Greece Tourist Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

Also known as the Greece Schengen tourist visa, this entry permit allows people to visit the Greek nations for the purpose of tourism. These include taking part in activities such as sightseeing, leisure activities, adventure activities, etc. Being a type of the Schengen C category, this is issued for a duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. It can be approved with single-entry, double-entry, or even a multiple-entry.

• Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Greece.
• Type of Visa: As Greece is part of the Schengen Area, Indians need a Short-Stay Visa (less than 90 days), commonly referred to as a Schengen Visa.

Before starting the application, you must check your eligibility for applying for this particular category. You can check it by ensuring that you meet the following conditions - 

• You must be living in your home country while applying. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it from the respective country.
• You must possess a valid passport.
• Your primary motive of the visit must be to take part in tourism activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay in the country.
  
  
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Greece is your only destination, or
  2. Greece is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. Greece is your port of entry.

As per the Greece tourist visa requirements, the following are the list of documents you will have to submit. Keep in mind that there may be additional documents required as per you individual eligibility. 

Mandatory Documents:

1. Travel Document:
• Valid Indian Passport: With at least two blank pages.
• Passport Validity: At least three months beyond the intended stay in Greece.
  
  
2. Visa Application Form:
• Download: From the official Greek Embassy/Consulate website.
• Fill, Print, and Sign: Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
  
  
3. Recent Photos:
• Quantity: Two.
• Size: Passport-sized (35x45 mm).
• Background: Light.
• Attachment: Glue to the designated spaces on the application form.
  
  
4. Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:
• Onward/Return Ticket: Reservation (check with the embassy/consulate for acceptance of reservations).
• Detailed Itinerary: If visiting multiple Schengen countries.
  
  
5. Travel Health Insurance:
• Coverage: At least €30,000 in medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• Validity: For all Schengen countries, with your name clearly mentioned.
  
  
6. Proof of Financial Means:
• Bank Statement: Last 3-6 months, showing sufficient funds (approximately €45 per day for the entire Schengen stay).
• Income Tax Return (ITR): For the last two years (if requested).
  
  
7. Accommodation Proof:
• Hotel Reservation: Or confirmation.
• Invitation Letter: From host (if staying with friends/family), along with their ID and residence permit (if applicable).
  
  
8. Employment or Student Status:
• Employed: Leave approval letter and employment ID.
• Student: No-objection certificate from school/university and student ID.
  
  

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• For Minors:
• Consent letter from both parents.
• Parents' IDs.
  
  
• Previous Visa Refusal:
• Written explanation for the refusal.

The photo specifications of Greece tourist visa are as follows -

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured - within last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

• Single-Entry Visa: Allows one entry into the Schengen Area.
• Double-Entry Visa: Permits two entries into the Schengen Area.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: For frequent travelers, allowing multiple entries within the visa's validity period.

The total Greece tourist visa fees from India for the application depend on a few key parameters such as the number of entries, the biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also vary upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application.

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Ensure Completeness: Verify that all required documents are complete and up-to-date.
• Required Documents Checklist:
• Valid Indian Passport
• Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
• Recent Photos
• Flight Itinerary/Travel Plans
• Travel Health Insurance
• Proof of Financial Means
• Accommodation Proof
• Employment or Student Status Documents (if applicable)
• Additional Documents (if applicable, e.g., for minors, previous visa refusals)
• Update Outdated Documents: Renew or update any expired or soon-to-expire documents (e.g., passport, health insurance).

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

• Download the Form:
• Visit the official website of the Greek Embassy/Consulate in India or the website of the Schengen Visa Application Portal.
• Download the Schengen Visa Application Form (usually in PDF format).
• Fill the Form Accurately:
• Use a computer to fill the form, as handwritten applications might not be accepted.
• Ensure all fields are completed correctly and thoroughly.
• Signature: Sign the form in the designated area.
• Print the Form:
• Once filled and signed, print the application form on good quality, A4-sized paper.

Step 3: Submit Application

• Submission Methods:
• In Person
• Through a Representative
• Through a Visa Application Center (VAC)
• Submission Locations:
• Greek Embassy/Consulate in India: If available in your area.
• Representing Schengen Country's Embassy/Consulate: If the Greek Embassy/Consulate is not available in your area, another Schengen country's embassy/consulate might represent Greece's interests.
• Visa Application Center (VAC): If available for Greece in your region (note: additional service fees may apply).

In Person or Through a Representative:

• Visit the Embassy/Consulate:
• Check the official website for the embassy/consulate’s address, operating hours, and any specific requirements.
• Ensure you have all required documents and a printed copy of your application form.
• Representative Submission:
• Authorization Letter: Provide a signed letter authorizing the representative to submit the application on your behalf.
• Representative’s ID: Ensure the representative brings a valid government-issued ID.

Through a Visa Application Center (VAC):

• Find Your Nearest VAC:
1. Check the official website of the VAC or the Greek Embassy/Consulate for locations.
• VAC Submission Process:
1. Appointment: Book an appointment in advance, if required.
2. Submit Documents: Provide all required documents and the application form.
3. Service Fee: Pay the additional service fee for using the VAC (if applicable).

Step 4: Provide Biometric Data

• Biometric Requirements:
• Fingerprinting: Provide fingerprints for the Schengen Information System (SIS).
• Exemptions: Children under 12, individuals who have provided biometric data in the last 59 months for a Schengen visa, and those physically unable to provide fingerprints.
• Biometric Data Collection:
• At the Embassy/Consulate or VAC: During your scheduled appointment.
• Process: A quick and straightforward process where your fingerprints are scanned digitally.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

• Visa Fee Structure:
• Adults: Currently €60 (subject to change; always check for the latest fee).
• Children (6-12 years): Reduced fee, currently €35 (subject to change).
• Children under 6: Exempt from the visa fee.
• Payment Methods:
• Embassy/Consulate: Check the accepted payment methods (usually cash, credit/debit card, or bank transfer).
• VAC: Service fees (if applicable) and visa fees can usually be paid by credit/debit card or cash.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

• Processing Time:
• Typical Processing Time: 15 calendar days.
• Extended Processing Time: Up to 60 days in exceptional cases.
• Check Application Status:
• Embassy/Consulate Website: Use the application reference number to track the status.
• VAC Website/Phone/Email: If you submitted through a VAC, use their tracking services.

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

• Once the Decision is Made:
• Approved: Collect your passport with the Schengen visa sticker.
• Rejected: Collect your passport and review the rejection reasons for a possible re-application.
• Collection Options:
• In Person: At the embassy/consulate or VAC, with the receipt provided during submission.
• Authorized Representative: With a signed authorization letter and the representative’s ID.
• Postal Service: In some cases, passports can be returned via postal services (additional fees may apply).

While you are waiting for a decision on your application, you can track the status of your application by entering your application number and name at https://in-gr.gvcworld.eu/visa-status/. You can also contact your travel agency to have them track the application. Alternately, you may contact the embassy directly via email or phone.

• Incomplete application.
• Insufficient financial means.
• Unclear travel purpose or itinerary.
• Previous visa refusals without adequate explanation.
• Invalid or expired travel documents.

• Embassy of Greece in New Delhi:
  
  
• Address: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 26880700, +91 11 26130220
• Email: gremb.newdelhi@mfa.gr
  
  
• Consulate General of Greece in Mumbai:
  
  
• Address: Baharestan, 30, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021
• Phone: +91 22 22890996
• Email: grcon.mumbai@mfa.gr

• Apply Early: To account for any unexpected delays.
• Double-Check Documents: Ensure documents are complete and valid.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check the official embassy/consulate website for updates.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October).
• Must-Visit Places:
• Acropolis of Athens
• Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos
• Santorini Caldera
• Delphi Archaeological Site
• Cuisine:
• Try traditional Greek dishes like Gyro, Moussaka, and Greek Salad.
• Don’t forget to indulge in fresh seafood and local wines.
• Safety:
• Generally a safe country, but take normal precautions against petty theft and pickpocketing.
• Be mindful of sun protection and heatstroke during summer.

Need more clarity on Greece visa? check out helpful resources below

• Greece Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• Greece Business Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• Greece Work Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• Greece Visit Visa Requirements - Documents, Eligibility & Fees
• Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
• Embassy of Greece in New Delhi

  Greece Visa Application Center - Mumbai