Mykonos. Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock
You may have long dreamt of going to history-rich Greece and have finally settled on an itinerary that includes one (or a few) of its countless islands, plus forays into the mountainous mainland and stops in its vibrant cities. Now it's time to ensure that your arrival goes without a hitch too.
For many visitors, a valid passport is sufficient to enter Greece, but others need to apply for a visa a few months in advance. Here’s our guide to navigating the requirements for a trip to Greece, how new EU systems could affect you, and the particulars for digital nomads.
Visa-free travel to Greece
Greece is a member of both the EU and the border-free Schengen Zone, which allows citizens of the 29 member countries to travel between those nations visa-free. Citizens of either EU countries that are not members of the zone or European Economic Area (EEA) countries also don’t need a visa to move within the bloc.
Furthermore, citizens of more than 60 countries are permitted to travel to Greece visa-free for a total of 90 days within a 180-day period. These nations include the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UAE and Israel, as well as some South American countries. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of three months after your departure date. You may be asked to provide documentation outlining the reason for your visit and confirming your departure date. Check with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if your country qualifies for visa-free travel.
The 90-day term applies to the whole Schengen Zone, so if you plan on traveling to Italy or France as well as Greece, you'll need to tally up the number of days you’ll be spending in each country and keep within the 90-day total.
There’s no need to stay in the Schengen area for a consecutive 90 days, however: you can move in and out as you wish, for a maximum of 90 days throughout the 180-day period. It’s easy enough to gauge the length of your Schengen-wide stay with online calculators designed for this purpose. Beware though, if you stay longer than 90 days, the authorities in Greece or other Schengen area countries may deport you or prohibit you from reentering the bloc.
What is the Entry/Exit System?
The EU border management initiative known as the Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to be introduced in October 2025. Passport control officers will scan your fingerprints or take a photo of your face the first time you arrive at a border crossing. This practice will affect all non-EU nationals who are traveling to a European country for a short stay. If you are a national of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, the EES doesn’t apply. Other exemptions are available as well, primarily to those who hold a residence card.
When will the ETIAS be launched?
The EU is expected to introduce its ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) in the last quarter of 2026, with an announcement to be made several months in advance. This new requirement affects travelers who don’t need a visa to enter 30 European countries, including Greece, for a short stay. If you hold a non-EU passport, you’ll need to apply online for pre-authorization, along the lines of the USA’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Costing €7 (US$8), with fee exemptions for those under 18 or over 70, the process should be quick and painless. If you have family members who are EU citizens or non-EU nationals who have the right to move freely through the EU, you also don’t pay the fee.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Greece?
If you remain in Greece or the wider Schengen zone beyond the 90-day period, you could be slapped with a fine upon departure and be barred from entering any other Schengen country for three months. In Greece, fines for overstaying the 90-day visa-free period range from €600–1200 (US$693–1386).
If you’re not able to leave before your 90-day limit is up, you need to apply for an extension at the nearest Aliens Bureau a minimum of two weeks before your required departure. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis, though it’s highly unlikely you’ll be allowed to stay on for pleasure travel.
Applying for a visa to visit Greece
Some visitors need to apply for a short-stay Schengen tourist visa to visit Greece or any other Schengen area country. Tourist visas cover a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. Among those who are required to get this visa are citizens of China, India, South Africa and Lebanon.
Apply for a visa at the nearest Greek consulate in your country of origin up to six months and not less than 15 calendar days ahead of your intended visit. In most cases, you will be required to appear in person. You will need to provide a recent passport-sized photograph and evidence of medical insurance for the duration of your trip. Additionally, you may be asked to present proof of accommodations and means of support during your visit, among other documentation. Your passport must have an expiration date at least three months after your intended departure. Schengen visas cost €90 (US$104) for any applicant over age 12, and there is no charge for children under 12. Tourist visas are normally valid for six months, and extensions are only possible in exceptional circumstances.
If your country does not have Greek consular representation, check the ministry's list of Schengen-area countries that accept visa applications from your country of origin. Global Visa Center World handles visa applications from certain countries, including India, the Philippines and Vietnam, and you may be able to apply online. If you are a family member of an EU or EEA citizen, or a citizen of Switzerland, you may be eligible for priority service and a fee waiver. It usually takes the consulate 15 calendar days to make a decision on a visa application, but it can take up to two months. Visa extensions are rarely granted, and applications must be made before the visa expires.
I’m a digital nomad. Can I obtain a visa to stay longer in Greece?
Greece is doing all it can to attract digital nomads, offering 12-month visas and two-year residence permits. If you’re a remote worker, freelancer or entrepreneur from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you can apply for a long-term visa, also known as a national D-type visa, to stay in Greece for up to 12 months.
Apply for this visa at the Greek consulate in your country of residence or via email or registered letter. You will need to provide proof that you are either self-employed or work for a company or organization outside of Greece. Visa holders are not allowed to work for Greece-based employers on a permanent or freelance basis. You must prove that you earn a monthly minimum of €3500 (US$4044) after taxes to cover living expenses during your stay. If your spouse or partner joins you, that figure rises 20% and 15% for each child. After the first year, you’re eligible to apply for a renewable two-year digital nomad residence permit.
If you live and work for fewer than 180 days in a calendar year in Greece, you’re not required to pay taxes in Greece. If you exceed that time frame, you may need to move your tax residency to Greece.
Plan with a local
