Greece Visa for Indians: Requirements and Application Process

Greece is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, beautiful islands, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. For Indians planning to visit Greece, obtaining a visa is a necessary step in the process. A Greece visa for Indians allows travelers to enter the country for various purposes, including tourism, business, study, and transit. Read on to learn everything you need to know!

Eligibility Criteria for Greece Visa

Indian citizens who wish to travel to Greece must meet certain eligibility criteria to obtain a visa. Here are the important factors to consider:

Passport Validity Requirements

The applicant must hold a valid passport with a minimum validity period of three months beyond the intended stay in Greece. It is also important to note that the passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping purposes.

Financial Sustenance

The applicant must be able to provide evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of their stay in Greece. This includes funds for accommodation, transportation, food, and other expenses. The amount required may vary depending on the duration and purpose of the visit.

Purpose of Visit

The applicant must clearly state the purpose of their visit to Greece. Whether it is for tourism, business, education, or any other reason, the applicant must provide relevant documents to support their claim.

Previous Travel History

Applicants with previous travel history to Schengen countries are given preference in the visa application process. The applicant must provide evidence of their previous travel history, including copies of visas and entry/exit stamps.

It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee the issuance of a Greece visa. The decision to grant a visa is at the discretion of the Greek Embassy or Consulate. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information and follow the application process carefully to increase their chances of obtaining a visa.

Types of Greece Visas for Indians

Tourist Visa

Indian citizens who wish to visit Greece for tourism purposes can apply for a tourist visa. This visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The processing time for Greece visas for Indians takes up to 15 working days. Applicants must provide a valid passport with a validity period of at least three months after the return date to India. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Business Visa

Indian citizens who wish to visit Greece for business purposes can apply for a business visa. This visa is also valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Applicants must provide a valid passport with a validity period of at least three months after the return date to India. Additionally, applicants must provide an invitation letter from a Greek company or organization, proof of financial support, and travel itinerary.

Student Visa

Indian citizens who wish to study in Greece can apply for a student visa. This visa is valid for the duration of the course of study. Applicants must provide a valid passport with a validity period of at least three months after the return date to India. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of admission to a Greek educational institution, proof of financial support, and travel itinerary.

Work Visa

Indian citizens who wish to work in Greece can apply for a work visa. This visa is valid for the duration of the employment contract. Applicants must provide a valid passport with a validity period of at least three months after the return date to India. Additionally, applicants must provide an employment contract from a Greek company or organization, proof of financial support, and travel itinerary.

It is important to note that the requirements and processing times for each type of visa may vary. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants check the official website of the Greek embassy in India for up-to-date information before applying.

Application Process

Documentation Needed

Indian citizens who wish to apply for a Greece visa must provide certain documents to complete the application process. The following are the required documents:

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of 3 months from the date of return
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit
• Proof of accommodation in Greece
• Travel itinerary
• Travel medical insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses during the stay in Greece

Visa Appointment and Interview

After gathering all the required documents, the next step is to schedule an appointment at the Greece visa application center. The applicant must submit the application form along with the required documents in person at the center. The applicant may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Greece visa may vary depending on the type of visa applied for and the visa application center’s workload. Generally, it takes around 10-15 days for the visa to be processed. However, it is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.

It is important to note that the visa application process can be complex and time-consuming. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants start the process well in advance of their intended travel dates. Additionally, applicants should ensure that they provide accurate and complete information on their application forms to avoid any delays or rejection of their visa application.

After Arrival in Greece

Residence Registration

Upon arrival in Greece, Indian citizens holding a valid visa must register their residence within eight days of their arrival. This registration is mandatory and can be done at the nearest police station. The following documents are required for the registration process:

• Passport
• Visa
• Accommodation proof
• Two passport-sized photos

It is important to note that failure to register the residence within the given time frame may lead to a fine or other legal consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to complete the registration process as soon as possible.

Visa Extension Procedures

Indian citizens who wish to extend their stay in Greece beyond the validity of their visa must apply for a visa extension at the nearest Aliens Bureau. The application for a visa extension must be submitted at least one week before the expiration date of the current visa.

The following documents are required for the visa extension process:

• Passport
• Current visa
• Proof of financial means
• Accommodation proof
• Travel itinerary

It is important to note that the visa extension process may take up to several weeks to complete. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for an extension well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

In conclusion, Indian citizens holding a valid visa for Greece must register their residence within eight days of their arrival and apply for a visa extension if they wish to extend their stay beyond the validity of their current visa. It is recommended to complete these processes well in advance to avoid any legal consequences or inconvenience.

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Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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