Visa types
Tourist Schengen visa
A short-stay visa covering all of Greece, including Athens, Thessaloniki and the islands, and the rest of the Schengen area.
Aegean islands express visa
A short-stay visa for certain Eastern Aegean islands reached by ferry from Türkiye, arranged through an authorised agency or ferry operator; valid only on that island.
Business visa
For meetings and business talks in Greece; an invitation from the host company and an assignment letter are required.
Visiting family or friends
For visiting relatives or friends in Greece; an invitation letter and the host's documents are requested.
Typical documents
- Valid passport and copies of previous visas
- Completed and signed application form
- Biometric passport photo
- Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area
- Flight or ferry reservation
- Hotel booking or proof of accommodation from your host
- Recent bank statements
- Employer letter, payslips and SGK service record
- For business owners: tax registration and trade registry gazette
Document lists vary by applicant and by consulate; the consulate's current official list is always the one that counts.
How to apply
- 1
Decide, based on your plans, whether you need a Schengen visa or an island express visa.
- 2
For a Schengen visa, check the Greek mission's current document list.
- 3
Complete the application form and prepare your documents.
- 4
Book an appointment at the authorised visa application centre.
- 5
Submit your documents and give your biometric data at the appointment.
- 6
Track your application and collect your passport.
Practical tips
- The island express visa is valid only on the island you enter; travelling on to another island, the mainland or other Schengen countries requires a Schengen visa.
- The scope and validity period of the island scheme can change, so always confirm the current status before you travel.
- If you plan to hop between islands, applying for a Schengen visa from the start gives you more flexibility.
- Appointments and ferries get busy in summer, so plan your application early.