Greece

Greece Schengen Visa: 2026 Updated Application Guide

As Greece is a member of the Schengen Area, citizens of the Republic of Turkey holding ordinary (burgundy) passports are required to have a valid Schengen visa to travel to the country. Holders of special (green), service (grey), and diplomatic (black) passports are exempt from the visa requirement for stays not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. A Greece Schengen visa allows entry into other Schengen countries, provided that your journey begins in Greece. This guide details the steps of the visa application process according to the current 2026 procedures.

What are the Types of Greece Visas?

The most common types of short-stay (Type C) Greece visas are as follows:

Tourist Visa

Issued for travel purposes such as holidays, sightseeing, and cultural exploration. Accommodation and flight reservations form the basis of this visa type.

Business and Fair Visit Visa

Required for professionals traveling for purposes such as business meetings with a company in Greece, attending a trade fair, or signing a commercial agreement. An official invitation letter from the company in Greece is the most critical document for this application.

Family, Relative, and Friend Visit Visa

This visa is required for trips to visit family members, relatives, or friends who are legally residing in Greece. A municipality-approved invitation from the person being visited is necessary.

How to Get a Greece Visa? Step-by-Step Application Process

The Greece Schengen visa application process consists of several steps that must be followed carefully:

1. Determine the Visa Type: Correctly identify the visa category that best suits your purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, business, visit).
2. Prepare the Required Documents: Gather all the required documents completely and ensure they are up-to-date, based on your visa type and professional status.
3. Fill Out the Application Form: Carefully and accurately complete the Schengen visa application form via the Greek Consulate's online portal. Do not forget to print and sign the form.
4. Book a Visa Appointment: Schedule an online appointment through the website of the authorized visa application center (e.g., Kosmos Visa). It is recommended to book your appointment at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date, especially during the summer months due to high demand.
5. Document Submission and Biometrics: On the day of your appointment, visit the application center with all your prepared documents to submit your file. If you have not provided your fingerprints (VIS) for any Schengen country within the last 59 months, your biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph) will be collected.
6. Track the Process: After submitting your application, you can track the status of your passport through the application center's online tracking system.

Greece Visa Required Documents 2026

Below is a general list of documents. Additional documents may be requested depending on the visa type and the applicant's personal circumstances.

• Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages, and valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.
• Schengen Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
• Biometric Photograph: 2 recent photos, 35x45 mm, with a white background.
• Travel Health Insurance: Valid in the entire Schengen zone, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Transportation and Accommodation Documents: Round-trip flight reservations and hotel bookings or documents detailing the travel plan.
• Proof of Financial Means: Personal bank account statement for the last 3 months, stamped and signed by the bank, showing sufficient funds. Salary slips.
• Professional Status Documents:
  • Employees: Letter of leave from the employer, SGK certificate of employment, SGK detailed service record.
  • Business Owners: Company's tax registration certificate, signature circular, trade registry gazette.
  • Students: A current student certificate and documents of the sponsor covering the expenses.
  • Retirees: Retirement certificate and bank statement showing pension payments.

Common Reasons for Greece Visa Refusal

The most common reasons for application rejection include:

• Insufficient Financial Proof: Failure to document sufficient and regular income to cover travel expenses.
• Unconvincing Purpose of Travel: The submitted hotel/flight reservations or travel plan being found inconsistent or suspicious.
• Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: A required document being missing from the application file or documents not being up-to-date.
• Weak Intention to Return: Failure to provide sufficient evidence (job, family ties, etc.) that the applicant will return to their home country.
• Public Security Risk: The applicant having an alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS).

The Greece Visa Process with Hermes Vize

The Greece visa application process involves many steps that require attention to detail. With its team of experienced consultants, Hermes Vize provides professional support to ensure your application is prepared correctly, completely, and in accordance with current procedures. You can contact us to simplify your visa application process and proceed with the right steps.