Greece Travel: Information on entering Greece:
Greece is signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. All E.U. citizens can enter Greece without a passport or visa. A valid ID card is required. British citizens should have their passport. Driving licenses are not accepted instead of an ID card.
The following documents are also valid.
- Laissez-passer issued by the U.N., the E.U, the High Authority of European Coal and Steel Community or the E.E.C. and Laissez-passer issued according to the Dublin Convention of 1990, only valid for the transfer described therein.
- Documents issued to stateless persons and refugees according to the Geneva convention of 1951 and the New York convention of 1954.
- Hong Kong certificate of Identity issued by the previous British Administration.
- Expired passports of nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland (maximum five years) and nationals of Germany (maximum one year).
A Visa is not required for the following people if they intend to stay in Greece for up to three months:
- Nationals of Andora, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Korea Rep., Latvia, Liechtnestein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Rep., Slovenia, Uruguay, U.S.A., Vatican City and Venezuela.
- Holders of passports who are discribed as "British Subject, Citizen of the United Kingdom, Islands and Colonies"
- Holders of Hong Kong, China or Macao and China passports.
For visits exceeding 3 months, authorization must be obtained in person by applying to the Aliens Bureau at least 20 days prior to the 3-month expiration date. A further 3 month extension is permitted in most cases. Out of Athens apply at the local police station at least 10 days before your current visa expires. Be prepared to show you can support yourself. Do not say you are working unless you have all the paperwork in hand or you'll awaken that sleeping monster, the Greek Bureaucracy and be refused if you haven't the money to support yourself. A 100 Eu fine is due if you overstay the extension. The fine increases the longer you overstay. 600 Eu is the maximum fine theoretically. In Athens apply:
- Aliens Bureau 173 Alexandras Ave., Athens. They close at 1 PM. Go early! Tel: 210-7705-711,
- Aliens Center 37, Iroon Politechniou St., 185 10 Piraeus Tel: 210 7705711-7
- Aliens Center, 73 D. Gounari, Maroussi (Athens Suburbs) Tel: 210 4122501, 210 4241333, 210 4128607
- Aliens Center, 25, Tsimiski St. Thessaloniki Tel: 2310 521067
In all nationality cases a Visa is required if the traveler does not hold a valid ID card or a valid passport. Citizens of all other countries should contact the nearest Greek Consulate office or the Greek Embassy in order to be properly informed on visa requirements.
Entrance is refused to
- a) Nationals of Turkey whose passport indicates that they have visited or intend to visit North Cyprus and holders of documents issued by the Authorities of North Cyprus.
- b) Holders of passports issued by Bophutaswana, Ciskei, Transkei or Venda, of Norwegian "Fremmedpass" or "Reisbevis", Somalian passports issued after 23/01/1991and Ethiopian Emergency passports
They do need, as do all nationals, their Drivers license for vehicle rental or to drive their own. But an Eu drivers license will do for Eu Nationals. Other Nationals need an International Drivers Licence in legal theory, but in practice, can usually squeak by with a regular, valid license
Eu Nationals may also work without hindrance. Information about ones self is called 'stee-hee-a'. ID is mandatory at all times for Greek citizens in public and called 'Taf-to-tee-ta'. Random ID checks are rare but legal.
In General The more photo ID the better for cashing travelers checks and other official interactions.
Types of Visas
- Tourist and business (single and multiple entry)
- Transit (single and double) Processing Time and Fees
- A processing time of approximately five days should be anticipated in most cases.
- Fees depend on the nationality of the applicant, and are determined by reciprocity between Greece and the respective country.
- In addition to the visa fee, a non-refundable $4,65 application fee is required. Requested supporting documents
- Visa application form duly filled out and signed by the applicant. Applications are available upon request, and may be photocopied or downloaded ( GREEK -- ENGLISH).
- Valid passport.
- Green card.
- One recent passport-size photograph of the applicant.
- Proof of availability of sufficient funds to support stay in Greece.
- Destination in Greece and references, if available.
- Money order, certified check, or cash payable to the consulate of Greece for the visa processing.
- Letter of reference from employer.
- Note: The consulate reserves the right to ask for further documentation, in addition to the above mentioned.
- The applicant must appear in person for an interview at the consulate nearest to his/her place of residence. In case the applicant is unable to appear in person he/she should contact the consulate for instructions.
An International Driver License/Permit is required for non EU nationals for driving in Greece, sometimes you can get away with moped rental without it. Your countries Automobile Club (AAA) will provide more information on obtaining one. Price $20. Within Greece: ELPA: Tel: 7791-615-9. I have been in situations where no one asked for it and the complete opposite as well. For moped rental some sticklers want you to have a motorcycle permit also, especially during high season.
Youth/Student/Teacher ID for Greece
If you are a student, the International Student Identity Card or ISIC is very handy and good for many discounts of all kinds including flights and insurance. http://www.ciee.org/id cards/index.htm Cost: about $20.
If you are under 26 years old the Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations offers the GO25 Card with similar benefits even if you are not a student. http://www.go25.org Cost: about $20.
If you are a teacher, the International Teacher Identity Card offers discounts as well but not quite as deep. Cost: about $20. http://www.istc.org