Planning a trip to Greece and not sure where to begin with your visa application? Whether you’re drawn to Athens’ ancient ruins, the whitewashed beauty of Santorini, or the laid-back charm of Crete, securing your Schengen visa is the first step to your Greek adventure. To help make things easier, here’s a complete Greece visa checklist that covers all the essential documents you’ll need for a smooth and stress-free application.

Book your Greece visa appointment with ease through Atlys! Skip the confusion and long wait times. Atlys makes scheduling your Greece visa appointment fast and simple.

Quick Summary

Before setting off to explore Greece’s sun-kissed islands and ancient wonders, make sure your visa application is complete. Here’s a comprehensive Greece visa checklist outlining the documents you’ll need to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process.

1. Essential Documents

   • Visa application form: Fully completed and signed.

   • Valid passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and contain at least two blank pages.

   • Passport-size photographs: Usually two, taken against a white background, in accordance with the official Greece Schengen visa photo requirements.

2. Personal & Travel Details

   • Cover letter: Clearly stating the purpose of your visit, length of stay, and travel itinerary.

   • Travel itinerary: Proof of flight bookings or a tentative round-trip schedule.

   • Accommodation proof: Confirmed hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host in Greece.

3. Financial Proof

   • Proof of sufficient funds: Recent bank statements (covering the past 6 months), income proof, or tax returns showing financial stability to cover your trip.

   • Sponsorship letter (if applicable): If someone else is financing your trip, include their financial documents and a signed declaration of support.

4. Insurance & Supporting Documents

   • Travel medical insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across the Schengen region, including emergency medical treatment and repatriation.

   • Proof of employment or education:

     • Employees: Employment certificate, approved leave letter, and recent salary slips.

     • Self-employed: Business registration certificate, trade license, and recent tax records.

     • Students: Enrollment certificate and a no-objection letter from your school or university.

5. Additional Documents (if applicable)

   • Invitation letter: From family, friends, or business associates in Greece.

   • Civil status documents: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers if travelling with a spouse or dependents.

Greece Visa Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Applying for a Greek visa is a straightforward process if you understand the requirements and prepare your documents carefully. Most delays or rejections stem from missing or inconsistent paperwork. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.

1. Identify the Correct Visa Type

Before collecting your documents, determine which visa category applies to your purpose of travel. Greece, as part of the Schengen Area, offers several visa types:

Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

• Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Suitable for tourism, family visits, business, medical treatment, or cultural events.

• Allows travel across all Schengen countries, including Greece, Italy, France, and Spain.

Long-Stay National Visa (Type D)

• Required for stays longer than 90 days.

• Issued for study, work, research, or family reunification.

• Enables you to apply for a residence permit once in Greece.

Airport Transit Visa (Type A)

• Needed if you’re transiting through a Greek airport to a non-Schengen destination and must leave the international zone.

Each category has specific requirements, so ensure you select the right one before applying.

2. Complete the Greece Visa Application Form

You can fill out the Greece visa form online through the official website of your local Greek Embassy or Consulate, or via the Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) partnered with Greece.

Each applicant, including children, must complete a separate Greece visa application form. The form must be filled out accurately and signed on page 4.

When filling the form:

• Enter accurate details matching your passport and supporting documents.

• Avoid leaving blank sections — incomplete forms may be rejected.

• Print and sign the form before submission.

• For minors, ensure the form is signed by both parents or a legal guardian.

3. Valid Passport Requirements

Your passport must meet the following conditions:

• Valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen zone.

• Issued within the last 10 years.

• Contain at least two blank pages.

• Be in good condition with no torn or damaged pages.

Include photocopies of the bio-data page, prior Schengen visas (if any), and relevant travel stamps to demonstrate your travel history.

4. Passport-Sized Photographs

Submit two recent colour photos following Schengen visa photo standards:

• Size: 35mm x 45mm

• Background: White or light grey

• Facial expression: Neutral, eyes open

• No headwear or tinted glasses (except for religious reasons)

• Taken within the last six months

Save time and avoid the hassle of rejected photos by using the Atlys Visa Photo Maker. Just upload your picture, and Atlys will crop, resize, and adjust the background to meet official requirements.

5. Proof of Travel Arrangements

Your travel plans should clearly outline your intended itinerary and the purpose of your visit. Include:

• Round-trip flight reservation (entry and exit from Greece).

• Accommodation proof: Hotel confirmations, Airbnb bookings, or a host's invitation letter.

• Detailed itinerary: Mention destinations, dates, and planned activities.

Tip: Avoid buying non-refundable tickets until your visa is approved. Provide provisional bookings instead.

6. Financial Documents: Proof of Means of Subsistence

Greek authorities require proof that you can financially support yourself during your stay. Submit the following:

• Personal bank statements from the last 3–6 months, stamped and signed by the bank.

• Proof of regular income (salary slips, tax returns, or pension statements).

• Sponsorship letter (if applicable): If someone else is funding your trip, include their financial proof, ID, and a signed declaration of support.

Recommended Financial Threshold: Applicants are typically expected to show funds equivalent to €50–€70 per day of stay in Greece, depending on the city and travel plan.

Smart Financial Tips:

• Maintain steady account activity reflecting your travel budget.

• Avoid sudden large deposits without proof.

• If using a joint account, include the co-holder's consent and ID.

7. Proof of Employment or Education

To show strong ties to your home country, provide evidence of employment or academic enrolment.

For Employees:

• No-Objection Certificate (NOC) or approved leave letter on company letterhead.

• Employment verification letter stating designation, salary, and tenure.

• Recent payslips (3–6 months).

• Income tax returns (if applicable).

For Self-Employed / Freelancers:

• Business registration or trade license.

• Business bank statements (6 months).

• Latest tax filings or invoices.

• Client contracts or service agreements (optional but beneficial).

For Students:

• An enrollment certificate from your school/university.

• NOC from your educational institution.

• Copy of a valid student ID.

• Proof of sponsorship or financial support from parents/guardians.

8. Cover Letter

Address your cover letter to the Consulate General of Greece. Keep it formal, concise, and factual. Include:

• Purpose of travel and length of stay.

• Entry and exit dates with a summary of your itinerary.

• Employment, study, or business details.

• Financial capability and home-country ties (family, job, or property).

• Mention prior Schengen travel (if any).

• Contact information for follow-up.

Avoid emotional or vague statements; keep it professional. You can check out sample Schengen cover letters here.

9. Travel Insurance

• Mandatory Requirement: Travel medical insurance is compulsory for all Schengen visa applicants visiting Greece.

• Minimum Coverage: The policy must provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage.

• Geographical Validity: It must be valid across all Schengen countries, including Greece.

• Coverage Scope: Should include medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation costs.

• Duration: Must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay, covering all travel dates.

• Submission: Attach both the original insurance policy and a photocopy showing your name, coverage amount, validity period, and Schengen-wide protection.

10. Additional Documents Based on Visa Type

Tourist Visa:

• Proof of accommodation and travel bookings.

• Bank statements and a cover letter detailing your travel plans.

Business Visa:

• An invitation letter from a Greek company or partner.

• Proof of existing business relationship or correspondence.

• Company registration and financial documents.

Student Visa (Long-Stay):

• An admission letter from a recognised Greek institution.

• Proof of tuition fee payment.

• Academic transcripts and certificates.

• Proof of accommodation and financial resources.

• Medical certificate and police clearance (if required).

Work Visa:

• Valid employment contract from a Greek employer.

• Work permit approval (if applicable).

• Proof of qualifications or experience.

Family Reunification Visa:

• Marriage or birth certificates proving the relationship.

• Copy of the Greek resident’s residence permit.

• Proof of sufficient income and housing.

11. Police Clearance Certificate

Required for long-term visas:

• Issued by local police or relevant authorities in your home country.

• Confirms that you have no criminal record.

• Should not be older than six months at submission.

12. Medical Certificate (if applicable)

Applicable for long-term stay categories (work, study, family reunification).

• Must be issued by a registered doctor.

• Should confirm you are free from contagious diseases.

• Must include the doctor’s name, signature, and registration details.

13. Greece Visa Fees

• Schengen Visa (Type C): €90 for adults, €45 for minors aged 6–12.

• Free for children under 6 and for certain categories (students, researchers, diplomats).

• Payable in local currency (cash or card) at the visa application centre.
  Keep the payment receipt for verification during submission.

14. Submit Your Application and Biometrics

• Submit your application in person at the nearest Greek Consulate or authorised Visa Application Centre (VAC).

• Carry original documents along with photocopies.

• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

• Attend an interview if called, and answer questions clearly about your travel plans.

Tips for Greece Visa Application Preparation

Here are some practical tips to help you have a successful visa application:

• Start Early: Begin your visa application process well in advance of your intended travel date — ideally at least 4 weeks ahead — to account for processing times and unforeseen delays.

• Double-Check Requirements: Carefully review the latest checklist from the Greek consulate or visa application centre to ensure you meet all requirements for your specific visa type.

• Organise Your Documents: Arrange all your documents in the order listed in the checklist to make it easy for consular staff to review your application.

• Use Recent Documents: Ensure all your documents (bank statements, employment letters, insurance, etc.) are recent, preferably issued within the last month.

• Provide Complete and Genuine Information: Fill in the application form accurately and honestly. Any inconsistencies or false information can lead to delays or rejection.

• Check Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended return date and has been issued within the last 10 years.

• Match Details Across Documents: The information on your application form, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and supporting documents should be consistent.

• Do Not Purchase Tickets: Submit only flight and hotel reservations unless your visa has been approved, to avoid financial loss in case of denial.

• Certified Translations: If any of your documents are not in English, French, or Greek, provide certified translations as required.

• Be Prepared for an Interview: You may be asked to attend an interview and answer questions about your trip, finances, and ties to your home country. Prepare clear and honest answers.

• Check for Additional Requirements: If you are travelling with minors, as part of a group, or for special purposes (business, study, medical), confirm if additional documents are needed.

• Follow Up: Track your application status if possible, and be responsive if the consulate requests additional information or documents.

Applying for a Greek visa may seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and documentation, the process can be smooth and straightforward. By carefully following this checklist, you ensure that every requirement — from your application form to your travel insurance — is complete and accurate. Once your paperwork is in order, all that’s left is to look forward to your journey.

Whether it’s wandering through Athens’ historic ruins, sailing across Santorini’s blue waters, or simply soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine, Greece promises an experience that’s truly timeless.