Overview
Greece follows the standard EU Schengen visa process. You cannot complete the entire application online — like every Schengen country, EU rules require you to appear in person to submit biometrics — but you handle the whole thing yourself: fill out the form (often via a visa application centre's online portal or a downloadable PDF from your local Greek consulate), gather your documents, book an appointment, and attend it in person. No paid visa agency is required. In some countries, applications are handled directly by the Greek consulate; in others (including India, via the Global Visa Center), a designated visa application centre manages the appointment booking and document collection step.
Visa categories
| Type C — short stay | Tourism, business or family visits up to 90 days within any 180-day period. |
|---|---|
| Type A — airport transit | Passing through a Greek airport's international zone only. |
| National (Type D) visa | Long-stay visas for work, study or family reunification — a separate process from the short-stay Schengen visa. |
Documents checklist
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond your stay, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photos (biometric photo standard applies at most missions)
- Travel health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation for every night of your stay
- Bank statements from the last 3 months, bank-stamped
- Employment letter stating position, salary and approved leave dates (or business ownership proof)
- Cover letter with a detailed day-by-day itinerary
Step-by-step application process
1. Identify where you apply
This is usually a Greek consulate or an appointed visa application centre in your country of residence — check the Greek embassy's website covering your location for the exact channel.
2. Fill in the application form
Complete it online where a portal is offered, or download and fill in the PDF from the consulate's site; sign every page.
3. Gather your supporting documents
Assemble everything from the checklist, and get bank statements officially stamped where required.
4. Book your appointment
Book as early as possible — 8–10 weeks ahead is advisable for summer travel dates, given high demand for Greek islands.
5. Attend in person
Submit your documents, give biometrics (fingerprints, unless registered within the last 59 months), and pay the visa fee (around €80/$90).
6. Track your decision
Processing is typically handled within the Schengen-standard window; apply well ahead of your trip.
Fees & processing time
| Application window | 3–6 months ahead, no later than 15 calendar days before travel |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | Around €80 (roughly $90) |
| Approval rate cited | Reported at around 91–95% for well-documented applications, per third-party visa guides — treat as indicative, not official |
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Greek Schengen visa entirely online?
No — the form can often be started online, but personal appearance for biometrics is required under EU rules, so you must attend an appointment in person.
What if I'm visiting multiple Schengen countries?
Apply at the consulate of the country where you'll spend the most time. If time is evenly split, apply where you'll first enter the Schengen Area.
Is a missing document an automatic rejection?
Not necessarily — Greek consulates are often cited as relatively flexible, sometimes requesting a missing document rather than rejecting outright, but don't rely on this and submit a complete file the first time.
Sources reviewed: mfa.gr (Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Greek consular pages, VFS Global one-pager guidance. Fees, appointment lead times and document specifics vary by country of application — always confirm with the Greek consulate or visa centre serving your location.