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Greece Visa for Indians
If you're planning to visit Greece, you'll need to get a visa before you travel since Greece requires Indian citizens to have a Schengen visa. This is actually great news because this same visa also lets you explore other European countries during your trip.
Greece has become a top choice for Indian travellers because the country offers incredible experiences. You can see the stunning white buildings and blue domes of Santorini, or explore the ancient history of Athens, where you can walk through the famous Acropolis.
Beautiful islands like Mykonos and Crete provide perfect beaches for relaxation, while cities like Athens and Thessaloniki serve up delicious Greek food alongside fascinating historical sites. Over 40 million people visit Greece each year, and more Indians are choosing this Mediterranean destination for their holidays because they can enjoy rich Greek culture, amazing food, and breathtaking views all in one trip.
When it comes to visas, you can choose from different types depending on your travel plans. Tourist visas work perfectly for holidays and sightseeing, while business visas are available for work-related trips, and students can apply for study visas if they're planning educational stays. You can also decide between single-entry visas for one-time visits or multiple-entry visas if you want to visit Greece several times.
Greece Visa: All You Need to Know
Indian travellers planning to visit Greece need a pre-approved visa. And since the country is a part of the Schengen Area, you can also visit Greece if you have a valid Schengen visa from another European country. The visa type depends on your travel purpose and duration. For trips under 90 days, like vacations, business meetings or family visits, you need a Type-C Schengen visa. For longer stays involving work or studies, a national visa is required instead.
The Schengen visa process involves applying to the VFS Global or the Greek consulate. You must provide a valid passport, completed application form, travel itinerary, financial proof and travel insurance for Greece. Additionally, biometric data submission is required during the application process. You must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person to provide your fingerprints when submitting your Greece visa application.
Visa applications must be submitted at least 15 days before departure, as the standard processing time ranges between 7 and 15 working days. With proper documentation and by following the guidelines, you will ensure a smooth visa application process.
Greece Visa Insights
Over 40 million people visit Greece each year, and more Indians are choosing this Mediterranean destination for their holidays, for its strong approval rate of 86%, rich Greek culture, amazing food, and breathtaking views all in one trip. Greece also ranks fifth among Schengen countries in terms of receiving the highest number of travellers, and India happens to be its 5th largest source market.
Types of Greek Visas
Greece is a part of the Schengen region, and like other Schengen countries, it offers short-term Schengen visas, National visas, diplomatic visas, transit visas and more. Before applying for a visa, understanding the type of visa applicable to your purpose of visit is crucial.
Tourist Visa
Purpose: Granted to travellers visiting Greece for leisure or sightseeing. With this, you can explore cultural and historical sites or enjoy a vacation.
Validity: Up to 90 days
Processing Time: 7-15 working days for standard processing for visas like short-term visas.
What to Watch Out For: Your travel insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation and be valid for your Schengen area stay. Apply at least 22 days before your intended departure to avoid delays.
Transit Visa
Purpose: Required for Indian citizens travelling through Greece to another non-Schengen destination, including airport or seaport transits.
Validity: Up to 5 days
Processing Time: Usually processed within 7–15 working days.
What to Watch Out For: The Greek transit visa application must be completed in advance. You also need a confirmed onward ticket and, if applicable, a valid visa for the final destination.
Work Visa
Purpose: For Indian nationals heading to Greece to work under a sponsored employment contract in industries like tourism, education, IT or maritime.
Validity: 1 to 2 years (as per work contract)
Processing Time: Takes 15-45 working days for standard processing for visas like long-term visas.
What to Watch Out For: Ensure your employer submits all required documentation, such as a Greek work permit, contract and employment letters, to avoid delays or rejections.
Business Visa
Purpose: Issued for professional purposes such as attending meetings or conferences. This allows you to conduct business activities like meetings or trade fairs.
Validity: Up to 90 days
Processing Time: 7-15 working days for standard processing for visas like short-term visas.
What to Watch Out For: Include a valid invitation letter from a recognised Greek company stating your visit’s purpose and duration. A Schengen business visa (Type C) can’t be extended beyond 90 days or converted into a work visa.
Student Visa
Purpose: Designed for Indian students admitted to recognised Greek universities or institutions for full-time academic programs.
Validity: 1 to 4 years, depending on your program
Processing Time: Usually takes 3 to 6 weeks, or approximately 45–60 working days
What to Watch Out For: Must include an admission letter from a recognised university and proof of sufficient funds. Extensions may be possible if your studies continue.
Medical Visa
Purpose: Issued to Indian nationals seeking medical treatment in Greece, including hospitalisation or follow-up care.
Validity: Duration of the medical treatment
Processing Time: Typically 15-45 days.
What to Watch Out For: You’ll need medical documentation from a Greek healthcare provider confirming the need for treatment. Also, travel insurance covering the entire duration is required.
How to Apply for a Greek Visa?
Applying for a Greek visa requires a specific procedure. Here are the steps to follow, whether you choose to apply through the official visa center or through VFS Global, a third-party service provider.
Through the Global Visa Centre
Go to the official Greece Visa Application website and create an account. Log in to access the application form.
Fill in personal, travel and financial details accurately. Review your details carefully before submitting.
Attach scanned copies of the required documents, including a passport, travel itinerary and financial proof and complete the payment.
Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre or consulate for your visa application, such as a Greece business visa for Indians.
Attend the appointment with original documents and biometric data.
Use the tracking ID provided during submission for real-time updates.
Through VFS Global
Visit the VFS Global Greece Visa page to find your nearest centre.
Schedule an appointment to submit your application for a Greek visa for Indians.
Carry originals and photocopies of required documents.
Submit documents and provide biometrics at the centre.
Once processed, pick up your passport or opt for a courier service.
Note: For further details on the Greece visa application for Indian citizens, visit the Hellenic Republic of Greece in India.
Traveling to Greece?
Get a Greece travel insurance plan tailored for your journey
Documents Required for a Greece Visa
General Documents
Passport: Must have at least 6 months’ validity from your date of travel, with at least 2 blank pages.
Visa Form: Completed and signed visa application form with accurate details.
Recent Passport Size Photos: Taken within the last 6 months, 4x6 cm or 2x2 inches, white background, no glasses.
Travel Itinerary: A day-by-day plan of your stay in Greece, including dates, destinations, and activities.
Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your host with their address.
Round-Trip Flight Tickets: Confirmed flight tickets for both entry into and exit from Greece.
Travel Insurance: Valid for all Schengen countries, covering at least €30,000 in medical emergencies and repatriation.
Financial Proof: Recent bank statements, salary slips or ITRs proving sufficient funds for your trip.
Additional Documents
Invitation Letter from a Company: For business travel in Greece; should be on company letterhead with duration.
Employer Letter/Contract: States your job position, employment status and reason for travelling.
Business Registration Certificate: Copy of the inviting company’s legal registration in Greece.
Work Permit: Mandatory for employment visa applicants, issued by the Greek authorities.
Employer’s Sponsorship Letter: If your employer covers travel expenses, a formal declaration is required.
Admission Letter from University: Confirms your enrolment and course details for student visas.
Proof of Tuition Payment: Payment receipt or bank transfer proof of tuition fees.
Sponsor’s Residence Permit in Greece: If staying with a sponsor, proof of their legal residence is required.
Please note: For the complete list of documents, please check the official Greece Embassy website.
Greece Visa Cost for Indians
Type of Greece Visa | Visa Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
Short-term Schengen Visa | 90 |
Children (Below 12 years) | Free |
Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders | Free |
Family Reunification Visa | 90 |
Employment Visa (Type A) | 180 |
Employment Visa (Type B) | 75 |
Study Visa | 90 |
Digital Nomads (per family member) | Visa Fee: 75
|
Service Fee (VFS Global) | ₹1,800 |
Note: The fees are subject to currency exchange rates, and additional Greece visa charges for Indians for optional services, like premium lounges or courier services, may apply. Always verify on the official Greece Embassy website.
The Greece visa renewal for Indians is possible only under certain conditions and when the application is submitted on time. Extension for tourist purposes is generally not approved. Thus, ensure that you:
Why Do You Need Greece Travel Insurance for Indians?
Dreaming of a Greek getaway to witness ancient ruins and soak in the endless blue seas? With IndusInd Travel Insurance for Greece, you can protect your journey against a variety of unforeseen events.
Key Takeaways
Greece is a picture-perfect vacation that takes you to a land of ancient wonders and breathtaking island sunsets. Obtaining a Greek visa is a straightforward process, and knowing the correct type of visa for your visit can help in a successful application.
Additionally, getting your document in order is another crucial aspect to ensure a successful visa application. One mandatory requirement is travel insurance with medical coverage of at least EUR 30,000. This is because medical costs are quite high in Greece. For instance, if you feel unwell after indulging in authentic Greek cuisine and need to visit a clinic, travel insurance can cover your medical expenses.
At IndusInd General Insurance, we offer travel insurance with medical coverage up to $500,000 – more than enough to ensure visa compliance! You also get trip protection for events like flight delays, luggage delays & loss, and emergency cash assistance in case of theft. Our 24/7 global assistance* ensures help is always within reach via the Self-i app, so you can focus on exploring Greece’s history and islands without worry.
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