Are you dreaming of touring Greece’s breathtaking islands and historic sites? Your first step towards this adventure is securing a Greece visa.
But fret not! We’ve put together a guide detailing the prerequisites and procedures to obtain authorization for your Grecian getaway. Check it out below!
How to Get a Greece Visa?
This historical land generally permits visitors to stay for up to three months under the Schengen visa. The Greece Schengen visa is suitable for various purposes such as holidays, professional engagements, or family reunions.
In addition to this visa category, the country also provides other types of visas tailored to specific objectives. These may include visas for airport transit, business, tourism, visiting, and long-term stays.
Moreover, certain nationals enjoy visa-free entry to this territory, such as EU/EEA citizens and those from countries with visa waiver agreements like the US, Canada, and Japan, and more.
However, travelers from countries lacking such agreements must obtain a visa prior to arrival. We recommend consulting the official website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the most up-to-date information.
What to Consider Before Getting a Greece Visa?
After covering the fundamentals of occupancy authorization, let’s delve into some key points! Here’s a detailed breakdown of these factors:
Make Sure Your Country is on the List
For short-term visits, citizens of certain countries can enter without prior authorization, while others need to obtain it.
Residents of Schengen region nations typically don’t need visas for stays of up to three months. This exemption applies to countries like Portugal, Belgium, and more. Additionally, citizens of certain countries with visa waiver agreements, such as Chile and Dominica, enjoy the same privilege.
On the other hand, individuals from countries not included in these arrangements must apply for authorization before visiting. Examples of such countries include Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Maldives.
Furthermore, an extended stay in most nations typically necessitates a permit request, with certain exemptions for residents of specific European countries such as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and EU member states. It is advisable to consult the official website for the latest information regarding this matter.
Determine Your Purpose of Visit
Your intended purpose of visit will determine the category of authorization required. Various categories are available, including:
1. Schengen Visa (Category C)
This category is designed for short stays of up to three months within a six-month period. Some types offered include:
- Airport Transit Visa: Granted to passengers who need to change planes at a Schengen airport.
- Business Visa: Issued to individuals conducting business activities within the Schengen region.
- Tourist Visa: Provided to nationals of non-Schengen countries who wish to explore the region.
- Visitor Visa: Required for residents of third countries wishing to visit acquaintances in the Schengen area.
- Medical Treatment Visa: Intended for individuals seeking medical treatment.
- Cultural, Sportive, Film Crew, or Religious Travel Visa: Obtained for short cultural visits, allowing holders to participate in events related to sports, entertainment, culture, or religion.
2. Long Stays Visa (Category D)
This category allows for residency beyond three months for purposes, such as employment, marriage, study, and family reunification.
Visa Application Fees
A non-refundable payment is required to cover the processing expenses of the Greece visa application. The fees may vary depending on the visa category, applicant’s age, nationality, and length of stay.
- A short-stay visa costs EUR 80 or USD 87.22 for adults, EUR 40 or USD 43.61 for minors (aged 6–12), and is free for children under 6. Certain exempt groups include researchers and students.
- Additionally, an extended stay visa ranges from EUR 20 or USD 21.80 to EUR 180 or USD 196.24. However, certain individuals are exempt from these fees, including Canadians, Australians, and inventors.
For the most accurate information, we recommend consulting official resources or visiting the nearest Greek embassy.
Applying for a Greece Visa
After thoroughly discussing the permit, let’s proceed to Greece visa requirements and procedures. We have provided detailed information below:
Online Application
Some Greek embassies and consulates offer the convenience of initiating the application process online through their websites. This particularly pertains to certain types of short-stay visas, such as Schengen authorization.
These are the steps to submit the inquiry:
- Download and complete the Greece visa application form online.
- Gather Necessary Documents:
- Passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Travel insurance.
- Proof of sufficient funds.
- Schedule a Greece visa appointment.
- If available in your country, submit the inquiry online.
- Cover the applicable expenses.
- Attend the interview or biometrics appointment.
- Await processing.
- Collect the approved visa upon completion of processing.
Via Embassy
You also have the option to request authorization through the embassy. Here is a breakdown of the steps:
- Complete the application form.
- Schedule an appointment with the embassy.
- Gather the required paperwork, similar to what is needed for online applications.
- Prepare additional documents such as a cover letter, letter of acceptance, offer letter, invitation letter, and more.
- Attend an interview if it is deemed necessary.
- Pay the application fee.
- Await processing.
- Retrieve the approved visa once processing is complete.
As we conclude our guide on obtaining a Greece Visa, it’s time for you to prepare! Have you identified the authorization category that best fits your needs? If yes, don’t hesitate to promptly book your flight! For excellent deals and convenient bookings, we recommend using Airpaz. Bon voyage!
