Venturing abroad is an exciting experience, filled with new cultures to explore, foods to taste, and vistas to see. However, before immersing oneself in these novel experiences, one must navigate the labyrinthine process of obtaining a visa. While the general rule of thumb dictates that visa requirements ask you for a sober, straightforward exchange of
Visa Policy for Greece
As a European Schengen Area country, Greece has the same visa policy as the other countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement for passport-free travel.
The visa policy of a state outlines the restrictions and requirements for foreign nationals that are planning to travel to, enter, and remain in the country.
Greek visa requirements vary depending on the nationality of the visitor, as well as the purpose of the visit and the expected length of stay.
Depending on the passport nationality the traveler holds, a Greek embassy visa, also known as a Schengen Visa, will be required.
This type of visa must be applied for and approved before departure for Greece, from a Greek overseas diplomatic office. The applicant is usually required to select the type of visa needed, whether a tourist visa, business visa, work visa, or other visa option.
A range of varying supporting documentation depending on visa type will be requested before this Greek travel document can be approved.
Currently, all other countries are visa-exempt for Greece, with the length of visa-free stay permitted depending on the nationality of the traveler. Schengen citizens may stay in the country for an indefinite period for any purpose, by presenting a valid national ID Card at Greek borders.
Other travelers who are visa-free for Greece including the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival. These visa not required citizens may stay for up to 90 days without a travel authorization.
However, this will change in 2024, when the European Commission is expected to implement the ETIAS visa waiver program. This travel authorization will be a mandatory requirement for all visa-free nationals from outside of the Schengen Area visiting Greece for tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment for short stays.
The current visa law of Greece does not issue any entry bans for foreign nationalities.
Find further information about the different visa requirements for Greece in the boxes below.
