Anyone to successfully apply for a visa to Greece must be aware of the Greece Schengen visa requirements. Greece is one of the most visited countries in Europe and requires visas from many trackers from different parts of the globe. The country has long been touted as the cradle of Western civilization and the home of democracy, as this is where the form of government was first practiced.
Greece has more than 2000 small and large islands in the Mediterranean region, most of which are inhabitable. The country is blessed with a natural landscape, rich wildlife, and pleasant weather that attracts millions of visitors, particularly those from the cold regions of the Northern hemisphere. Due to the cultural mix, visitors enjoy a cultural scene unlike any other in mainland Europe and the food is good in this part of the world. The average visiting population per annum is 15 million and above, and in some years, the figure may even exceed 30 million.
If you wish to enjoy all the wondrous pleasures and more, you will need a Schengen visa. Greece has been issuing Schengen visas since 2000, after becoming an official Schengen zone member. Applying for a visa is easy, but only those who meet the requirements get it. In this next section, we want to examine the visa requirements for travelers.
What Are The Greece Schengen Visa Requirements?
Here are the visa requirements for all applicants for this visa.
Application Form: You must complete a Greek visa application form, and the data in this document is what the embassy will use to process your visa. All sections must be completed, and the form must be signed to make it valid
Photographs: Two Passport sized photographs are needed, but not just any photograph. The ones you use must meet Schengen photo guidelines for quality, such as the white background, not wearing glasses, and the required size dimension.
Valid Passport: You will need a valid passport issued by your home government. Based on Schengen rules, the passport must have at least three months from the day you intend to depart Greece. Passports older than ten will not be accepted and must have at least two empty pages.
Proof of Financial Means: All visitors coming to Greece are expected to have a minimum amount in their account to cover their expenses. They must present a financial statement with a balance to cover their expenses.
Travel Medical Insurance: All visitors coming to Greece or any other Schengen country will need to have travel medical insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000. This policy is required in case of medical emergencies or even death during their visit.
Proof of Accommodation: They must provide proof of accommodation, such as a house address, hotel booking, or an Airbnb reservation where they will stay during their visit.
Cover Letter: A signed cover letter explaining the purpose of their trip and providing any other important detail.
Visa Fee Receipt: The applicant must also include the visa fee receipt to show proof that they have paid for application processing.
Round Trip Flight Ticket Reservation: A round trip ticket reservation to and from Greece. You don’t have to pay for the tickets, but reserve them until the visa is out.
Invitation Letter: If you are invited to Greece by a company or individual, they must furnish you with an invitation letter explaining why you need to be in the country, where you will visit, and who will be responsible for your expenses.
Who Needs A Visa For Greece?
Only visitors from countries not on the visa free list will need visas for Greece. However, those with visa exemptions may need visas if they plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
How Many Countries Can You Visit With A Greece Schengen Visa?
Visitors with this visa can visit all 27 Schengen countries in the zone with one visa only if the visa is valid enough for them to make the trip. This visa is a multinational visa recognized by all countries in the Schengen zone, including non Schengen countries like Cyprus, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania.
However, visitors are advised to respect the 90/180 rule, which states that no visitor can remain in the zone for more than 90 days even if their visa is yet to expire. Persons with multiple entry visas must not stay longer than the approved 90 days within a 180 day period. Doing so will attract sanctions from the authorities. If you have plans to stay for much longer, you should get a long stay visa instead.
Now that you know the Greece Schengen visa requirements, arrange all the documents and submit them to the embassy as early as possible.