NOTE: This guide was last updated in January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic for the most up-to-date information.

With its spectacular, turquoise coves and sandy beaches, Greece is a popular travel destination for travellers from all around the world. This Mediterranean paradise is known for its unique atmosphere and stunning landscape. Of course, traveling to Greece requires you to carry out the necessary visa procedures. That’s why we put up this article, you can find all about Greece visa and find the answer to all your questions.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Greece?

Greece is a member of the Schengen Area, where countries decided to tailor their visa policies according to the union’s regulations. Citizens of the EU member state, EEA countries, and Switzerland can travel to Greece and other Schengen countries without a visa.

Other than these countries, Greece has signed many bilateral or multilateral agreements with various countries from different parts of the world to abolish visa requirements mutually. However, visitors from these countries can stay only up to a maximum of 90 days in six months and cannot take up employment.

You can check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece for the complete list of countries whose citizens can travel to Greece without a visa.

Did you book a flight to Greece?

If you’re also seeking a comfy and paradisiacal getaway, consider securing your flight ticket to Greece with Pegasus Airlines. With our favourable fares and top-notch service, we offer you a pleasant journey to this Mediterranean gem.

You can check out our Greece travel guide for an insightful overview of the country and learn more about its culture.

You may also be interested in this article: Athens Travel Guide

Greece Visa Types

In Greece, there are two main types of visas: Uniform Schengen Visa (Category C Visa) and Long-Stay National Visa (Category D Visa). These visas separate from each other through their duration and purpose of issuance.

Greece Schengen Visa (Category C Visa - For Short Stay Visits)

Schengen Area is the free travel area established by most of the EU member states. Currently, there are 29 countries within the Schengen Area. Since Greece is part of this area, visitors who wish to travel to the country need to hold a Schengen visa.

The two main features of the Schengen visa are that it allows for a stay of 90 days and does not permit the visa-holder to participate in gainful activities. Therefore, you can apply for this visa for the purposes of tourism, business trips without any commercial activity, family visits, and participation in cultural activities.

Greece Category D Visa – For Long Stay Visits

Category D Visa is another type of visa issued by Greece to visitors. With this visa, you can stay in Greece for longer than 90 days and apply for temporary or permanent residence permits.

This visa is often issued to students and employees of businesses operating within Greece. Spouses of Greek residents or citizens can also apply for a Category D Visa.

General Requirements to Apply for Greece Visa

You can find below the main documents you need to submit when applying for a Greece visa. Note that the mission or visa centre may ask for additional documentation.

• Filled out and signed application form,
  • Both parents must sign the application form of children under the age of 18,
• One recent passport-size photograph not older than 6 months,
• Passport with minimum two blank pages that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of the visa and a copy,
• Confirmed travel medical insurance with a coverage of at least EUR 30,000,
• Proof of accommodation in Greece (hotel bookings, etc.)
• Copy of flight ticket or reservation to final destination and a return flight,
• Proof of sufficient financial funds,
• Employment letter – you can find below different documents asked from people with different employment status;
  • Employees: Employment Letter stating date of employment, salary, duration of leave and employer’s guarantee of resuming functions after return to their home country, and a copy of commercial circular
  • Freelancers: Copy of commercial circular or invoices,
  • Students: Letter from School or University and student ID,
  • Self-Employed: Recent proof of registration of the company and commercial circular.

What is visa sponsorship for Greece?

If you do not work or have the necessary funds, you can have a relative sponsor you. Your sponsor is obliged to cover all the expenses during your trip. Many students and other applicants without sufficient income or financial documentation rely on visa sponsorship.

Greece Visa Requirements

Besides the above-mentioned documentation, there are specific requirements and/or visa waivers for the nationals of certain countries. Below, you can find more information about requirements for Greece visa.

Greece Visa Requirements for Non-Europeans

Most non-European countries do not have a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen Area. You can check the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece for the complete list of countries whose citizens can travel to Greece without a visa. If you’re from one of these countries, you can travel to Greece without a visa.

Greece Visa Requirements for European countries

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland have the freedom of movement within Greece.

Greece Visa requirements for US, UK, and Canadian citizens

Citizens of the USA, the UK, and Canada can travel to Greece without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. For a trip that will take longer than three months, you need to apply for a Category D visa.

Greece Visa Fees

You can find the latest Greece visa fees below. Remember that the Greece visa fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected.

You can find the detailed informations and latest update about visa fee by visiting the official page of VFS Global.