GreeceVisa
Visa requiredLanguage
Modern GreekCar traffic
Right-handPhone code
+30Currency
EuroCovid
There are no COVID restrictionsInsurance policy
Insurance policy recommendedMinimum passport validity
at least 6 monthsGreece visa and entry requirements
Transit rules
Entry with pets
Emergency contacts
Сustoms regulations
Information for motorists
Practical tips from experienced tourists
Embassy contacts
Do Russian citizens need a visa for Greece, including Santorini?
Yes, Russians are required to have a visa to visit Greece, whether they plan to explore the mainland or Santorini. This applies even to short-term visits, including tourism.
What are the visa requirements for traveling to Greece as a Russian citizen?
Schengen visas allow short stays in Greece of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. They also enable travel to other Schengen nations. For longer visits, a long-term visa or residence permit is necessary.
What documents are necessary for Russian citizens to enter Greece besides a visa?
In addition to their visa, Russians must carry:
- A passport valid for 6 months beyond their travel dates.
- A return ticket or confirmation of their departure plans.
- Accommodation proof, like a hotel reservation or an invitation from a host.
- Evidence of financial means, such as a bank statement.
- Travel insurance, which is required (details below).
Do Russians need health insurance for Greece?
Absolutely! Health insurance is mandatory to obtain a visa. It covers emergencies and high medical costs that can arise during your trip. Visit World offers simple and reliable insurance plans that meet Schengen visa requirements.
How to get a Greek visa: Instructions for Russians
- Fill out the online visa application form via the Greek Consulate or visa center’s website.
- Prepare all supporting documents (see below for details).
- Book an appointment to submit the documents.
- Pay the visa fee during the submission process.
- Attend an interview, if required for your case.
- Wait for your application to be processed, usually within 7–15 business days.
Tip: start the application process early to avoid last-minute delays.
What are the essential documents for Russians applying for a visa to Greece?
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid international passport with at least two blank pages.
- Recently taken passport-sized photos.
- Accommodation confirmation, such as hotel booking or host invitation.
- Health insurance covering a minimum of €30,000.
- Financial documentation: a bank statement from the last 3 months.
- Travel tickets or booking confirmation.
- A cover letter outlining your travel plans.
What is the cost of a visa to Greece for Russians?
€90.00 for adults.
€45.00 for children aged 6–12.
€35.00 for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.
€67.50 for citizens of Cape Verde.
Processing fees may also apply when submitting through a visa center.
Departure requirements for Russians
Ensure your return ticket is confirmed and all documents are in order. If you’ve stayed beyond 90 days, border guards might question your travel history. For other Schengen destinations, verify your visa’s validity.
What should Russians see in Greece?
- Athens: see the Acropolis, visit the museum, and stroll through Plaka.
- Delphi: step into history at the site of the ancient oracle.
- Santorini: visit Oia for sunsets, volcanic beaches, and wine.
- Meteora: explore breathtaking monasteries perched on cliffs.
- Thessaloniki: a cultural hotspot with rich history and modern flair.
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:
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:
Representations of Greece in the countries of the world.
HOTLINE CONNECTIONS
ONLINE CHAT
PRODUCT CHAT
HOTLINE CONNECTIONS
ONLINE CHAT
PRODUCT CHAT
All materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.