Greece Tourist Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

Also known as the Greece Schengen tourist visa, this entry permit allows people to visit the Greek nations for the purpose of tourism. These include taking part in activities such as sightseeing, leisure activities, adventure activities, etc. Being a type of the Schengen C category, this is issued for a duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. It can be approved with single-entry, double-entry, or even a multiple-entry.

To apply for the Greece tourist visa from India, you can do the application offline or online. You may do the application online or offline. The Greek government, however, encourages you to apply online as this process is faster and simpler. Before starting the application you must ensure that you are eligible to travel as a tourist. After this, you may proceed to make the application as mentioned below- 

1. Acquire all the necessary documents you need for the application.
2. If you choose the offline method, download the Greece tourist visa application form from the website of the embassy, fill it, and then take a print out.
3. If you choose to apply online, you must create an account at the website of the Visa Application Center for Greece (VAC), login to your account and fill in the application form. Print the confirmation mail you receive.
4. Proceed to make an appointment at one of the VACs, or at the embassy. You can do this by call, email, or using the online portal. 
5. With the completed application form (or confirmation page), documents, and fees attend the appointment.
6. You will have to submit your biometrics here. If required by the embassy, you may also have a personal interview with a consular officer. In certain cases, you can also do this via Skype. 

Ensure that you submit only the legitimate documents, and provide the correct information. Providing with fake documents or wrong information can get your application rejected. A Schengen visa rejection is recorded and can affect your future travels. 

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics to the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, the system already has your biometrics. As a result, you do not have to submit the application at the VAC in person. You may send it through a third party. 

As per recent developments, a ‘mobile biometrics service’ have been initiated. Through this service, you can submit your biometrics in the comfort of your home. A team of officials will visit you at your address. However, this service is for groups of people, and the service charges vary depending on the number.

Before starting the application, you must check your eligibility for applying for this particular category. You can check it by ensuring that you meet the following conditions - 

• You must be living in your home country while applying. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it from the respective country.
• You must possess a valid passport.
• Your primary motive of the visit must be to take part in tourism activities.
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay in the country.
• You must apply for the permit only if -

• 1. Greece is your only destination, or
  2. Greece is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. Greece is your port of entry.

As per the Greece tourist visa requirements, the following are the list of documents you will have to submit. Keep in mind that there may be additional documents required as per you individual eligibility. 

• A valid passport- 

• 1. It should consist of at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should not be older than 10 years.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.

• A covering letter - 

• 1. This should include the applicant's details as well as the details of the visit.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds for the stay.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Greek embassy.

• Travel itinerary/documents - 

• 1. A detailed travel itinerary 
  2. Proof of round trip flight booking
  3. Proof of accommodation 

• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 
  1. Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc

• Financial documents -

• 1. Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.

The photo specifications of Greece tourist visa are as follows -

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured - within last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral facial expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the tourist application depends on several factors such as the entry type, the volume of applications at the embassy, and so on. Under normal conditions, your application will be processed in 15 working days. In certain cases, it may even take up to 30 days. Due to the uncertainty, it is suggested that you apply for the permit well in advance. But not more than 3 months before the date of travel.

The total Greece tourist visa fees from India for the application depend on a few key parameters such as the number of entries, the biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also vary upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application.

Upon successful submission of the documents, biometrics, and payment of the fees, your application will begin processing. Regardless of the fact that whether you have submitted it at the consular section of the embassy or at the VAC, the application is processed by the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi. If approved, you can collect the passport with the visa directly in person at the VAC or embassy, or you can ask for it to be delivered to you by the VAC for a certain fee.

While you are waiting for a decision on your application, you can track the status of your application by entering your application number and name at https://in-gr.gvcworld.eu/visa-status/. You can also contact your travel agency to have them track the application. Alternately, you may contact the embassy directly via email or phone.

Upon getting the tourist permit, you must keep in mind the following points to ensure that you have a pleasant travelling experience. 

• Keep a track of the expiry date, duration, and the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker. 
• Ensure that you travel to Greece within 6 months of the issue date. After this point, the permit will become invalid.
• While you are in the country, carry a copy of your travel documents with you. Also, ensure that you keep the original documents safe as losing this can create unfavourable situations.
• While you are on a tourist permit, you are not allowed to take part in work activities. However, you are permitted to take part in other activities that fall under the Schengen short term category.
• You will not be able to extend the tourist visa under normal circumstances.
• Due to the fact that this is a Schengen type, you are allowed to visit any of the Schengen nations. However, if you receive the Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) type, you can only visit the countries that are listed on your sticker.