Greece is a beautiful nation with numerous islands and vast coastlines, thus making it a dream destination for many. However, you cannot just travel to this country only with a passport. You will require a Greece visa for Indians. The visa enables the holder to stay in Greece for a specified period, carry out activities and engage.
If you are planning a trip to Greece, it is mandatory for you to purchase a travel insurance policy to do so.
Get more information on types of Greece visas for Indians, eligibility, and others below!
Yes, Greece falls in the Schengen area of countries with abolished border control between one another. This means you will require a Greece visa to travel to this country.
No, Greece does not offer a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens. If you are an Indian national planning to visit Greece, you must apply for a Schengen visa in advance. This visa must be obtained from the Greek Embassy or Consulate or through designated visa application centers in India before your travel. For detailed guidelines and the application process, visit the official Greece visa website.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Indians applying for a Schengen visa to Greece. The insurance must cover medical emergencies and repatriation with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.
It is crucial to ensure that your insurance policy meets these requirements, as lacking proper coverage can lead to visa rejection. For more details, check the Schengen visa guidelines on the official website.
The following are the types of Greece visas candidates can apply for from India:
There are specific eligibility criteria Indians need to fulfil to qualify for a Greece visa application process. Find details below:
You must have a passport valid for at least six months.
You must be residing in your home country with a stable job here.
You should have sufficient fund to support your stay in Greece.
You should have an intention to return to your home country after the stay in Greece.
You should not hold any criminal records.
You should be able to produce all the documents related to your visit, including travel itinerary, flight details, and plans of visiting other Schengen destinations.
You must have travel insurance with minimum coverage of USD 32,627.49 (EUR 30217.95).
When researching a Greece visa, one of the most important things to know about is the documents required for application. They are:
Fully completed and signed application form
A valid passport
Two recently taken passport-sized photos
Proof of the travel insurance policy
Proof of accommodation
Round trip itinerary or reservation
Proof of financial means
Evidence of the payment of application fees
Along with these general document requirements, there are other specific Greece visa requirements for Indian citizens to fulfil. It has been categorised based on the candidate’s employment status and visa type.
The following is the step-by-step guide on online application for a Greece visa for Indians. Refer to it to avoid any mistakes:
Register yourself by logging into the official website of GVC World.
This site will ask you to select a preferred Visa Application Centre depending on your residential address.
Next, you will find an application form requiring simple personal, touring and passport information. If you're unable to apply online, you can use the Form Filling Service available at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for Greece.
After completing the online application, print it out and bring it, along with the necessary documents, to your appointment at the VAC and attend your interview.
Make your application payment and save the acknowledgement receipt.
Once you've submitted your application at the VAC, you can track its status online to see if your passport is ready for pickup.
The processing time for Greece visa application generally ranges from 15 to 30 days. However, it can also take up to 60 days. It depends on the complexity involved and the work pressure on the officials.
Note: The visa fees are subject to change, based on new immigration rules, the country in which you apply, the local currency and currency exchange rates. As of 22nd October 2024, the exchange rate for €1 is ₹91.
A few people who are exempted from the fees include:
Kids who are below 6 years old.
Representatives participating in events of NGOs, sports, and conferences and who are less than 25 years of age.
Researchers from third countries travel for scientific research.
Students, graduates or undergraduates travelling for study.
Greece uses the Euro. While card payments are common, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially in rural areas.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate. If you plan to visit the islands, consider traveling in spring or early autumn to avoid the summer heat and crowds.
Public transport is well-developed in cities. For island hopping, ferries are a popular option. Plan your ferry bookings in advance during high season.
If your visa application is rejected, you will receive a letter detailing the reasons for the refusal. You can either correct the issues in a new application or appeal the decision within 30 days of receiving the rejection. The appeal process may involve submitting additional documentation to address the reasons for rejection.
You need to check the following before submitting your Greece visa application form:
All documents are complete and accurate.
You provide proof of sufficient financial means for your trip.
Your travel insurance meets Schengen requirements.
Your purpose of visit and travel itinerary are clearly stated.
Any inconsistencies or missing information can lead to rejection.
Yes, it is possible to extend a short-stay Schengen visa under exceptional circumstances, such as a humanitarian reason or force majeure. However, the extension must be applied for through the local immigration authorities before your visa expires, and approvals are rare.
It is mandatory to buy travel insurance policy whenever you are travelling to international destinations from India. In particular, after the COVID 19 crisis, it is considered an essential requirement to avoid hassles of healthcare assistance in a foriegn country. Here are the reasons for which you should get such an insurance policy.
There are often common hassles while travelling, such as long waiting hours or cancellation of flights. Such issues can be annoying and often cause losses if you are running short on time. The travel insurance provider will provide financial assistance and reimburse the amount for cancelled flights.
Falling sick or meeting with accidents can be a serious liability when you are in an unknown destination. Your travel insurer will provide financial assistance to deal with physical or property damages in such cases, making your stay much easier.
You might end up losing your luggage or important belongings, like passport and ID cards. It is difficult to deal with such issues in a foreing country. Having travel insurance will help you receive financial compensation in case of such losses.
Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance to Greece:
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The above is a comprehensive guide on the Greece visa for Indians. So here you can find information about visa types, eligibility, documents required, how to apply and other essentials. Refer to it to avoid any mistakes while sending a request. Also, it will help you to select the correct visa for a tension-free stay in the Schengen country.