Greece Schengen Visa: How to Obtain a Visa to Travel to Greece?

If you're a United States (U.S.), Canadian, or Mexican citizen, you do not need a visa for short-term travel to Greece, as these countries have visa-free arrangements with the European Union (EU). However, starting from 2025, you'll need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver before your trip. This waiver can be obtained online and will cost around $8 (€7).

Who Needs a Greece Schengen Visa?

Citizens from countries that do not have visa waiver deals—including China, India, Russia, and most African nations, even those who are U.S. permanent residents or Green Card holders—will need to apply for a Greece Schengen Visa. This visa allows travel not only to Greece but to all Schengen Zone countries, which have abolished internal border controls.

The fee for a Greece Schengen Visa is €80 ($88) as of January 2020. If you’re planning to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, you will need to look into obtaining a long-term national visa for Greece.

Applying for a Greece Schengen Visa from the U.S.

1. Download the Visa Application Form: You can download the Greece Schengen visa application form from the Greek Consulate’s official website at mfa.gr/usa/en/visas.html?mission=was.
2. Schedule a Visa Appointment: After completing the form, you’ll need to book an appointment at one of the nine Greek consulates across the U.S. Details for scheduling can also be found on the consular website.
3. Processing Time: During busy periods, appointments may not be immediately available, so it’s advised to book at least two weeks in advance for a short-stay visa and one month in advance for a long-stay visa. Applications cannot be submitted more than 90 days before your planned departure date.

Greece Schengen Visa Application for Indian Citizens

If you are applying from India, you will need to apply online through the Global Visa Center (GVCW) website. You’ll then book an appointment at one of their offices, located in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and New Delhi.

For more information, visit the Greece embassy in New Delhi:

• Address: EP-32, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
• Phone: (009111) 26880700-4

Required Documents for a Greece Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa to Greece, you'll need:

• A passport with at least two blank pages, issued no more than 10 years ago, and valid for at least three months beyond your departure date.
• Round-trip tickets and an itinerary for your trip. (learn more about flight itinerary)
• Fingerprints, if they have not been provided in the past 59 months.
• A completed visa application fee of €80 ($88).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental agreement, or notarized letter of invitation).
• Financial proof showing you can support yourself (recent bank statements, W2 forms for U.S. residents, employer letter stating your salary or business proof).
• For students: A reference letter from your educational institution confirming good standing and expected graduation date.
• A recent passport-size photo. (learn more about photo requirements)
• A Schengen-compliant travel insurance certificate with coverage of up to €30,000 ($33,000).

Special Considerations for U.S. Residents and Green Card Holders

For U.S. residents who are not citizens, you will need to provide:

• A Green Card or I-20 student form to verify your residency or student status.
• Your passport must meet the requirements mentioned above.

How Much Does a Visa to Greece Cost?

• €90 for adults (roughly $100) 
• €45 (roughly $50) for children aged 6–12 
• Free for children under 6  Other administrative fees may apply based on your application center.

Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Travel and Health Insurance for Greece Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen visa, you must have travel and medical insurance valid for the entire Schengen Area, even for countries you may not plan to visit. The travel insurance must cover:

• Accidents, illnesses, emergency treatments, and repatriation to the U.S. in case of death.
• A minimum of €30,000 ($33,000) in medical coverage.

AXA offers three different plans to meet these requirements,

• Up to $100,000 in medical coverage.
• Up to $500 for dental expenses.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
• 24/7 assistance.

Additional Tips for your trip

• Apply for your visa 3 to 6 months before your trip.
• Processing times can vary, but it’s recommended to apply at least 6 weeks in advance.
• Ensure that all documents, especially proof of funds and accommodation, are complete to avoid delays.

For U.S. travelers and Green Card holders, securing a Schengen travel insurance plan with AXA is a vital part of your visa application process, and AXA ensures you meet all necessary requirements with coverage that exceeds the minimum required amount.