🇬🇷 Greece Schengen Visa Guide 2026

· 15 min read

Greece - with its stunning islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete), ancient history, and Mediterranean beaches - is a dream destination for millions. With reasonable financial requirements (€50/day) and efficient processing, Greece welcomes tourists from around the world. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers everything you need for your Greece Schengen visa application.

Table of Contents

Greece Schengen Visa Overview

A Greece Schengen visa allows you to visit Greece and all other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Greece is popular for both summer island vacations and historical tours.

Key Statistics (2026)

Metric Value
Visa Fee €90 (adults), €45 (children 6-12)
Processing Time 10-15 working days (average)
Approval Rate ~83% (varies by nationality)
Daily Financial Requirement €50 per day (reasonable level)
Maximum Stay 90 days in any 180-day period
Peak Season June-September (plan ahead!)

Greece Visa Requirements

Financial Requirements

Greece requires proof of €50 per day for your entire stay - moderate among Schengen countries and more affordable than France (€65) or Spain (€100).

Trip Duration Minimum Amount (€50/day) Recommended Amount
7 days €350 €550-€750
10 days €500 €750-€1,000
15 days €750 €1,100-€1,500
30 days €1,500 €2,250-€3,000
💡 Island Travel Tip: If visiting expensive islands like Santorini or Mykonos, show higher amounts. Accommodation on popular islands can be €80-200/night in summer. Showing €70-100/day strengthens applications for island tourism.

Bank Statement Requirements

  • ✅ Last 3-6 months (3 months minimum)
  • ✅ All pages, stamped and signed by bank
  • ✅ Regular income deposits visible
  • ✅ Consistent balance matching your salary
  • ✅ No sudden large deposits right before application

Complete Document Checklist for Greece Visa

Universal Documents (All Applicants)

  1. Visa Application Form
    • Download from Greek embassy/consulate website
    • Complete in English or Greek
    • Signed and dated
  2. Valid Passport
    • Valid for 3+ months after planned return
    • Issued within last 10 years
    • At least 2 blank pages
    • Photocopy of all used pages
  3. Old Passports (if available, showing travel history)
  4. Passport Photos
    • 2 recent color photos (within 6 months)
    • 35x45mm, white background
    • Biometric standard
  5. Travel Health Insurance
    • €50,000+ medical coverage
    • Valid for entire Schengen Area
    • Covers medical emergency, hospitalization, repatriation
  6. Round-Trip Flight Reservation (not final tickets)
  7. Accommodation Proof
    • Hotel bookings for entire stay OR
    • Invitation letter from host (if staying with someone)
    • Ferry bookings if island hopping
  8. Cover Letter (recommended)
  9. Travel Itinerary
    • Day-by-day plan
    • Cities/islands you'll visit
    • Main attractions planned
  10. Bank Statements
    • Last 3-6 months, stamped
    • Showing €50/day minimum

Employment Documents

  • Employment Certificate on company letterhead:
    • Position and salary
    • Employment start date
    • Company contact details
    • Stamp and authorized signature
  • Leave Approval Letter
  • Salary Slips (last 6 months)

Additional Documents by Category

Self-Employed/Business Owners:

  • Business registration certificate
  • Tax returns (last 2 years)
  • Company bank statements (6 months)
  • Business license

Students:

  • University enrollment letter
  • Student ID copy
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC)
  • Parent/sponsor's financial documents
  • Sponsorship letter

Retired Persons:

  • Pension statements (6 months)
  • Retirement certificate
  • Bank statements showing pension deposits

Visiting Family/Friends:

  • Invitation letter from host in Greece
  • Host's Greek ID/residence permit copy
  • Proof of relationship
  • Host's accommodation proof
  • Host's financial documents

Greece Visa Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Application Center

Greece visa applications are submitted through:

  • Greek Embassy/Consulate (direct applications in some countries)
  • VFS Global or BLS International (most common)

Step 2: Book Appointment

  1. Visit Greek embassy or VFS/BLS website
  2. Create account
  3. Select "Short-stay Schengen visa"
  4. Choose category (tourism/business/family)
  5. Book appointment
⚠️ Peak Season Alert: If traveling June-September, book appointments 4-6 weeks in advance. Summer appointments fill up quickly!

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Gather all documents from checklist. Organize neatly.

Step 4: Attend Appointment

  • Arrive 15 minutes early
  • Bring originals + 1 set of copies
  • Submit biometrics (fingerprints, photo)
  • Pay visa fee
  • Collect receipt with tracking number

Step 5: Track Application

Use reference number to track online.

Step 6: Collect Passport

Notification when ready. Collect or use courier.

Greece Visa Fees (2026)

Category Consular Fee Service Fee Total
Adults (12+ years) €90 €25-35 €115-125
Children (6-11) €45 €25-35 €70-80
Children under 6 FREE €25-35 €25-35

Optional Services

  • Courier return: €20-30
  • SMS tracking: €3-5
  • Photo service: €8-10

Processing Time

Standard: 10-15 working days from biometrics

Application Type Processing Time
Straightforward applications 7-10 days
Standard applications 10-15 days
Applications needing review 20-30 days
Peak season (summer) Add 5-10 days to above
💡 Summer Travel: If visiting June-September, apply 4-6 weeks before travel. Peak season processing is slower.

Greece Visa Approval Tips

✅ Do's

  1. Show Adequate Funds - €50/day minimum, but show 1.5-2x for islands
  2. Book Island Hotels Early - Show confirmed accommodations
  3. Include Ferry Bookings - If island hopping, show inter-island transport
  4. Show Travel History - Previous Schengen visas help significantly
  5. Write Cover Letter - Explain why Greece and your return plans
  6. Apply Early for Summer - 4-6 weeks before travel in peak season
  7. Use Booking.com - Free cancellation hotels

❌ Don'ts

  1. Don't Show Minimal Funds - €500 for 10-day island trip won't work
  2. Don't Apply Last-Minute in Summer - Processing delays in peak season
  3. Don't Make Last-Minute Deposits - Shows "show money"
  4. Don't Buy Non-Refundable Tickets - Use reservations
  5. Don't Fake Documents - Greece cross-checks; leads to ban

Common Rejection Reasons

  1. Insufficient Financial Proof - Not meeting €50/day
  2. Weak Travel Purpose - Vague island-hopping plans
  3. No Proof of Return - Unemployed, no ties to home
  4. Incomplete Documents - Missing paperwork
  5. Fraudulent Documents - Fake statements, letters
  6. Previous Violations - Overstays in Schengen

If Rejected

  • Read rejection letter for reason
  • Can appeal within specified timeframe
  • Or fix issues and reapply

Greece Visa FAQ

Can I visit Greek islands with a Greece Schengen visa?

Yes! All Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, etc.) are part of Greece and covered by your Schengen visa. You can freely travel between mainland and islands.

Do I need to show ferry bookings for island hopping?

While not always mandatory, showing ferry/flight bookings between islands strengthens your application by proving detailed planning. Use companies like Blue Star Ferries or Aegean Airlines.

Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Greece visa?

Yes! Greece Schengen visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries. However, Greece must be your MAIN destination (most days spent) or first entry point.

What's the best time to visit Greece?

For visa purposes, any time works. For travel:

  • Peak season (June-September): Best weather, but expensive and crowded
  • Shoulder season (April-May, September-October): Good weather, fewer tourists, better prices
  • Winter (November-March): Cheapest, some islands have limited services
Note: Peak season visa applications take longer due to volume.

How much does a typical Greece island trip cost?

Budget estimate for 10 days (Athens + 2 islands):

  • Accommodation: €500-€1,200 (€50-120/night)
  • Food: €250-€400 (€25-40/day)
  • Ferries/flights: €100-€250
  • Activities: €100-€200
  • Total: €950-€2,050
Show at least €1,000-€1,200 in bank for a 10-day trip. Santorini/Mykonos need higher budgets.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, MANDATORY. Requirements:

  • €50,000+ medical coverage
  • Valid for ALL Schengen countries
  • Covers medical emergency, hospitalization, repatriation
Schengen-specific policies start at €1-2/day.