Greece Visa - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

Most people looking to visit Greece require a permit to enter. Generally known as the Greece visa, these are of various forms and types depending on the duration and purpose of the visit.

Due to the fact that Greece is a part of the Schengen region, the visa issued by this nation is valid in all Schengen countries, unless specified.

As a result, citizens of Schengen countries and other visa-exempt nations do not require a visa to enter. Since India does not come under either of these categories, a Greece visa for Indians is mandatory.

The process of applying for a Greek entry permit can be done in multiple ways. You may do the application online or offline.

However, the Greek government has asked individuals to start using the online application to speed up the process and reduce the waiting times.

Either way, the application must be submitted offline. Before starting the application, you must check your eligibility for the category you are applying for. After this, you may proceed as follows - 

1. Obtain all the necessary documents you need for the application process as per the visa type.
2. If you choose the offline method, download the Greece visa application form from the website of the embassy, fill it, and then take a print out of this.
3. If you are applying online, you must create an account at the website of the Visa Application Center for Greece (VAC). Following this, login to your account and fill in the application form. Print the confirmation mail you receive.
4. After the application, you must make an appointment at one of the VACs, or at the embassy. You can do this by calling them or emailing them. You can also perform this by using their online services.
5. With the completed application form (or application confirmation), documents, and fees visit the appointment venue. 
6. Submit the application, copies of the documents, original passports, and fees here. You may also have to submit your biometrics here. You may also have a personal interview with a consular officer. In certain cases, you can also do this via Skype. 

Please note that you must show the original documents at the appointment centre. However, you should only submit the photocopies as you may not receive these back. The passport will have to be submitted in original. Also, keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics to the VIS (Visa Information System) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In these cases, you do not have to visit the appointment centre in person. 

As per recent decisions, a ‘mobile biometrics service’ has been initiated. In this system, you can submit your biometrics and application submission to officials who will visit you at your address. However, this service has an additional charge and is usually provided for a group of travellers. 

Ensure that you submit only genuine documents, and provide the correct information. Submission of fake documents and wrong information can lead to visa refusal. A rejected application status can be a problem for your future travel plans.

According to the duration of the stay and purposes, the Greek entry permits can be classified as the following - 

• Greece Schengen visa - Also known as the short term entry permit, this is the Schengen C type, and is issued for a duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose of visit, these can further be classified as - 
• 1. Tourist - These are issued to people who are visiting Greece for the purpose of taking part in tourism activities such as sightseeing, adventure sports, etc. 
  2. Business - This specific type is issued to businessmen who are travelling to the country for engaging in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, etc.
  3. Visitor - This category is for people entering the Hellenic Republic for the purpose of visiting their family members or friends residing in the country.
  4. Cultural/Study - This specific category lets individuals enter the country and take part in cultural events or study activities such as internships, research, etc for the short term. 

• Greece national visa - Also known as the long term D type, these are required when your stay is for more than 90 days. As a mandatory rule, you will be required to get a residence permit upon arrival in Greece with this visa. Based on the purpose, these can be divided in many ways. The common purposes are - 

1. 1. Study - For academic activities lasting longer than 3 months.
   2. Work - Issued for taking part in work and other employment activities in the country.
   3. Family reunification - This is issued for people who are visiting to unite with their family members and live in the country. 

Despite how the terms sound, both the C and D type are Schengen valid. Meaning, you are allowed to move within the Schengen zone with either of these.

The documents required for Greece visa from India are as follows. However, keep in mind that these are only the general list. As per the Greece visa requirements, there may be additional documents necessary.

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel 
• Covering letter stating the details of the travel
• Travel itinerary
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel medical insurance covering 30000 Euros 
• Proof of occupation 
• Financial documents to show sufficient funds

The Greece visa photo requirements are as follows -

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

The Greece Schengen visa fees include application fees, biometric fees, as well as other service charges. The application fees vary depending on several factors such as the entry type, visa type, duration of stay, and so on. The Greece visa fees from India also is affected by foreign exchange rates. As a result, it is suggested that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

The time taken to get the visa from the day of application includes the processing time, the waiting time for after booking the appointment, and so on. The Greece Schengen visa processing time depends on the number of entries, the type of the visa, the duration of the stay, the volume of applications at the embassy, and so on. Normally, you will get it in a maximum of 15 working days. However, these can increase or decrease. As a result, you must apply for the permit well in advance, but not more than 3 months before the date of travel.

While you are waiting for the response, you can track your application in multiple ways. You can check Greece visa status online by entering your application number and name at https://in-gr.gvcworld.eu/visa-status/. You may also check the Greece visa application status by contacting the respective travel agency you have applied through.

The applications for the Greek entry permit is done offline or online. However, the submission of the documents and application has to be done in person at a Greece appointed VAC or directly at the consular section of the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi. Even though the VAC is in charge of accepting applications, they have no control or charge over the processing of these. The processing is solely the responsibility of the embassy. The VACs are spread across India in major cities.