Visa requirements for visiting Greece

Greece may have long been on your bucket list but you’re unsure if you need a visa to explore this history-rich Mediterranean nation’s mountainous mainland, countless islands and vibrant cities.

For many visitors, a valid passport is sufficient but, for others, a visa application needs to be made a few months in advance to ensure your entry goes without a hitch.

Here’s our guide to navigating the requirements of your trip to Greece, whether that means traveling visa-free or doing the paperwork required to obtain a visa. That way, you can get yourself organized and then set about planning your grand Greek getaway, just like you’ve always dreamed.

Visa-free travel to Greece

Greece is a member of the EU and Europe’s 27-member border-free Schengen Zone, which allows citizens to travel between member countries visa-free. Citizens of EU countries that are not members of the zone, as well as EEA countries, also don’t require a visa to move within the bloc.

Furthermore, citizens of more than 60 countries are permitted to travel to Greece visa-free for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. These nations include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, as well as certain South American countries. Firstly, ensure your passport is valid for a minimum of three months after your departure date. You may be asked to provide documentation outlining the reason for your visit and confirming your departure date. Check the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see if your country qualifies for visa-free travel.

Keep in mind that you are permitted to travel within Schengen Zone countries for a maximum of 90 days. That is, if you plan on traveling to Italy or France, you need to take into account the number of days you’ll be spending in each country and tally up the total.

There’s no need to stay in the Schengen area for a consecutive 90 days – you can move in and out as you wish, for a maximum of 90 days throughout the 180 day period. It’s easy enough to gauge the length of your Schengen-wide stay with online calculators designed for this purpose. Beware though, if you stay longer than 90 days, authorities in Greece or other Schengen area countries may deport you or prohibit you from re-entering the bloc.

Meanwhile, the EU is expected to introduce its ETIAS visa waiver program in 2024. If you hold…