Greece Visa Policy Overview#
Greece, a member of the Schengen Area, has a structured visa policy that determines the entry requirements for foreign nationals. The country welcomes visitors from various nations, offering different access levels depending on the nationality of the traveler. As of now, a total of 198 nationalities are recognized under Greece’s visa policy, which includes categories for visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and those requiring a visa prior to arrival.
Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Access#
Greece allows visa-free access for certain nationalities, categorized by the duration of stay permitted without a visa.
Visa-Free Access (30 Days)#
Citizens from the following 30 countries can enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 30 days:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Visa-Free Access (90 Days)#
In addition to the above, citizens from 63 countries can enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. These countries include:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican
- Venezuela
e-Visa and ETA Options#
Currently, Greece does not offer an e-Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) option for travelers. Visitors from countries that require a visa must apply for a visa through the appropriate Greek consulate or embassy before traveling.
Countries That Require a Visa#
A significant number of nationalities are required to obtain a visa prior to entering Greece. The following 105 countries fall under this category:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Congo
- Cuba
- DR Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ivory Coast
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Entry Requirements and Practical Tips#
Travelers planning to visit Greece should be aware of the entry requirements that apply to their nationality. For those who do not require a visa, it is advisable to carry a valid passport and any relevant documentation that may be requested upon arrival, such as proof of accommodation and return travel tickets.
For those who need a visa, it is essential to apply well in advance of the intended travel date. The application process typically involves submitting a completed visa application form, a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of travel insurance, and any additional documents required by the Greek consulate or embassy.
It is also important to check the validity of your passport, as it should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Greece. Additionally, travelers should stay informed about any health and safety regulations, including vaccination requirements or travel advisories that may be in effect at the time of their visit.
By understanding the visa policy and preparing accordingly, travelers can ensure a smooth entry into Greece and enjoy their stay in this historically rich and culturally significant country.