If you want to obtain a visa, you need to first book a Schengen visa appointment with the Greek embassy in your country. The appointment is an important part of the visa application process because this is when you will be able to submit your documents, and the visa officer will ask you questions pertaining to your trip. Before booking an appointment with the embassy, it is important to organize your documents online with the Greece Schengen visa application requirements. Keep reading to learn more about the Schengen visa for Greece.
Greece At A Glance
Greece is the oldest democratic state in history and has long been considered the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Today is called the Republic of Greece or the Hellenic Republic. The country is located in Southeast Europe and has more than two thousand islands, many of which have become popular tourist hotspots. People looking for warm weather prefer to come to Greece, so much so that an average of 30 million or more tourists visit the country every year, thereby generating immense revenue for the government.
Greece Schengen Visa
Greece is a Schengen state and allows visitors to visit for a short time if they have Schengen visas. The country officially became a member of the Schengen zone and the European Union in 2000, and since then, it has qualified to be an authorized issuer of Schengen Greece visa. The visa to Greece is valid for 180 days and allows the holder to stay for up to 90 days in any part of the country they wish. This visa is not extendable unless under exceptional circumstances; furthermore, it may be issued either as a single or multiple-entry visa.
How To Book A Schengen Visa Greece Appointment?
If you want to book a Schengen visa appointment for Greece, here are the necessary steps to take for a smooth process.
Evaluate Your Eligibility: The first step to take is to check whether you are eligible for a Schengen visa. Citizens from Schengen countries or other visa-free countries don’t need a visa to enter Greece on short visits, and Visas are only required for other citizens. If you are sure that you need a visa for Greece, only then should you go ahead to apply for a visa.
Know The Visa You Need: You must be sure of the visa you need lest you apply for the wrong one. If you want to visit for tourism, apply for a tourist visa; if you are taking a connected flight, indicate in the application form that you will need a transit visa for a few days.
Book The Appointment: At this point, you must reach out to the Greek embassy or consulate to book the visa. How you do this will depend on the standard procedures for bookings which may be via phone calls, emails, or by booking the appointment in person. Once you’ve locked down a date, prepare to attend the interview.
Organize Your Travel Document: You must arrange the documents required for the Schengen visa. Arrange everything in a single file and crosscheck them to make sure you in don’t leave anything behind.
Attend The Appointment: Arrive at the embassy in time and wait your turn. The visa officer on duty will check your documents and ask you some questions, after which you will be asked to leave and wait for feedback.
Collect Your Visa: As long as your documents are in order, your application will be accepted, and you will be asked to return to collect your visa so you can make the trip.
How Long Before My Visa Is Ready?
Schengen visas take about 15 calendar days to process, so you may need to wait up to two weeks to get yours. However, it may be delayed by two or more weeks if the embassy is handling so many applications at the time you submit yours. This is why it is always best to submit the visa at least 30 days before the day you plan to travel.
Documents For Greece Schengen Visa
Here are the documents the visa officer at the embassy or visa application center will request to process your application
A completed and signed Greek Schengen visa application form
A valid passport with at least two blank pages and three months validity minimum
Proof of financial means
Proof of accommodation
Previous visas, if any
Travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum)
Round trip flight Itinerary
Cover letter
Civil Status documents, where applicable
Two recent passport photographs
Fingerprint biometric
Visa fee
These are the basic documents the visa officer will request during the Schengen visa Greece appointment but bear in mind that they may request additional documents depending on your country of origin.