Greece, known for its profound influence on Western culture and history, beckons travelers from around the world. For Indians planning to explore this historical treasure trove, understanding the Greece visa process is essential. In this definitive guide, we unravel the intricacies of obtaining a Greece visa for Indians.

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Understanding the Greece Visa:

What is Greece Visa?

Greece offers a captivating blend of ancient wonders and natural beauty, making it a dream destination for travelers. To visit this enchanting Mediterranean nation, most Indian nationals require a Greece visa. Greece offers various visa types depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. As Greece is part of the Schengen region, its visas are valid across all Schengen countries, unless otherwise specified. However, India falls outside this category, necessitating a Greece visa for Indian citizens.

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How to Apply for Greece Visa:

The Application Process

Applying for a Greek visa can be done online or offline, with online applications being encouraged by the Greek government to expedite processing and reduce waiting times. Regardless of the method chosen, it’s crucial to verify your eligibility for your selected visa category before initiating the application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather all required documents based on your visa type.

2. For offline applications, download the Greece visa application form from the embassy’s website, complete it, and print it.

3. For online applications, create an account on the Visa Application Center for Greece (VAC) website, complete the application form, and print the confirmation email.

4. Schedule an appointment at a VAC or the embassy, which can be done via phone, email, or online.

5. Visit the appointment venue with your completed application form, necessary documents, original passport, and fees. Biometrics may also be collected during this visit. In some cases, interviews may be conducted, even via Skype.

6. Remember to show original documents at the appointment venue but submit only photocopies, as originals may not be returned. The passport, however, must be submitted in its original form. If you’ve submitted biometrics to the Visa Information System (VIS) within the past five years, a personal visit may not be required.

7. A “mobile biometrics service” is available for group travelers, where officials visit your address to collect biometrics for an additional fee.

It’s imperative to submit genuine documents and accurate information, as providing fake documents or false information can lead to visa rejection, potentially affecting your future travel plans.

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Greece Visa Types:

Understanding Greece Visa Categories

Greece offers various visa categories based on the duration and purpose of your stay. The primary Greece visa categories are:

1. Greece Schengen Visa: Also known as the short-term entry permit, it falls under the Schengen C type and allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be further categorized based on the purpose of your visit:

   • Tourist: For sightseeing and adventure activities.
   • Business: For business-related engagements like meetings and conferences.
   • Visitor: For visiting family or friends in Greece.
   • Cultural/Study: Allows participation in cultural events, internships, and short-term study programs.

2. Greece National Visa: This long-term D type visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days. Upon arrival in Greece, you must obtain a residence permit. Greece national visas can be classified based on various purposes such as:

   • Study: For academic activities lasting more than 3 months.
   • Work: Issued for employment and work-related activities.
   • Family Reunification: For uniting with family members in Greece.

Both C and D type visas are Schengen-valid, granting you access to the Schengen zone.

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Greece Schengen Visa Required Documents:

Documents Required for Greece Schengen Visa

While applying for a Greece visa from India, you will typically need the following documents, but additional requirements may apply as per Greece visa regulations:

1. Passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the travel date.
2. A covering letter detailing your travel plans.
3. A travel itinerary.
4. Confirmed round-trip flight tickets.
5. Proof of accommodation.
6. Travel medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 Euros.
7. Proof of employment.
8. Financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds.

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Greece Visa Photo Requirements:

Photo Specifications for Greece Visa

Ensure your Greece visa photos meet the following specifications:

• Photo size: 35mm x 45mm.
• Colored photos.
• Centered head position.
• Taken within the last three months.
• Background: Solid white or grey.
• 80% face coverage.
• Neutral facial expression.
• Non-thick framed and prescription glasses permitted.
• Headgear allowed for religious reasons.
• Facial hair is permitted.

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Greece Visa Fees for Indian Passport Holders:

Understanding Greece Visa Costs

Greece Schengen visa fees include application fees, biometric fees, and service charges. The fees vary based on factors like entry type, visa type, duration of stay, and foreign exchange rates, making it essential to verify the exact fees before applying.

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Greece Visa Processing Time:

How Long Does It Take to Process a Greece Visa?

The processing time for a Greece Schengen visa varies depending on several factors, including entry type, visa type, duration of stay, application volume, and more. Generally, you can expect to receive your visa within a maximum of 15 working days. To ensure timely processing, it’s advisable to apply well in advance, but not more than three months before your travel date.

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Checking Greece Visa Status:

Tracking Your Greece Visa Application

While waiting for your Greece visa, you can track your application using various methods:

1. Check your Greece visa status online by entering your application number and name at https://in-gr.gvcworld.eu/visa-status/.
2. Contact the respective travel agency through which you applied for updates on your Greece visa application status.

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Where to Apply for Greece Visa?

Greece Visa Application Locations

Greece visa applications can be submitted either offline or online. However, the physical submission of documents and applications must be done in person at a designated Greece VAC or the consular section of the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi. While VACs accept applications, the processing is solely the responsibility of the embassy. VACs are located across India’s major cities.

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