Greece Visa for Indians, Fees, Documents & Application Process in 2025
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!
Do Indians Need a Visa to Travel to Greece?
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.
Is There a Visa on Arrival in Greece for Indian Citizens?
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.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Greece?
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.
Different Types of Greece Visas for Indians and Their Validity
The following are the types of Greece visas candidates can apply for from India:
Eligibility Criteria for Indians to Qualify for a Greece Visa
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).
Documents Required for Indians to Apply for a Greece Visa
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.
Documents Required in Other Cases
How to Apply for a Greece Visa for Indians Online?
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 for Greece Visa from India
Register yourself by logging into the official website of GVC World.
Select Visa Application Centre for Greece Visa
This site will ask you to select a preferred Visa Application Centre depending on your residential address.
Fill Schengen Visa Application for Greece
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.
Visit the Visa Application Center for Your Schengen Visa Interview
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 Payment for Greece Visa from India
Make your application payment and save the acknowledgement receipt.
Track Your Schengen Visa Application for Greece
Once you've submitted your application at the VAC, you can track its status online to see if your passport is ready for pickup.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Visa for Greece?
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.
Fees for Greece Visa Application for Indians
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.
Key Things to Keep in Mind While Travelling to Greece
- Make sure to carry travel health insurance that covers potential medical expenses during your stay in Greece. This is a requirement for the Schengen visa.
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.
List of Greece Embassy and Consulate in India
List of Indian Embassy and Consulate in Greece
What Happens If My Greece Visa Application is Rejected?
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.
How Can I Avoid Getting My Greece Visa Application Rejected?
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.
Can I Extend My Greece Visa While I'm in the Country?
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.
Why Should I Buy Travel Insurance for Greece?
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.
Travel assistance:
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.
Medical assistance:
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.
Luggage assistance:
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.
But, Why Choose Digit Travel Insurance?
Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance to Greece:
Adventure Activities Covered:
Our coverage includes activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, etc. (provided the duration is one day).
Smartphone-enabled claims process:
It’s all smart with a smartphone-enabled claim process. No paperwork, no running around. Just upload your documents when you make a claim.
Missed Call Facility:
Give us a missed call, and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. No more international calling charges!
Immediate Monetary Compensation for Flight Delays:
If your flight is delayed, we give you monetary compensation to ease your inconvenience.
Worldwide Support:
We’ve partnered with the world’s largest health & travel insurance network Allianz, to support you seamlessly across the globe. T&C apply*
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.
FAQs about Greece Tourist Visa from India
For how long is an airport transit visa valid?
An airport transit visa is issued to you if you intend to spend some time in the international zone of the Schengen country airport to board a flight to some other country later. However, it only has a validity of 24 hours and will not even allow you to leave the area to visit the Schengen country for even one day.
Where can I apply for a Greece Visa in India?
Greek authorities allow the Global Visa Centre World to carry out the visa application process in the residing country of the applicants. So, you can apply by visiting any of its branches in your city. It has one in every big city like Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Jaipur, etc.
How early should I apply for a Greece Schengen visa?
You can apply for a Greece Schengen visa up to 6 months before your planned trip and at least 15 days prior to your intended travel date. It's recommended to apply 3-4 weeks in advance to allow enough time for processing.
Can I work in Greece with a Schengen visa?
No, a Schengen visa only allows short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. If you intend to work in Greece, you will need a work permit.
Is biometric data required for the Greece Schengen visa?
Yes, Indian applicants need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, when submitting a Greece Schengen visa application. This data is valid for 5 years.
Can I visit other Schengen countries with my Greece visa?
Yes, a valid Greece Schengen visa allows you to travel to other countries within the Schengen Area, as long as your visa is still valid and you adhere to the 90-day stay limit within a 180-day period.
Do I need to book flights and hotels before applying for a Greece visa?
Yes, you need to provide proof of your travel arrangements, including a flight ticket when applying for the visa. However, you are advised not to purchase non-refundable tickets before your visa is approved to avoid any financial loss.
Is there a special Greece visa for students?
Yes, if you plan to study in Greece for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-term student visa (national visa) through the Greek Embassy. This visa is specifically designed for students pursuing education in Greece and has different requirements from the Schengen visa.