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>> Visa Requirements for Greece
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Visa Requirements for Greece
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TYPES OF VISA
Schengen Agreement
The purpose of Schengen Agreement is to gradually abolish checks at the common borders of the Schengen States with regard to movement of persons to facilitate the transport and movement of goods.
This simply means that persons who hold visas for the following countries may also enter Greek National Territory.
The following countries are parties to the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Tourist Visa
This visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days and allows the holder to enter Greece for the purpose of visiting only. U.S. citizens, nationals of European Union countries and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to stay in Greece for up to 3 months. U.S. residents need a visa to travel to Greece. Applicants must contact the Consulate office for additional information and visa requirements that are specific to their nationality. This visa does not allow the holder to work in Greece for compensation. This is a single and multiple entry visa.
Nationals of the following countries need a visa to enter Greece: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Belarus, Benin, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Butane, Cameroon, Cape Verde, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ecuador, Estonia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Equatorial, Quinoa Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ivory Cost, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirghistan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lesotho, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Maldives, Morocco, Maurice, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua-New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Palau, Qatar, Central African Republic, Romania, the Russian Federation, Rwanda, San Marino, Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, Saint Vincent, Santa Lucia, Samoa Occidental, Saint Thomas and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Surinam, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Business Visa
This visa is issued for up to 90 days and allows the holder to conduct business activities in Greece (such as attendance of business meetings, the creation of business contacts, and attendance of business seminars).
A business visa does not allow the holder to work in Greece for compensation. U.S. citizens, nationals of Canada, and nationals of European Union countries do not need a visa if their stay does not exceed 90 days. This is a single and multiple entry visa.
Work Permit
This permit is valid for the period of time stipulated by the length and nature of the employment contract and is ultimately determined by the Ministry of Labor in Greece. The applicant must find a sponsor who can apply for the applicant's employment at the Ministry of Labor. A work permit can only be issued in Greece.
PROCESSING TIME
The processing time for all visas is approximately 5 to 7 days.
PROCESS AND DOCUMENTS
Tourist Visa
The following documents must be submitted to the Consulate of Greece in the applicant's place of residency:
Visa application form
- Valid passport
- U.S. residents must present their permanent resident card or a valid U.S. re-entry visa
- One recent passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Proof of sufficient funds to support the applicant's stay in Greece
- Hotel reservations or proof of participation in group travel. If you are invited by a friend or family you have to submit: a letter of invitation, that is an affidavit signed by the family member or friend who is inviting you and notarized by the appropriate authorities of the country in question, concerning your lodging
- Travel itinerary in Greece and references, if available
- Visa fee paid by cash or money order made payable to the Consulate of Greece
- A letter of reference from employer
NOTE: The Consulate has a right to ask for additional documentation. U.S. residents must contact the Consulate to obtain additional information and requirements that are specific to their nationality.
Business Visa
The following documents must be submitted to the Consulate of Greece in the applicant's place of residence:
- Visa application form
- Valid passport
- One valid passport-size photograph of the applicant
- U.S. residents must submit their resident card or a valid U.S. visa
- Proof of sufficient funds for a stay in Greece (such as bank statements, credit card statements, etc.)
- Invitation from the company or organization specifying the reason why the applicant is expected in Greece and the duration of the stay
- A letter of reference from employer
- Hotel reservations or proof of participation in group travel.
If you are invited by a friend or family you have to submit: a letter of invitation, that is an affidavit signed by the family member or friend who is inviting you and notarized by the appropriate authorities of the country in question, concerning your lodging
- Visa fee
- Destination in Greece and references, if available
NOTE: The Consulate office may require additional documents from the applicant . U.S. residents must contact the Consulate office to obtain additional information that is specific to their nationality.
Work Permit
NOTE: ONLY the Ministry of Labor can approve work permits.
The following documents must be submitted to the Ministry of Labor in Greece:
- Visa application form (Application must be made by the company who is employing the applicant. The company serves as a sponsor for the applicant)
- Valid passport of the applicant
- U.S. residents must submit a valid U.S. resident card
- One recent passport-size photograph of the applicant
- Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements, credit card statements, etc.)
- A written contract of employment from the company that states the nature and the length of employment
- Work permit fee
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
U.S. residents must contact the Consulate office to obtain additional information for visa requirements that are specific to their nationality. The applicant must appear in person for an interview at the consulate office located in the applicant's place of residence.
EXTENSIONS AND RENEWALS
Visas can be extended in Greece at the Alien Bureau. The applicant must have a very important reason for extending his/her stay in Greece.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Business activity may not commence without the possession of the required business visa or work permit.
NON-COMPLIANCE
Non-compliance with the immigration regulations of Greece may result in deportation. FILING FEES Fees vary according to international agreements that exist between Greece and the respective country. In addition to the visa fee, a non-refundable $4.65 application fee is required. |
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