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Entry rules for Greece for Costa Ricans

As part of the Schengen zone, Greece welcomes Costa Rican citizens for short-term visits like holidays or business trips without the hassle of a visa. Just be sure to follow the 90-day limit.

Are visas required for Costa Rican citizens to visit Greece or Santorini?

Costa Rican citizens can travel to Greece, including the world-famous Santorini, without needing a visa. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day span under the visa-free arrangement.

What is the maximum length of stay in Greece for Costa Ricans?

Costa Rican citizens can stay in Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Longer stays for work, studies, or other purposes require a visa or residence permit.

What documents are needed for Costa Ricans traveling to Greece?

While no visa is required, Costa Rican citizens should have:

A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining beyond the trip.
Confirmation of accommodation (hotel or host invitation).
A return ticket or evidence of funds to secure one.
Health insurance for emergency care in Schengen countries.

Do Costa Ricans need health insurance to visit Greece?

Absolutely! Health insurance is mandatory for Costa Ricans and is crucial for covering emergency medical expenses. Visit World makes getting your travel insurance fast and simple.

What should tourists from Costa Rica keep in mind before their trip to Greece?

1. Hidden beaches await

Some of Greece’s best beaches are off the beaten path. Locals can point you to the best spots, often only accessible by boat or hiking.

2. Reserve attraction tickets in advance

Book entry to iconic places like the Acropolis online to avoid waiting in line and enjoy your visit at your own pace.

3. Explore unique islands

Skip the crowds of Santorini and Mykonos and visit quieter gems like Amorgos or Syros, where you’ll find a more authentic Greek experience.

4. Wine tasting is a must

Santorini’s volcanic wines like Assyrtiko are unforgettable. Visit wineries for a blend of flavor, history, and tradition.

5. Make the most of these apps

Ferryhopper for ferries.
Beat for Athens transport.
Eat with for dining and cooking experiences with locals.

6. Time your trip with a festival

Festivals, whether for wine or seafood, are lively and immersive. It’s a chance to celebrate like a true Greek.

7. Slow down during siesta hours

Enjoy the slower pace of life during siesta time, from 2 PM to 5 PM, when many places close.

Must-try Greek dishes for Costa Ricans

Baklava. A decadent dessert made of flaky pastry, nuts, and honey.
Greek salad. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, topped with olive oil.
Dolmades. Tender grape leaves stuffed with rice and a blend of spices.
Souvlaki. A grilled kebab of seasoned meat with a side of fresh veggies.
Moussaka. A classic dish of layered eggplant, potatoes, and minced meat.
Gyros. A pita stuffed with juicy meat, tzatziki, and vegetables.

Top places in Greece for Costa Rican tourists

1. Meteora: unique monasteries perched on sky-high rocks.

2. Crete: from ancient ruins to gorgeous beaches, Crete has it all.

3. Athens: explore the birthplace of Western civilization.

4. Santorini: known for its charm, sunsets, and romantic atmosphere.

5. Mykonos: a lively mix of luxury, beaches, and parties.

If you do not enjoy visa-free entry to Greece, you may need an airport transit visa.

Please follow the link to see if you need a transit visa: https://travel.gov.gr/

If you wish to travel to Greece with your pet, your pet will need a microchip, proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate approved by a USDA veterinarian. For more information on permitted ports of entry or if your pet is less than 3 months old, please visit the website for more information:

https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/services/services-for-greeks/pets-animals.html

If you plan to travel in Europe after arriving in Greece, your pet must be accompanied by a pet passport. You can get a pet passport from an authorized veterinarian in Greece.

Dial 112 to contact any emergency service.

In Greece, 112 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can connect the subscriber to:

by the police
Fire brigade
Emergency medical service
Coast Guard
National hotline for children SOS.

For information and advice on Greek customs regulations, visit the Customs website:

https://www.aade.gr/customs

If you are not a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Union, you will need to obtain an International Driving License (IDL) before renting a car in Greece. If you plan to drive your own car, you need a valid registration and proof of international insurance in addition to the IDL (check with your insurance company beforehand).

There are 2 ways to rent a car in Greece. One of them is online, where you can reserve the right car before your trip. Another option is to contact a car rental provider that is located in the area you plan to visit.

To rent a car, a minimum driving experience of at least 1 year is required. The minimum age is 21 years (for some types of cars – 25 years).

The maximum age for renting a car in the country also varies, but most often they allow you to rent a car under the age of 70.

1. Adapt to the Greek time

Greeks tend to hold a healthy Mediterranean belief that most things can be put off until tomorrow and nothing needs to be done in a hurry - the Spanish "mañana" is equal to the Greek "avrio". So don't expect fast service in restaurants or smooth transportation.

2. Entrance fees

All major ancient monuments, as well as most museums, charge an entrance fee ranging from €2 to €12, with an average cost of about €3. Entrance to all public monuments and museums is free on Sundays and holidays from November to March.

3. Outside of Athens, Greece is not very adapted for people with disabilities

Access for travelers with disabilities has improved somewhat in recent years, but most accessible attractions, hotels and restaurants tend to be located in Athens. While access to beaches has improved, much of the rest of Greece remains inaccessible to wheelchair users, and the abundance of stones, marble, slippery cobblestones and stepped alleys create unpleasant obstacles. People with visual and hearing impairments also rarely receive adequate services.

4. Carry cash and do not rely on cards or ATMs

As part of the EU, Greece uses the euro. In restaurants, service charges are usually included in the bill, and although tipping is not expected, it is always appreciated and a few coins can be left if the service was good. Taxi drivers usually expect you to round up the fare.

Keep in mind that ATMs on the islands can lose connection for a day or two, making it impossible for anyone (including locals) to withdraw money. It's a good idea to have some extra cash with you in case this happens during your visit.

5. Drink plenty of water and remember how dangerous the sun can be

On many islands in Greece, tap water is still safe to drink, but not recommended - ask if you are in doubt. Keep a supply of bottled water on hand for hydration as well as safety; many tourists underestimate how hot it can be in Greece, and heat strokes and serious sunburns are common on beaches with little shade.

6. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are common in public places

The main risks of theft in Greece are pickpockets in major cities and theft of belongings while vacationing on busy, popular beaches (leave your passports in hotel safes). Never leave your belongings unattended and do not leave bags hanging from the back of the seat where you cannot keep an eye on them.

The Tourist Police work in cooperation with the regular Greek police. Each Tourist Police office has at least one English-speaking officer. If you need to report your passport stolen or lost, contact the Tourist Police first and they will be the translators between you and the regular police.

7. Emergency number for tourists

Of course, when you go on vacation abroad, you don't want to think that something will go wrong. And emergency numbers are something we don't usually use. As a foreigner traveling to Greece, it doesn't make sense to write down all the emergency numbers you might need. Therefore, keep a single number: 171 (the number of the local tourist police).

This is a special police unit trained to deal exclusively with helping tourists who encounter problems in Greece. They can help you with any problem: from finding a doctor to resolving disputes. And, of course, they can help you with anything related to local legislation. They are available 24/7 and although they mainly deal with Athens issues, you can call them from anywhere in the world.

And the most important thing is that they all speak English, but there is a high probability that they speak other languages as well. So save this number before you travel to Greece: 171.

Sources:

https://letterstobarbara.com

https://www.roughguides.com

Representations of Greece in the countries of the world.

Visa

Idioma

Tráfico vehícular

código de teléfono

Divisa

Covid

Insurance policy

Validez mínima del pasaporte