Planning a trip to Greece? As well as plenty of sun, sea, and sand, this beautiful destination offers a rich and unique history to discover and many picturesque towns to explore. From the capital city of Athens to idyllic islands perfect for hopping between, there’s a holiday for everyone in Greece.
Before you can start enjoying your escape, you’ll want to make sure you have all your documents and information together. This can mean flight tickets, boarding passes, hotel information, and – for some destinations – your tourist visa.
A visa is an official document from a government that lets the holder enter the country legally. There are several types, including tourist, student, work, and transit visas. These documents are either physically or digitally attached to your passport, depending on where you visit.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
If you have a full British passport, you can travel to Greece without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180 days.
In fact, since January 2021, British passport holders can travel without a visa to any destination in the Schengen Area for the same period. The Schengen Area includes 26 European countries that have removed passport and border control at their shared borders. They include France, Germany, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and others.
So no, if you are a British passport holder, you don’t need a visa to visit Greece for a holiday.
How to get a visa for Greece
Of course, some non-British passport holders living in the UK will need to apply for a tourist visa before going on holiday in Greece. If this is you, you must have a UK residence permit for at least another 3 months after the date you plan on leaving Greece.
To apply, you’ll need a passport or travel document that’s been issued within the last 10 years. In addition, you need a completed visa application form and one passport format photo, a cover letter, proof of travel arrangements and accommodation, and insurance. You also need at least 2 blank pages in your passport and at least 3 months of validity left after the date you plan on leaving Greece.
You can complete your application form online and print it, then schedule an appointment with the GVCW Visa Application Center for Greece to submit your application. You can do this for up to 6 months before travelling. Then, you can track your application process online and collect your passport when it’s ready.
How much does a visa for Greece cost?
If you’re applying for a Greece visa, you’ll need to pay for it. The cost depends on the type, how long you need it for, your age, and your nationality. Short-stay Greece visas cost €80 for adults and €40 for children, while under 6’s are exempt from paying a visa fee. Students, researchers, and some others are also exempt from paying the visa fee.