Visit World - Botswana Citizens Traveling to Greece: Entry Rules, Visa Requirements & Regulations

Do Botswana citizens need a visa to enter Greece?

Yes, Botswana citizens need a visa to travel to Greece. This rule applies to both visits to the mainland and popular islands, including Santorini. A visa is required for any trip, even if it is only for tourism or a short-term visit.

What are the visa requirements for Botswana citizens?

Greece issues Schengen visas that allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. The visa also allows you to visit other Schengen countries. Long-term visas or permits are required for longer trips (work, study, relocation).

What documents do Botswana need to enter Greece besides a visa?

In addition to a valid visa, Botswana will need:

A passport with a validity period of at least 6 months after the date of return.
Return ticket or confirmation of its booking.
Document of accommodation reservation: hotel, apartment or invitation from the host country.
Proof of financial solvency: a bank statement confirming that you will be able to cover the travel expenses.
Health insurance (see below).

Do Botswana citizens need health insurance to travel to Greece?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a visa. This is not just a formality, but also an important safety precaution for traveling. Treatment in Greece can be expensive, and insurance will cover the costs in case of an accident or emergency. On the Visit World website, you can quickly apply for a reliable policy that meets the requirements for a Schengen visa.

How to get a visa to Greece for Botswana citizens?

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Fill out a visa application form online on the official website of the Greek Consulate (usually available through a local visa application center).

Link to the visa application form.

2. Prepare all the documents (see below).

3. Make an appointment to submit documents to the consulate or visa center through their official website.

4. Pay the visa fee at the time of submission.

5. Attend an interview, if required (usually for the first application).

6. Wait for the decision, which usually takes 7 to 15 business days.

Tip: Apply in advance, as it may take longer to process during the high tourist season.

What are the main documents required to obtain a visa for Greece for Botswana citizens?

A completed visa application form.
A valid international passport (with two blank pages).
Passport-size photos taken recently.
Document of accommodation reservation (hotel or invitation confirmation).
Health insurance covering at least €30,000 in case of emergency.
Financial documents: bank statement for the last 3 months.
Tickets or their booking to confirm the trip.
A cover letter with a travel plan.

How much does a visa to Greece cost for Botswana citizens?

The cost of a Schengen visa for Greece for Botswana depends on the age and country of residence:

€90.00 - for adults.

€45.00 - for children aged 6 to 12 years.

€35.00 - for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus.

€67.50 - for citizens of Cape Verde.

Additional fees may be charged for processing documents at visa centers, which should be taken into account when applying.

Rules of departure from Greece for Botswana citizens

Before leaving, make sure your documents are in order, especially your return ticket. Border guards may have questions if you have stayed in the country longer than the allowed 90 days. If you plan to visit other Schengen countries, keep an eye on your visa validity.

What should tourists from Botswana visit in Greece?

1. Santorini - visit the town of Oia at sunset, explore the volcanic beaches and taste the Assyrtiko wine.

2. Athens - don't miss the Acropolis and the modern Acropolis Museum. The ancient Plaka neighborhood is a great combination of history and modern culture.

3. Delphi - the site of the ancient oracle - is the perfect destination for history buffs.

4. Meteora - unique monasteries on the rocks that look like something out of a movie.

5. Thessaloniki is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a modern atmosphere.

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.

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Language

Car traffic

Phone code

Currency

Covid

Insurance policy

Minimum passport validity