Planning a holiday in Greece? This complete Greece tourist visa guide explains who needs a visa, the Schengen 90/180-day rule, required documents, visa fees, application steps, processing times, travel insurance and important entry requirements for visiting Greece.
A Greek short-stay tourist visa is normally a Schengen visa. If you need a visa and Greece is your main destination, you generally apply through the Greek consular authority responsible for your place of legal residence.
Whether you need a tourist visa for Greece depends primarily on your nationality, passport type and the purpose and duration of your trip.
Greece's Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an official list showing which nationalities require a visa and which are exempt for short stays.
Citizens of many countries can visit Greece without obtaining a Schengen visa in advance for short tourist stays.
Citizens of countries subject to the Schengen visa requirement normally need to obtain a visa before travelling to Greece for tourism.
For ordinary tourism and short visits, Greece issues Schengen short-stay visas.
A Schengen tourist visa can generally allow travel within the Schengen Area during the period and under the conditions stated on the visa.
The standard short-stay framework is based on a maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.
If you receive a Schengen visa valid for a particular period, the visa's validity dates and number of permitted entries still matter. A visa valid for six months does not necessarily mean you can remain in Greece for six months. The applicable short-stay limit remains relevant.
One of the most important rules for tourists visiting Greece is the 90 days in any 180-day period limitation applicable to short stays.
The calculation looks backward over the relevant 180-day period for each day of stay. Previous travel to other Schengen countries can therefore affect how many days you have available for a trip to Greece.
For example, if you have already spent significant time in France, Italy, Spain or another Schengen country, those days can count toward the same Schengen short-stay allowance.
The 90-day allowance is generally for the Schengen Area as a whole, not 90 days separately in Greece and another 90 days in each Schengen country.
Applicants who need a Greek Schengen tourist visa generally need to provide documents showing their identity, travel plans, accommodation, financial means and intention to comply with the visa conditions.
The exact checklist can vary depending on the applicant's country of residence, nationality and circumstances.
Greek consulates can require country-specific supporting documents. Always check the instructions of the Greek consular authority responsible for your application before submitting your file.
Your passport or travel document must satisfy the applicable Schengen requirements.
A consulate can require additional documentation depending on the applicant's nationality and circumstances.
Applicants for a Schengen tourist visa generally need valid travel medical insurance covering the intended stay.
The insurance must meet the Schengen requirements and cover relevant medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation.
The standard minimum coverage for Schengen travel medical insurance is €30,000. The insurance must cover the required geographical area and the relevant period of the trip.
Do not simply purchase any ordinary travel insurance policy. Check that the policy satisfies the Schengen visa requirements before submitting it.
The standard Schengen visa fee currently applicable is:
| Applicant | Standard Schengen Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | €90 |
| Children aged 6 to under 12 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Generally exempt from the standard visa fee |
Certain applicants can benefit from fee exemptions or special fee arrangements under EU rules or specific agreements.
Visa application centres can also charge a separate service fee when an external service provider is used.
First check the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa list for your nationality and passport type.
Do not rely only on travel websites because visa exemptions can contain conditions relating to passport type, biometric passports, purpose of travel or maximum stay.
If you are visiting several Schengen countries, you normally apply through the country that is your main destination.
If the duration of your stays is difficult to determine, such as on certain tours, the first-entry country can become relevant under the applicable Schengen rules.
Visa applications are generally handled by the Greek embassy, consulate or authorized external service provider responsible for the applicant's legal place of residence.
Do not automatically apply at the nearest Greek embassy if another consular authority has jurisdiction over your residence.
Complete the Schengen visa application carefully and provide accurate information about your trip.
Your itinerary, accommodation, employment information, financial documents and other supporting evidence should be consistent with each other.
Depending on where you live, you may need to schedule an appointment with the Greek consulate or an authorized visa application centre.
Bring the completed application and required supporting documents to your appointment.
Fingerprints are normally collected as part of the Schengen visa process unless an exemption applies.
Previously collected fingerprints can sometimes be reused under the applicable Visa Information System rules.
Pay the applicable visa fee using the payment method accepted by the relevant consular authority or visa centre.
The normal Schengen visa processing period is approximately 15 calendar days.
In individual cases, the processing period can be extended, including up to 45 days when a more detailed examination or additional documentation is required.
If your visa is approved, check the information printed on the visa sticker before travelling.
A Schengen visa allows you to travel to an external border and request entry. Border authorities can still check whether you satisfy the applicable entry conditions.
Having a visa, where one is required, is only one part of the entry process.
Third-country nationals travelling to Greece for a short stay may need to demonstrate the purpose and conditions of their trip and have sufficient means of subsistence for their stay and return or onward journey.
Border authorities can also verify that the traveller satisfies the other applicable Schengen entry conditions.
Applicants can be asked to demonstrate where they will stay in Greece.
Depending on the circumstances, this can include:
Make sure your accommodation information matches your itinerary and intended travel dates.
Visa applicants may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during the trip and return or continue to another country where they are entitled to travel.
Evidence can include financial statements and other documents showing the applicant's financial situation.
The exact evidence requested can vary according to the applicant's circumstances and place of application.
Applicants can be asked for evidence demonstrating their economic and personal circumstances in their country of residence.
Depending on the applicant, useful supporting evidence can include:
The purpose is not to provide one universal document but to demonstrate the genuine purpose and circumstances of the intended trip.
Children travelling to Greece must have appropriate travel documentation and may require a visa depending on their nationality.
Additional parental-consent or custody documentation can be relevant when a minor travels with only one parent, another adult or alone.
Families should check the exact requirements applicable to their nationality and travel circumstances before departure.
If your primary purpose is visiting friends or relatives rather than staying in hotels, you may need to provide documentation concerning your host or accommodation.
The appropriate supporting documents depend on the country where you submit the application and the specific circumstances.
Do not describe a tourism trip inaccurately. Your application should clearly explain the real purpose of your visit.
A short-stay Schengen visa can be used for permitted short visits such as tourism and certain other temporary activities covered by the visa rules.
Popular tourist destinations include:
A tourist visa should not be treated as authorization for ordinary employment or long-term residence.
Generally, a tourist or ordinary short-stay visa should not be treated as a general work authorization.
If you intend to take employment or establish yourself in Greece, you should investigate the appropriate Greek immigration and work route before travelling.
A short-stay tourist visa is not a substitute for a Greek residence permit.
If your intention is to live in Greece for an extended period, investigate the appropriate residence category before making the move.
Greece has different residence routes for employment, study, family reunification, investment and other circumstances.
The immigration requirements for long-term residence are different from the requirements for a short tourist visit.
Schengen visas can be issued with different numbers of permitted entries.
| Visa type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Single entry | Generally permits one entry into the Schengen Area during the visa's validity. |
| Double entry | Permits two entries during the period specified on the visa. |
| Multiple entry | Allows repeated entries during the visa's validity, subject to the visa conditions and 90/180-day short-stay limit. |
A multiple-entry visa does not remove the 90/180-day limitation for ordinary short stays.
Do not leave your visa application until the last moment.
Because normal processing is around 15 calendar days and can take longer in individual cases, travellers should allow sufficient time for appointments, document preparation and possible requests for additional information.
Seasonal demand can also make appointment availability more difficult during busy travel periods.
Start preparing your application well before your planned departure. Your passport, insurance, accommodation, financial documents and itinerary should all be ready before the appointment.
A Schengen visa application can be refused for various reasons.
If a visa is refused, the applicant should carefully read the decision and any information concerning available appeal or review procedures.
If you are travelling from Switzerland to Greece, the situation is different depending on your nationality and immigration status.
Swiss citizens can travel to Greece under the applicable free-movement arrangements and do not need a Schengen tourist visa.
Non-Swiss citizens living in Switzerland should check their passport nationality and Swiss residence status. The Greek Embassy in Switzerland states that non-Swiss citizens holding a valid passport together with a valid Swiss B or C residence permit can travel to Greece without a visa for the applicable short stay.
Always carry both your valid passport and residence permit when travelling if you rely on your Swiss residence status for visa exemption.
Greece is part of the Schengen Area. A valid Schengen visa can generally permit travel throughout the Schengen Area subject to the conditions printed on the visa and the general Schengen rules.
For a trip involving several Schengen countries, you should apply through the appropriate country based on your main destination.
For example, if you spend the majority of your planned trip in Greece and only a few days in Italy, Greece would generally be the main destination for the visa application.
| Question | General answer |
|---|---|
| Is Greece in the Schengen Area? | Yes. |
| Do all tourists need a Greek visa? | No. Visa requirements depend primarily on nationality and passport type. |
| How long can a standard short stay last? | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the applicable rules. |
| What is the standard adult visa fee? | €90. |
| What is the standard fee for children aged 6–11? | €45. |
| Do children under 6 pay the standard visa fee? | They are generally exempt from the standard fee. |
| Is travel insurance required for a Schengen visa? | Yes, applicants generally need qualifying travel medical insurance. |
| What is the minimum insurance coverage? | €30,000 under the standard Schengen requirement. |
| How long does processing normally take? | Normally 15 calendar days, but it can extend to 45 days in certain cases. |
| Can I work in Greece on a tourist visa? | A tourist visa should not be treated as general work authorization. |
| Can I use a tourist visa to live permanently in Greece? | No. Long-term residence requires an appropriate Greek immigration status. |
It depends on your nationality and passport. Greece's Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the current list of nationalities that require a visa and those that are visa-exempt for short stays.
Yes. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so its short-stay tourist visas are generally Schengen visas.
For ordinary Schengen short stays, the standard maximum is 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to your nationality, visa status and the applicable rules.
The standard Schengen visa fee is currently €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to under 12. Some categories are exempt or subject to different arrangements.
The normal Schengen visa processing period is 15 calendar days. In certain cases, processing can take up to 45 days.
The standard Schengen requirement is travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage for qualifying medical expenses, including emergency treatment and repatriation.
A valid uniform Schengen visa can generally permit travel within the Schengen Area during its validity, subject to the visa's conditions and the 90/180-day rule.
If you are visiting several Schengen countries, you generally apply through the country that is your main destination. The relevant rules can depend on the duration and purpose of the trip.
The Schengen application normally involves an application form and an appointment or submission process through the responsible Greek consular authority or authorized visa service provider. The exact procedure depends on where you legally reside.
A short-stay tourist visa is not general authorization to take employment in Greece. Anyone intending to work should investigate the appropriate Greek immigration and work authorization before travelling.
A tourist visa or visa-free short stay should not be treated as a general route to permanent residence. People planning to move to Greece should investigate the appropriate residence category.
The answer depends on nationality and Swiss residence status. Greek authorities state that non-Swiss citizens holding a valid passport and a valid Swiss B or C residence permit can travel to Greece without a visa for the applicable short stay.
Visa rules, fees, application procedures and entry requirements can change. This page provides general information and is not legal or immigration advice. Before booking non-refundable travel, always verify your nationality-specific requirements with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the responsible Greek consular authority or the authorized visa application provider.