Greece Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Greece, with its rich history, stunning islands, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many. For Indian citizens, planning a trip to Greece involves obtaining the right visa. This guide provides detailed information on the types of visas, requirements, application processes, and more, to ensure a smooth journey to Greece.

Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Greece. The type of visa depends on the purpose (tourism, business, study, work, etc.) and duration of the intended stay.

A. Schengen Visa (Short-stay, up to 90 days)

• Tourist Visa: For travel, tourism, and visiting family/friends.
• Business Visa: For business meetings, conferences, and trade fairs.
• Visit Visa: For visiting family or friends residing in Greece.

B. National Visa (Long-stay, more than 90 days)

• Study Visa: For enrolling in Greek educational institutions.
• Work Visa: For employment in Greece.
• Family Reunification: To join family members living in Greece.
• Research Visa: For research activities in Greek institutions.

Mandatory Documents:

Valid Indian Passport:

• At least two blank pages.
• Valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Greece.
• Issued within the last 10 years.

Filled and Signed Visa Application Form:

• Download from the Greek Embassy/Consulate website or VFS Global (if applicable).

Recent Photographs:

• Two passport-sized photos, meeting Schengen photo requirements.

Travel Insurance:

• Covering at least €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses.
• Valid for all Schengen countries.

Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:

• Confirmed flight tickets or a detailed itinerary.

Accommodation Proof:

• Hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a Greek resident (if staying with friends/family).

Proof of Financial Means:

• Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approximately €48 per day for the entire stay in Greece).

Employment or Student Certificate:

• Depending on the applicant's status in India.

Additional Documents (Depending on the Purpose of Visit):

For Business Visits:

• Invitation letter from the Greek company.
• Certificate of Incorporation of the Indian company.

For Visiting Family/Friends:

• Invitation letter with the host's ID and residence permit (if not a Greek citizen).

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

Common Documents:

1. Valid Indian Passport (same conditions as for Schengen Visa).
2. Filled and Signed National Visa Application Form.
3. Recent Photographs (same requirements as for Schengen Visa).
4. Proof of Financial Means:
• Showing sufficient funds for the entire stay in Greece.
5. Health Insurance:
• Covering medical and hospital expenses for the duration of the stay.

Specific Documents (Depending on the Type of National Visa):

For Study Visa:

• Admission letter from a Greek educational institution.
• Proof of language proficiency (if required by the institution).

For Work Visa:

• Work permit issued by the Greek authorities.
• Employment contract.

For Family Reunification:

• Proof of family relationship.
• Residence permit of the family member in Greece.

1. Determine the Correct Visa Type

Based on the Purpose of Your Stay:

• Tourism/Visure: For travel, visiting family/friends, or other non-business purposes.
• Business: Meetings, conferences, or establishing business relationships.
• Study/Research: For educational or research purposes.
• Work: For employment in Greece.
• Transit: If Greece is not your final destination but a pass-through country.

Based on the Duration of Your Stay:

• Short-Stay (Schengen Visa): Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Long-Stay (National Visa): More than 90 days for purposes like study, work, or family reunification.

Action Required:

• Research the specific requirements for your chosen visa type.
• Ensure you understand the allowed duration of stay and any travel restrictions.

2. Gather All Required Documents

Common Documents:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the last 10 years, and valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Greece.
• Completed and signed application form.
• Recent photos (specifications may vary, typically 35x40mm, white background).
• Proof of residence (for non-Indian nationals, proof of Indian residence may be required).
• Travel itinerary or flight reservation (for Schengen visas).
• Travel insurance policy (for Schengen visas, covering at least €30,000).

Purpose-Specific Documents:

• For Tourism/Visure: Hotel booking, proof of financial means, etc.
• For Business: Invitation letter from the Greek company, proof of business relations, etc.
• For Study/Research: Admission letter from the Greek educational institution, etc.
• For Work: Work permit from the Greek authorities, employment contract, etc.

Action Required:

• Check the official Greek Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global website for the most current list of required documents.
• Ensure all documents are in English or Greek; otherwise, provide certified translations.
• Verify the documents meet the specified requirements (e.g., validity period, format).

3. Fill Out the Application Form

Source:

• Download from the official Greek Embassy/Consulate website.
• Obtain from VFS Global if this service is available for your visa type and location.

Completion Tips:

• Fill the form in English or Greek.
• Use a computer to fill the form if downloading, to ensure clarity.
• Sign the form personally; for minors, a parent/legal guardian must sign.
• Double-check all information for accuracy.

Action Required:

• Ensure you have the latest version of the application form.
• If any field does not apply, write "N/A" (Not Applicable).

4. Submit Your Application

In Person or Through a Trusted Third Party:

• At the Greek Embassy in New Delhi.
• At the Consulate General in Mumbai or Kolkata, depending on your jurisdiction.

Through VFS Global (if applicable):

• Check if your visa type and location are serviced by VFS Global.
• Follow the VFS Global submission guidelines.

Action Required:

• Verify the submission process for your specific situation.
• Ensure you have all required documents and the application form is correctly filled.

5. Provide Biometric Data

Applicability:

• Part of the application process for Schengen visas.

Exemptions:

• Children under 12 years old.
• Individuals who have provided biometric data within the last 59 months for a Schengen visa.

Process:

• Fingerprints will be collected at the submission point (Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global).

Action Required:

• Be prepared to provide biometric data if applicable.
• Ensure children under 12 are accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.

6. Pay the Visa Fee

Current Fees (Subject to Change):

• Schengen Adult Visa: €60.
• Schengen Minor Visa: €35.

Additional Fees:

• Service fees may apply if submitting through VFS Global.

Payment Methods:

• Vary depending on the submission point; typically bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or cash.

Action Required:

• Check the current visa fee rates before submission.
• Verify the accepted payment methods with the submission point.

7. Wait for the Decision

Processing Times:

• Schengen Visas: Typically 15 calendar days but can vary.
• National Visas: Several weeks to a few months.

Tracking Your Application:

• If submitted through VFS Global, use their online tracking service.
• For direct submissions, contact the Embassy/Consulate for updates.

Action Required:

• Plan your application submission well in advance of your trip.
• Keep the submission receipt and any tracking numbers handy.

Note: Fees are subject to change. Check the official websites for the most current information.

Greek Embassy in New Delhi: www.mfa.gr/embassies/india.html

Consulate General of Greece in Mumbai: www.mfa.gr/consulates/mumbai.html

VFS Global (Greece Visa Application Center): www.vfsglobal.com/greece/india/ (if applicable for your region)