Do you require a visa to visit Greece?

Greece has likely been on your travel list for ages, but you might be wondering whether a visa is necessary to explore this historically rich Mediterranean country with its stunning mountains, numerous islands, and lively cities.

For most travelers, a valid passport suffices; however, some may need to apply for a visa a few months in advance to ensure smooth entry.

This guide will help you navigate the visa requirements for your trip to Greece, whether you're traveling visa-free or need to handle the application process. With this information, you can get organized and start planning your dream Greek vacation just as you envisioned.

Traveling to Greece without a visa

Greece is part of the EU and the 27-member Schengen Zone, which enables citizens to travel between these nations without needing a visa. Citizens from EU countries not in the Schengen Zone, as well as those from EEA nations, also can move freely within the area without a visa.

Moreover, citizens from over 60 countries can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. This group includes nationals from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and some South American nations. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. You may need to provide proof of your travel plans and return date. Check the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for details on your country's eligibility for visa-free travel.

Remember that your stay in Schengen Zone countries is limited to a total of 90 days. If you plan to visit Italy or France, keep track of how many days you spend in each place to avoid exceeding this limit.

You don’t have to remain in the Schengen area for 90 consecutive days; you can enter and exit as needed, as long as your total doesn’t surpass 90 days within a 180-day period. Online calculators are available to help you monitor your stay. Be cautious, though—staying longer than 90 days could lead to deportation or a ban on re-entering Schengen countries.

Additionally, the EU plans to launch the ETIAS visa waiver program in 2024. If you hold a non-EU passport, you’ll need to apply for online pre-authorization, similar to the USA’s ESTA system. The fee is expected to be around €7, and the application process should be straightforward.

Applying for a visa to travel to Greece

If you possess a passport from another country, you will need to apply for a short-stay Schengen tourist visa to visit Greece and other Schengen nations for up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. Citizens of several non-EU countries, including China, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, and Lebanon, are required to obtain this visa.

Submit your visa application at the nearest Greek consulate in your home country up to six months before your intended travel date. Generally, you will need to attend in person. A recent passport-sized photo and proof of medical insurance for your stay are necessary. You may also need to provide evidence of accommodation and financial means during your visit, among other documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure. The cost for Schengen visas is €80 for applicants over 12, €40 for those aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. Tourist visas typically remain valid for six months, with extensions granted only in rare cases.

If your country lacks Greek consular representation, refer to this list on the ministry's website to find out which Schengen country accepts visa applications from your nation. The Global Visa Center World processes applications from certain countries, including India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and you may have the option to apply online. If you are a family member of an EU or EEA citizen, you might qualify for a fast-track visa process. Typically, consulates take 15 calendar days to decide on a visa application, but it can extend to two months. Extensions are seldom approved, and applications must be submitted before your visa expires.

As a digital nomad, can I apply for a visa to extend my stay in Greece?

Greece is making significant efforts to welcome digital nomads, offering 12-month visas, two-year residence permits, and a 50% tax reduction for up to seven years. If you are a remote worker, freelancer, or entrepreneur from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can apply for a long-term visa, also referred to as a national D-type visa, allowing you to reside in Greece for up to 12 months.

To apply for this visa, visit the Greek consulate in your home country. You must provide evidence that you are either self-employed or work for a company or organization based outside of Greece. Visa holders are prohibited from working for a Greek employer and must demonstrate a post-tax monthly income of at least €3,500 to support themselves during their stay. After one year, they can apply for a renewable two-year digital nomad residence permit.