How to Apply for Greece Schengen Visa?

How to Apply for a Greek visa: Steps

• Step 1: Determine your Purpose for travelling to Greece, which will determine the Type of visa you should apply for.
• Step 2: Determine how many Entries to Greece/the Schengen area you need.
• Step 3: Gather your Required Documents.
• Step 4: Schedule a Schengen Visa appointment (if applicable).
  • Depending on the location of the consulate/visa center you are applying through, you may have to schedule an appointment in order to submit your application. Alternatively, you may be able to drop off your application without prior arrangement, so long as you do so during normal operating hours. Contact your Greek Consulate/visa center directly to find out if you need to schedule an appointment in order to submit your application.
• Step 5: Fill out your application.
  • Different Greek Consulates/visa processing centers may provide different ways of accessing applications – you can download, complete, and print out an online Schengen application form here. Submit your paper application copy to whichever Greek Consulate/visa center you are applying through.
• Step 6: Pay the application fee.
• Step 7: Submit your Greek Schengen visa application (at least 15 days prior to travelling, not before 6 months).
  • Different Greek Consulates/processing centers may have different procedures for submitting applications. In almost all cases, applications must be submitted in person to the consulate/center you are applying through. When you submit your application, you will likely also be asked to submit biometric data (fingerprints). Children younger than 12 years are likely exempt from having their fingerprints collected. However, facial photo capturing will be required from the age of 5 years and above.
  • Please note, after submitting your application, you may be asked to return at a later date for a personal interview to provide further information/materials related to your trip.

When to Apply

Submit your application at least 15 days prior to the day you intend to travel, and no earlier than 6 months before you leave.

Where to Apply

Applications for Schengen visas to Greece should be submitted at either a Greek Consulate/Embassy or a visa application center that has a relationship with Greece.

You will likely have to lodge your application in the country where you legally reside/hold a residence permit. Click here to find Greek Consulates/Embassies in your area.

In countries where there is no Greek consular presence, applications may be lodged via the consulate of a Schengen state representing Greek consular interests.

Processing Time for Greek Schengen Visa

The Greek Schengen visa processing time is generally 15 days, although it can take up to 60 days in certain cases.

If your Greek visa was approved:

Collect your visa and make sure the information it contains is valid and complete.

If your Greek visa was denied:

If you receive a Schengen visa rejection for Greece, you have the right to an appeal.

Begin this process by picking up your standard issued-visa refusal form, which describes why your request was denied. Your letter of rejection will explain the detailed steps of the appeal process, including where to send it.

Please note, most Schengen visa appeals must be submitted within 3 weeks of receiving your rejection.

Finally, once you obtain your Schengen Visa for Greece, please note the following:

Your visa may be revoked if you do not notify the Greek Consulate/visa application center of any changes to your trip itinerary that occur after you have submitted your application.

Being approved for a Greek visa does not guarantee you entry to either Greece or the general Schengen area-you can still be refused entry to both places upon arrival.

Alternatively, you may have to show additional documents regarding your finances or accommodation in order to enter Greece/the Schengen area.