Greece
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Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage minimum)
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Proof of financial means (bank statements, pension, etc.)
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Employment letter, leave approval, or proof of business
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Visa fee payment receipt (€80 standard)
📍 Where to Apply
Apply at the Greek Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. In some cases, a third-party visa service provider (like TLScontact or VFS Global) processes applications.
Apply at least 15 days in advance, but no more than 6 months before travel.
🕐 How Long Does It Take?
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Processing time: 15 working days (can vary)
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Express options: Not officially available
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Apply early, especially in summer or holiday season
❓ FAQ: Greece Schengen Visa
Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Greece visa?
✅ Yes. You can visit any Schengen member state during your visa’s validity.
What if I want to stay longer than 90 days?
❌ You must apply for a national D visa or long-term residence permit.
Can I apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
✅ If you have a travel history and strong reason (e.g., business, family), you may be eligible.
Is travel insurance really required?
✅ Yes. Minimum €30,000 coverage is mandatory, covering emergencies, accidents, and repatriation.
⚖️ Borderless Lawyers: Visa Help for Travelers to Greece
Let us take the stress out of the process. We help you:
✔️ Choose the right visa type
✔️ Complete and check all documents
✔️ Book consular appointments
✔️ Meet Schengen insurance requirements
✔️ Track application progress
✔️ Appeal rejections (if needed)
📞 We support travelers from India, South Africa, China, Nigeria, Russia, Lebanon, and more.