Visa for travel to Greece.

Perhaps you've long dreamed of visiting history-rich Greece and finally put together an itinerary that includes one (or more) of its countless islands, as well as visits to the mountainous mainland and stops in its vibrant cities. Now it's time to ensure your arrival goes smoothly.

For many tourists, a valid passport is sufficient to enter Greece, but others need to obtain a visa several months in advance. Here's our guide to the requirements for traveling to Greece, how new EU systems may affect you, and considerations for digital nomads.

Visa-free entry to Greece

Greece is a member of both the EU and a visa-free country Schengen area ,This allows citizens of 29 member countries to travel between them visa-free. Citizens of non-member EU countries or European Economic Area (EEA) countries also do not require a visa for travel within the bloc.

In addition, citizens of more than 60 countries can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel, as well as some South American countries. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date. You may be asked to provide documents confirming the purpose of your visit and your departure date.Check with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,to see if your country is eligible for visa-free entry.

The 90-day period applies to the entire Schengen area, so if you plan to visit Italy or France as well as Greece, you will need to calculate the number of days you will spend in each country and fit them into the 90-day total.

There's no requirement to stay in the Schengen Area for a continuous 90 days: you can enter and exit at will for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. It's easy to calculate the length of your stay in the Schengen Area using online calculators designed for this purpose. However, keep in mind that if you stay longer than 90 days, the authorities of Greece or other Schengen countries may deport you or prohibit you from re-entering the bloc.

What is an entry/exit system?

Entry/exit system  (EES). Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face the first time you enter a border crossing. This practice will apply to all non-EU citizens traveling to a European country for a short stay. The EES system does not apply to citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.There are other exceptions, primarily for those who have a residence permit.

When will the ETIAS system be launched?

The EU is expected to introduce its ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) system. The requirement will be implemented in the last quarter of 2026, with an announcement to be made several months beforehand. This new requirement will affect travelers who do not require a visa to enter 30 European countries, including Greece, for short-term stays. If you hold a non-EU passport, you will need to apply online for pre-approval, similar to the US ESTA system (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The fee is €7 (US$8), with no fee for those under 18 or over 70. The process is designed to be quick and simple. If you have family members who are EU citizens or non-EU citizens entitled to free movement within the EU, you are also exempt from the fee.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Greece?

If you overstay in Greece or the Schengen Area for more than 90 days, you may be fined upon exiting and banned from entering any other Schengen Area country for three months. In Greece, fines for exceeding the 90-day visa-free period range from €600 to €1,200 (US$693 to $1,386).

If you are unable to leave before the 90-day period expires, you must apply for an extension at your nearest Foreigners' Office at least two weeks before your intended departure. Each application is reviewed individually, although it is highly unlikely that you will be allowed to stay for leisure.

Obtaining a visa to visit Greece

Some tourists require a short-term Schengen tourist visa to visit Greece or any other Schengen Area country. A tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Among the persons who require such a visa are, include citizens of China, India, South Africa and Lebanon.

Apply for a visa at the nearest Greek consulate in your country of origin no later than six months and no later than 15 calendar days before your intended travel date. In most cases, you will be required to appear in person. You will need to provide a recent passport-sized photograph and proof of medical insurance for the entire duration of your trip. You may also be asked to provide proof of accommodation and means of subsistence for the duration of your trip, as well as other documents. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure. A Schengen visa costs €90 (US$104) for applicants over 12 years old; children under 12 receive a visa free of charge. Tourist visas are generally valid for six months, and extensions are only possible in exceptional cases.

If there is no Greek consular office in your country, check the list of Schengen countries accepting visa applications from your country, on the ministry's website. Global Visa Center World processes visa applications from certain countries, including India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and you can apply online. If you are a family member of an EU or EEA citizen, or a Swiss citizen, you may be eligible for priority service and a fee waiver. The consulate typically makes a decision on your visa application within 15 calendar days, but this can take up to two months. Visa extensions are rarely granted, and applications must be submitted before the visa expires.

I'm a digital nomad. Can I get a visa for a longer stay in Greece?

Greece is doing its best to attract digital nomads, offering 12-month visas and two-year residence permits. If you work remotely, are a freelancer, or an entrepreneur from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can apply for a long-term visa, also known as a national visa type D, to stay in Greece for up to 12 months.

Apply for this visa at the Greek consulate in your country of residence, by email or registered mail. You will need to provide proof that you are self-employed or employed by a company or organization outside of Greece. Visa holders are not permitted to work for Greek-based employers on a permanent or freelance basis. You must prove that your monthly disposable income is at least €3,500 (US$4,044) to cover your living expenses during your stay. If you are joined by a spouse or partner, this amount is increased by 20%, and by 15% for each child. After the first year, you are eligible to apply for a two-year extension of your digital nomad residence permit.

If you live and work in Greece for less than 180 days per calendar year, you are not required to pay taxes in Greece. If this period is exceeded, you may be required to transfer your tax residency to Greece.