There are two options for entering Greece, depending on the nationality – visa-free and visa.
Who needs a tourist visa for Greece?
Currently, citizens of more than 90 countries can travel to Greece without a visa, and citizens of other 150 countries must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling.
If you are entitled to visa-free entry, your stay should not exceed 90 days. This applies to those cases when you travel as a tourist, visit family or friends, attend business meetings, cultural or sporting events.
Anyone staying in the Schengen area for more than a 90-day period may be subject to a fine on departure and will be banned from entering any other Schengen country for 90 days. In Greece, fines for exceeding the 90-day visa-free period range from 600 to 1,200 euros.
A longer stay is possible, but you must apply for an extension.
You must contact the nearest Foreigners' Office at least two weeks before the required departure date to apply for an extension of stay. The Greek authorities assess each application on a case-by-case basis and generally do not approve extensions for tourism purposes.
Necessary documents for submitting an application:
Passport (all pages, including pages with entry and exit stamps).
Declaration of the person offering hospitality in Greece
A copy of the Greek identity card or residence permit and the international identity card (if the person is not Greek) offering hospitality.
Residential rental agreement or other bills (for example, water or electricity bills).
Issuance of a document from the tax service of the person who offers hospitality.
Payment of 50 euros for each additional day that the person will be in Greece. This can be paid in cash or by bank transfer. If payment is made by bank transfer, you must provide two copies of your bank account or withdrawal card (if the same can be used in Greece).
Travel insurance
Two (2) photographs.
All of the above must be submitted in two (2) copies.
Travelers to Greece are not legally required to purchase travel insurance for their trip to Greece. Although this is not a mandatory condition for entry into Greece, it may be advisable for many tourists.
A travel insurance policy must meet the following requirements:
minimum coverage of 30,000 euros
valid in all countries of the Schengen Agreement
cover expenses related to repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health problems, emergency hospitalization, or death.
In the absence of a biometric passport or if you are a citizen of a country that does not have visa-free entry to Greece, you need a Schengen visa type C to enter and stay up to 90 days within 180 days, for example in the context of tourism, visiting friends, short-term study languages, etc.
To obtain a short-term Schengen visa, a visa application can be submitted no earlier than six months before the planned entry into the Schengen area.
How Much Does a Schengen Visa Cost?
• €90.00 – for adults
• €45.00 – for children between 6-12 years of age
• €35.00 – for nationals from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus
• €67.50 – for nationals from Cabo Verde
Schengen Visa is free for children younger than six years of age.
If the visa is for a single visit, the holder must apply for a new visa if he wishes to visit Greece again.
You can read more about the list of supporting documents for applying for a visa to Greece on the website:
https://www.mfa.gr
A residence permit is required to stay in Greece for more than 90 days. A residence permit for financially independent persons is issued for two years, after which holders can renew it every three years. The length of stay in Greece is not limited, and holders of a residence permit can live there permanently or not visit the country at all. Access to the labor market is prohibited.
Where can I get a residence permit?
Residence permits are issued by the migration authorities of Greece.
What additional documents are required to enter Greece?
Proof of travel arrangements: flight/roundtrip booking or other proof of the intended transport and the full itinerary of your visit to Greece (if several Schengen States will be visited or if the trip covers several Schengen States and non-Schengen countries).
Travel medical insurance for Greece – indicates that you are covered for emergency medical care and repatriation not only in Greece but also throughout the Schengen area (minimum cover of 30,000 euros).
Proof of residence in Greece: Proof of booking, Letter of invitation from a friend or family member living in Greece. Lease agreement.
Proof of financial support: To be eligible to travel to Greece, you need to have enough money to support yourself. The Greek authorities want you to have a minimum of 50 euros for each day you spend here. To prove that you meet this requirement, you must submit at least one reference: Bank statement for the last three months, Checks, Certificate of income.
A document confirming ownership (cars, apartments, or another real estate).
Registered proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation.
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.
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