Greece Visa Information
Greece is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with its mainland and numerous islands scattered throughout the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas.
It shares land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
Greece is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and beautiful islands.
Iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens, the ancient city of Delphi, and the ruins of Knossos in Crete attract millions of visitors each year.
The Greek islands, including Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Corfu, offer breathtaking beaches, charming villages, and vibrant nightlife.
Schengen Visa:
- This visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
- The Schengen visa is suitable for short stays, such as holidays, visits to family or friends, business trips, or short-term studies.
- The application for a Schengen visa is usually lodged at the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit first, or the country where you will spend the most time if there is no clear main destination.
Long-Stay Visa (Type D Visa):
- TIf you plan to stay in Greece for more than 90 days (e.g., for work, study, family reunion), you will need a national visa.
- National visas are issued by Greece's consular authorities and permit entry into the country for a specified period, exceeding 90 days.
- There are different categories of national visas, such as study visas, work visas, family reunion visas, etc.
Greece Visa Requirements
- Passport – according to the passport requirements of the German embassy, among which validity of three months beyond your planned stays in the Greece.
- Passport-size photos: Often, two recent passport-size photos are required.
- Travel itinerary: Details of your planned trip, including flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and travel insurance.
- Proof of financial means: Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or other evidence to demonstrate your ability to cover your expenses during your stay.
- Purpose-specific documents: Such as invitation letters, employment contracts, enrollment letters from educational institutions, etc.
- Health insurance: Proof of comprehensive travel health insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation.
Greece Visa Application Process
- Schedule an appointment: Contact the Greece embassy or consulate in your country to schedule a visa appointment. Some consulates allow online appointment scheduling.
- Attend the visa interview: On the day of your appointment, submit your application form and supporting documents at the embassy or consulate. You may also be required to attend an interview to discuss your travel plans.
- Pay the visa fee: Pay the required visa application fee, which is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or not.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for Belgium visas can vary depending on various factors, including the type of visa and the consulate's workload. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for processing time.
- Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa stamped in it from the embassy or consulate. Make sure to check the visa details for accuracy before traveling.
