Greece, with its captivating islands, delectable cuisine, high quality of life, and pleasant climate, beckons travelers worldwide. Thanks to the Greece visit visa, people from across the globe, including Indians, can explore Greece and reunite with their loved ones residing in the country.

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Understanding Greece Visit Visa:

What is Greece Visit Visa?

To enter Greece, most individuals, except those from Schengen countries or visa-exempt nations, require a visa. If the purpose of your visit is to meet friends and family in Greece, you need a specific type of visa known as the Greece Schengen visit visa. Categorized under the short-term C category of Schengen visas, these permits allow a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visas.

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How to Obtain a Visit Visa for Greece:

Before initiating the application process for a Greece visit visa from India, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility for travel to Greece as a visitor. Once eligibility is established, you can proceed with the application process, as outlined below. While the application for this visa can be submitted offline or online, document submission and other procedures are conducted offline at Visa Application Centers (VACs) or embassies. The Embassy of Greece strongly encourages using online forms for a smoother and faster process.

Here are the steps to obtain a Greece visit visa:

1. Gather Required Documents:

   • Collect all necessary documents needed for your visa application.

2. Offline Application (if preferred):

   • Download the Greece visit visa application form from the embassy’s website.
   • Fill out the form and take a printout.

3. Online Application (recommended):

   • Create an account on the Visa Application Center for Greece (VAC) website.
   • Log in to your account and complete the online application form.
   • Print the confirmation email you receive.

4. Schedule an Appointment:

   • Arrange an appointment at one of the VACs or the embassy, depending on your preference.
   • Appointments can be scheduled via phone, email, or the VAC’s online portal.

5. Attend Appointment:

   • During your appointment, submit the completed application form (or online application confirmation), required documents, and fees at the designated center.
   • Biometrics may be collected, and a personal interview may be conducted if necessary, which can sometimes be done via Skype.

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics to the Schengen VIS (Visa Information System) in the past five years, you do not need to provide them again. These biometrics remain valid for your current application, allowing you to skip an in-person appointment.

It’s crucial to submit authentic documents and accurate information, as providing counterfeit documents or false information can lead to immediate visa rejection, affecting your future travel plans.

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Eligibility for Greece Schengen Visit Visa:

To apply for the visitor category of Schengen visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria. If not, you should choose the visa category that aligns with the purpose of your visit:

1. Residency Status:

   • You must be present in your home country while submitting your application.
   • If you hold a residence permit in a foreign nation, you can apply from that respective country.

2. Valid Passport:

   • Possess a valid passport with at least two blank pages.
   • Passports older than 10 years are not accepted.
   • Ensure the passport is valid for at least six months from your intended travel date.
   • Include any old passports, if applicable.

3. Purpose of Visit:

   • Your primary reason for the visit must be to visit family members or friends residing in Greece.

4. Financial Capability:

   • Have sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country.

5. Invitation Letter:

   • Receive an invitation from your relative or friend in Greece, including details of your visit and an acknowledgment of their responsibility during your stay.

Apply for this visa if:

• Greece is your sole destination.
• Greece is one of your primary Schengen destinations, where you’ll spend most of your time.
• Greece serves as your port of entry.

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Documents Required for Greece Visit Visa:

As per the Greece visit visa requirements, the following documents must be submitted. Additional documents may be required based on individual eligibility:

1. Valid Passport:

   • Must have at least two blank pages.
   • Passports older than 10 years are not allowed.
   • Validity should be at least six months from your travel date.
   • Include any old passports.

2. Printouts:

   • Print out the application confirmation or completed application form and appointment confirmation.

3. Covering Letter:

   • Include basic applicant details.
   • Clearly state the source of funds for your stay.
   • Specify the purpose and duration of your visit.
   • Address the letter to the Embassy of Greece.

4. Invitation Letter:

   • From your family member or friend in Greece, detailing your visit and their responsibility for you during your stay.

5. Copy of Invitee’s Passport and Resident Permit:

   • Provide a copy of the invitee’s passport and resident permit.

6. Travel Itinerary/Documents:

   • A detailed travel itinerary.
   • Round-trip flight tickets.
   • Proof of accommodation.
   • Medical travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000.

7. Proof of Occupation:

   • Proof of occupation, such as an employment letter, copy of a business license, etc.

8. Financial Documents:

   • Bank statements for the past three months, passbook copies, Income Tax Returns (ITR), etc.

Please note that you must carry the original documents to the visa appointment center, as officials will need to verify them. However, when submitting your application, only provide photocopies of the documents (except the passport), as they will not be returned to you.

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Photo Specifications for Greece Visit Visa:

Ensure your photos for the Greece visit visa meet the following specifications:

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Color: Colored
• Head must be centrally positioned.
• Photos must be recently taken, within the last three months.
• Background should be solid, plain white, or grey.
• Photos should cover 80% of the face.
• Maintain a neutral facial expression.
• Non-thick framed or prescription glasses are permitted.
• Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons.
• Facial hair is permitted.

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Processing Time and Fees:

Greece Visit Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for a Greek visitor’s permit depends on various factors, including the entry type, the number of applications received at the embassy, your previous travel history, and other variables. Under normal conditions, you can expect to receive the visa within approximately 15 working days. However, in some cases, processing may take up to 30 days, and in extreme cases, it could extend to 60 days. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance. You should submit your application at least 15 days before your intended travel date, but not more than three months prior.

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Greece Schengen Visit Visa Fees:

The fees for a Greece visit visa from India are influenced by several factors, such as the number of entries, biometric charges, service charges, and foreign exchange rates between the Euro and the Rupee. Therefore, it’s essential to verify the exact fees before beginning the application process.

Here’s a breakdown of fees for multiple entry visas:

• Multiple entry (Normal): €65.60 for a stay of up to 90 days within 3 months.
• Multiple entry (Normal): €83.00 for a stay of up to 90 days within 3 months.

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After Submission:

After submitting your application, attending appointments, providing biometrics, and paying the necessary fees, your application will enter the processing phase. If additional verifications are required by the embassy, they will notify you accordingly.

Once approved, you can choose to:

• Collect your passport with the visa sticker directly in person at the VAC or embassy.
• Request the VAC to deliver the package to you for a certain fee.
• Authorize a third party to collect it on your behalf with a letter of authorization signed by you.

Please note that the VAC’s role is limited to accepting applications and biometrics, while the processing is the sole responsibility of the consular section of the embassy.

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How to Check Visa Status:

While awaiting a decision from the embassy, you can track your application’s status by entering your application number and name at the visa status tracking website. Alternatively, you may try contacting the embassy, although responses may not always be prompt. Another option is to reach out to your travel agency, which can assist in tracking your application’s status.

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During Your Visit:

Once you hold the Greece visit visa, keep these key points in mind to ensure a pleasant travel experience:

• Carefully note the visa’s expiry date, duration of stay, and number of entries specified on the visa sticker.
• Ensure that you travel to Greece within six months of the issue date; otherwise, your permit will become invalid.
• While in Greece, carry a copy of your travel documents at all times and safeguard the original documents to prevent potential difficulties.
• While on a visitor permit, refrain from engaging in work or employment activities, but feel free to participate in other Schengen category activities such as sightseeing and leisure activities.
• Under normal circumstances, you cannot extend this visa.

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