Are you planning a trip to Greece and want to make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country without any problems? In this comprehensive guide, we explain which documents you need to enter Greece, whether you are travelling for tourism, work or study.
Greece, a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. With its picturesque islands, ancient history and delicious cuisine, it attracts millions of visitors every year. To make the most of your experience in this beautiful country, it is essential to know the entry requirements and have all your documents in order.
This guide will provide you with detailed information on the documents required according to your nationality, duration and purpose of stay, along with practical tips to avoid problems at the border.
If you are a citizen of theEuropean Union, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland, entry into Greece is particularly easy.
All you need to enter Greece is one of the following documents:
An electronic identity card is perfectly acceptable, as is a paper one, as long as it is in good condition and clearly legible. Remember that although it is possible for EU citizens to enter Greece with an identity card, it is always advisable to travel with a passport, which is the international identification document par excellence.
As an EU citizen, you can stay in Greece for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without the need for a visa. If you plan to stay for a longer period, you will have to register your presence with the local authorities.
If you intend to stay in Greece for more than three months, you will have to apply for a registration certificate at the local police office or at the foreigners’ office of the municipality where you will reside. To obtain this certificate you will have to present
If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland, the rules for entry to Greece are different and vary according to your nationality.
Citizens of certain countries may enter Greece without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and many others.
To check whether your country is visa-free, check the official website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the website of the European Commission.
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need to present:
If your country is not exempt from visa requirements, you must apply for a Schengen visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in your country of residence before you travel. The processing time for a Schengen visa is generally 15 working days, but can take up to 45 days in some cases. It is therefore advisable to submit your application well in advance.
Minors travelling to Greece must have their own travel documents; it is no longer permitted to travel with minors registered in their parents’ passports.
They must have:
Must have:
Must have:
It is always advisable to check the specific requirements with the Greek authorities or the Greek embassy/consulate in your country before travelling, as regulations may vary.
Health insurance is an essential element of travelling to Greece, especially for non-EU citizens.
If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you will need to carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will guarantee you access to necessary medical treatment under the same conditions and costs as Greek citizens.
Remember that the EHIC:
For this reason, it is always advisable to take out additional travel insurance to cover any expenses not included in the EHIC.
Non-EU citizens must compulsorily take out travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 that includes emergency repatriation costs. This is a prerequisite for obtaining a Schengen visa and will be verified upon entry into Greece.
Before travelling, always check for updates on health requirements by consulting:
No, the ID card renewal receipt is not considered a valid document for expatriation. You must have a valid and current identity document.
For EU citizens, the passport or identity card must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. For non-EU nationals, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of exit from Greece.
For EU citizens, it is theoretically not compulsory, but it is always advisable. For non-EU citizens applying for a Schengen visa, an accommodation reservation is generally a requirement.
Driving licences issued by any EU member state are valid in Greece. Non-EU citizens may need an international driving licence in addition to their national licence.
Yes, you may bring medicines for personal use in reasonable quantities. For medicines containing controlled substances or in large quantities, it is advisable to carry a prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the need for them.
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