Greece Tourist Visa for Indians

Greece is one of the most popular destinations in South-eastern Europe for tourism because of its mesmerising beauty and captivating culture. With the blessing of Greek gods, this place has an abundance of natural beauty around. You will find stunning landscapes featuring awe-inspiring islands, lush forests, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, and more. The beauty of Greece does not end here. You will also find several medieval marvels that will take you back to the 14th and 15th centuries. So, whether you find nature fascinating or if history is your favourite subject, you will find Greece the perfect destination for your next holiday.

While planning an international trip to a country like Greece, you must check out the visa requirements for Indian citizens beforehand to make your vacation more stress-free. If you are visiting Greece for leisure, you should have your documents ready, including a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, financial documents, occupational documents, accommodation proof, flight reservation, etc. You will need a type C Schengen Visa for your trip to Greece which allows a stay as per issued on the visa.

Types of Indian Tourist Visas for Greece

Tourist Visa:

A short-stay type C Schengen Visa is for any person who plans to visit Greece and remain in the Schengen area for up to 90 days over a period of 180 days (6 months). The duration of stay may vary as per the embassy's decision

Single Entry Tourist Visa:

This type of Greece visa for Indians allows a short stay of 30 days and can only be used once. The duration of stay and entry may vary as per the embassy's decision.

Double/ Multiple Entry Tourist Visa:

If you are planning to visit Greece more than one time, then double/multiple-entry visas are also available. The duration of stay and entry may vary as per the embassy's decision. This Greece visa for Indians has the same requirements, you just have to apply for the visa for 15 days to six months before your trip.

Transit Visa:

This visa is valid for direct transit only for not more than 3 days. Your entry should be within 15 days of the date of issue. For Transit visa requirements, you can also check the requirements with the airlines you are travelling with.

Visa Application Process

Applying for a visa to Greece involves several structured steps. Here's a detailed guide to assist you through the process:

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa

Identify the visa type that aligns with your travel purpose. For tourism, the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is appropriate, allowing stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Passport Requirements:
  1. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
  2. It should be issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages.
• Photographs and Forms:
  1. Provide two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
  2. Complete and sign the visa application form accurately.
• Proof of Funds:
  1. Submit bank statements or financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Travel Insurance:
  1. Obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of Euro 30,000, valid throughout the Schengen Area.
• Additional Documents:
  1. Include occupation documents, proof of accommodation, flight reservations, and, if applicable, an invitation letter.

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Schedule an appointment with the Greece Visa Application Centre in India.
• Attend the appointment in person to submit your application and biometric data.
• Pay the visa fee, which is approximately Euro 90 for adults and Euro 45 for children aged 6-12, payable equivalent to Indian Rupees.

Step 4: Track and Receive Your Visa

• Processing times can vary, but it's advisable to apply at least 15 days before your intended travel date.
• Use the tracking service provided by the application centre to monitor your application's status.
• Once approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you via courier or can be collected in person.

By following these steps diligently, you can navigate the visa application process smoothly and look forward to your visit to Greece.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

The Greece tourist visa for Indians can get rejected for various reasons and it is vital for you to keep every minute detail in mind so your visa does not get rejected. Following are some common reasons for visa rejection and how to avoid them:

Incomplete application form: Make sure you submit a duly filled application form without leaving any segment blank.

Weak documentation: Check out all the Greece visa requirements for Indian citizens and submit all the documents for a successful visa application.

Insufficient travel insurance coverage: Provide valid travel medical insurance that covers your hospital treatment.

Lack of proof of itinerary: It is essential to have a booked flight ticket and proof of accommodation.

Lack of proof of return: do not give an impression that you will overstay in Greece when submitting your visa application.

If you are able to present the right documents and proof, you can successfully get a visa to Greece. Keep these things in mind to avoid rejection.

Tips for Travellers

If you want to ace your Greece tourist visa for Indians then follow these tips: -

Dos:

Accurate Documentation:

Ensure all information provided is truthful and matches your supporting documents. Inconsistencies can lead to delays or rejection.

Complete Application:

Fill out all sections of the visa application form thoroughly. Incomplete forms may result in processing delays.

Timely Submission:

Submit your application well in advance, ideally at least 15 days to 6 months before your intended travel date, to accommodate processing times.

Financial Proof:

Provide recent bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay in Greece. This assures the consulate of your financial stability during the trip.

Valid Passport:

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Greece and contains at least two blank pages.

Don'ts:

These are some dos and don’ts you need to follow to get your Greece visa accepted.

Avoid Last-Minute Applications:

Applying too close to your travel date can lead to unnecessary stress and potential delays. Plan ahead to ensure a smooth process.

Do Not Provide False Information:

Honesty is crucial. Providing false or misleading information can result in immediate rejection and may affect future visa applications.

Incomplete Documentation:

Ensure all required documents are submitted. Missing documents can lead to delays or rejection.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the likelihood of a successful visa application, paving the way for a memorable visit to Spain.

These are some dos and don’ts you need to follow to get your Greece visa accepted.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

All the information mentioned above is accurate at the time of writing. For real-time visa information, please visit: https://www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/india-en/about-us