Greece is one of the member states in the Schengen Area, and with the recent announcement of the European Travel Information and Authorization System by the European Commission, travelers coming to Greece must apply for ETIAS Greece.
This document is not a visa but a legal pass allowing the holder to stay for a few weeks and is only issued to visitors from selected countries. Administrators of the new scheme hope to use the system to collate data and to restrict visitors that may pose security risks from entry.
Are you planning to visit Greece any time soon? This article contains information about the new ETIAS policy, so read it until the end to know how it may affect your travel plans in the future once it becomes active.
What Will ETIAS Do?
ETIAS is the European Travel Information and Authorization System, and it is a security vetting system designed to track the identity of every visitor coming from visa free countries.
This document scans visitor data through selected security databases like Interpol, Schengen Information System, Eurocop, and others to check if the visitor is on a crime watchlist. Scanning takes only a few minutes, and in a short time, the applicant should know if they qualify for ETIAS.
In some cases, the data may trigger a security alert which will cause such information to be passed onto an Etias manual team in Greece for review. The European Commission states that this process may take some time, but affected applicants will receive feedback once the investigation into their case is concluded.
When Will Etias Become Active?
The system will become partially active in May 2023 as it is tested for efficiency. During the testing phase, visitors will be encouraged to apply for Etias approval, but those without it will still be allowed to enter Greece or another country in the Schengen Area.
Once the system has been fine-tuned and is ready for massive deployment, all eligible visitors will be mandated to obtain ETIAS approval starting January 2024. By then, travelers will be mandated to show their ETIAS pass at border crossings or airports before they are allowed into Greece.
ETIAS Validity & The 90/180 Rule
ETIAS will be valid for three years after the issue, and the holder can use it to visit Greece several times. As for the 90/180 rule, holders of ETIAS can stay in Greece or any other Schengen country for 90 days within a six month period. Staying for more than 90 days will be an immigration violation that may attract fines.
Where Can I Visit With ETIAS?
Holders of ETIAS will be allowed to enter Greece and any other Schengen country of their choice. However, they must provide their primary destination, the first country they plan to visit; there are columns for as many other secondary destinations as they wish. Visitors must visit their primary destination first before proceeding to other destinations of their choice.
During their vacation in Europe, they must keep a close eye on the number of days they have stayed in all these countries lest they overstay.
What Can ETIAS Be Used For?
ETIAS is for short term visits such as tourism, business trips, and visits to family and friends. It is not a visa, nor is it for work or study purposes. If you want to stay for much longer, you should apply for a visa to Greece instead.
ETIAS Greece Requirements
Here are the requirements for ETIAS Greece application:
Valid passport with a minimum of at least three months before it expires
Personal information
Passport information
Travel information
Some travelers may require travel medical insurance, but this is not compulsory for all visitors.
Check to see if this is required for passport holders from your country.
How To Apply For ETIAS Greece?
The application process is very easy in VisaHQ in just a few steps. These are the steps to take
Visit VisaHQ
Choose Greece as your destination
Choose your citizenship
Select Etias
Complete the application form
Scan and attach the required documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
ETIAS should be obtained before traveling to Greece. Endeavor will print out the approval document, travel with it, and present it to the authorities at the entry point.
Why Your ETIAS Application May Be Denied
False information
Invalid documents
A recent visit to a war torn country
A recent visit to a pandemic affected region
If you are on a crime watchlist
If you have an unresolved legal case against you
Any other factor
If you apply for Etias Greece but are denied, you can still apply again in the nearest future, as initial rejection does not disqualify you. Visit VisaHQ to submit your application now.