Greece Visa for Indians: A Comprehensive Guide for First-time Applicants

Greece is becoming an increasingly popular destination for long-haul travellers, with India showing the fastest growth in travel interest, according to recent data from INSETE, the research arm of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).

If you are among those planning a trip, it is important to apply for a Greece visa for Indians before you start making arrangements. Read on to know everything about this specific visa.

What are the Types of Greece Visa for Indians?

Since Greece is in the Schengen area, every Indian can enter the country with a valid Schengen visa. However, it is important to understand the types of this visa to analyse which one best suits the purpose of your visit.

Tourist Visa

The Greece visa for Indian tourists is issued to allow visiting for leisure, sightseeing or to meet friends and family. However, with this visa, you can only enjoy tourism-related activities, as it does not permit employment. This visa is valid for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Student Visa

Indian students planning to study in Greece must apply for a Student Visa. These visa applicants are only permitted to stay during their study period, not as permanent residents.

Business Visa

Business professionals from India wanting to attend meetings, conferences, trade fairs or business negotiations can apply for this visa. Although it allows short-term business activities, applicants are not allowed to work for Greek employers with this visa.

Transit Schengen Visa

A transit visa is required for Indian travellers who want to pass through a Greek airport en route to a non-Schengen country. The type A transit visa is for a shorter period, while the type B visa is available for a maximum of 5 days. In fact, this visa is also applicable to Indians visiting by sea.

Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

The Schengen visa type C is the most common visa for Indian applicants. This visa works in three forms: single entry, double entry and multiple entry. As the name suggests, the single entry permits one-time entry, and the double or multiple entries allow two-time or unlimited entries within 90 days.

Working Schengen Visa

Indian citizens seeking employment in Greece should apply for a working Schengen Visa. In fact, it is mandatory for citizens of non-EU countries to apply for this visa before entry.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa

With this visa, visitors of Greece are allowed to enter specific Schengen countries. However, this visa is only applicable under special circumstances, such as humanitarian needs.

National Visa (Type D)

If you are required to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, you have to apply for a national D visa. However, applicants have to give a valid proof of family reunification, employment or academic purpose for visa approval.

Greece Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

To make your application process for obtaining a Greek visa smoother, there are certain requirements you have to fulfil, which include:

1. You need to have a passport with a minimum validity of 3 months and no more than 10 years old, with 2 blank pages.

2. An international travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 (approximately ₹32 lakh) to bear the cost of unforeseen medical expenses is mandatory to apply for a Greece visa.

3. The submitted documents must include valid proof of income, such as bank statements, payslips or income tax returns, to show your capability to cover travel expenses.

4. To get a Schengen visa in Greece or other Schengen countries, the applicants have to be physically present to provide their biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph. However, children under the age of 12 can be exempt from fingerprinting (under Article 13(7) of the Visa Code).

5. You must have valid evidence of your travel plans and intent to return, with a travel itinerary, round-trip flight bookings and accommodation details.

6. Students also need to have proof of having sufficient funds, equivalent to at least €400 (Approximately ₹42,928) per month during the period of studies.

7. For non-Indian passport holders, it is necessary to have a permanent or temporary residency permit in India valid for more than 3 months to prove their legal status in the country.

Photo Specifications on the Greece Visa for Indians

Photographs are one of the most essential parts of your Greece visa application for Indians. Therefore, to avoid any hassle in the application process, ensure your photo is:

1. 3,5 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch)

2. Not more than 6 months old

3. Has a light background, ideally white or off-white

4. Fully shows your forehead and ears

5. Not covering your head with a cap or scarf (unless for religious purposes)

Which Documents are Required for Your Greece Visa Application?

The table below outlines the list of documents required to get Greece visa for Indians:

Steps to Apply for the Greece Visa for Indians

To apply for a Greek Schengen Visa, you need to complete the following steps.

Step 1: Confirm Your Visa Type

Before applying for a Greece Schengen Visa, you need to verify which visa type would be most suitable for you. Students or work visa applicants, for instance, typically require a longer stay than tourists.

Step 2: Download Your Applicant Form

After determining the visa type, download the Schengen Visa application form. To get the form, navigate to the official website of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Once you land on their official page, click on 'Application form' to get the soft copy of the form and fill it out correctly.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Based on your visa type and preferences, you have to prepare the listed documents from the previous section. Get all these documents before attending the appointment. If any of the required documents are missing, your visa application will be rejected.

Step 4: Make an Appointment at the VAC Centre

Once you have filled out the application form and gathered all the documents, book an appointment at your nearest Greece Visa Application Centre (VAC).  You can get all the required information for the VACs in India from the official website of the Greece embassy.

Step 5: Attend the Scheduled Appointment

Visit the VAC centre on the scheduled date. Here, you have to submit all necessary documents, provide biometrics and pay the visa fee. Meanwhile, you will also receive a reference number for tracking the status of your visa application.

What are Greece Visa Fees for Indian Applicants?

The Greek visa fees for Indian applicants can vary depending on your visa type or age. Check below to get an idea about the cost of your visa application.

Note: The application charges for the Greece visa for Indians are subject to change due to the currency exchange rate. Thus, always verify the charges from the official Greece Embassy website before applying.

What is the Processing Time of the Greece Tourist Visa for Indian Applicants?

The processing time of a Schengen visa application in countries like Greece generally takes up to 15 working days. However, the period can get extended for up to a maximum of 45 calendar days in individual cases. For instance, if any further scrutiny of your application is needed.

Although visa approval usually takes about a week, delays may occur depending on the location of the Visa Application Centre. The New Delhi embassy generally has a faster processing time compared to other parts of India.

1. Processing Time from New Delhi: 5 days

2. Processing Time from the Rest of India: 6-8 days

How to Avoid Rejection of Greece Visa for Indians?

Keep the following tips in mind to avoid rejection of your Greece visa application.

1. Ensure your financial documents are accurate, up-to-date and valid.

2. Verify if every section of the visa application form is completely filled and keep the valid documentation proof of the information before submission.

3. Purchase an international travel insurance plan with Schengen cover from a reputable agency, like Bajaj General Insurance, ahead of planning your trip.

4. Prepare all documents, such as employment letters, property deeds and affidavits, before applying for a Greece visa, to clearly showcase your intention to return.

5. Make sure your passport is not damaged, torn or has any other physical defects.

6. Do not hide any criminal record in the application and provide a detailed explanation. In such situations, it is ideal to consult with an immigration lawyer.

Why Do Indian Greece Visa Applicants Need Travel Insurance?

While visiting a Schengen country like Greece, purchasing travel insurance comes with numerous benefits. Here is a list of benefits that you can get from Bajaj General Insurance plans: 

Medical Assistance

With our international travel insurance plan, you can obtain comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, including any disease or injury in Greece.

Protection from Unpredictable Risks

The travel insurance plan from Bajaj General Insurance provides comprehensive coverage against unforeseen events, including accidents or theft. Additionally, you would also get coverage for third-party claims resulting from unintentional physical injury or property damage.

Ensure Visa Approval

Our specialised Schengen visa insurance is designed to meet all your Schengen visa requirements, including the mandatory medical coverage. This is why getting a visa approval will be a lot easier with this plan.

Coverage from Trip Disruption

You will receive coverage for your prepaid and non-refundable costs in case of sudden cancellation of your trip or delay in flight during your trip to Greece.

Protection for Loss or Theft of Belongings

Losing important belongings such as your passport, phone, or baggage is an unfortunate yet common issue faced by international travellers. However, with our international travel insurance plan, you can receive compensation for lost or stolen items, giving you added peace of mind while travelling.

Final Words

With the above guide, getting a Greece visa for Indians would be extremely hassle-free. Although it may seem overwhelming for first-time applicants, with all the required documents in place, including international travel insurance, there would be no reason for any delay.

If you haven’t purchased any travel insurance yet, contact Bajaj General Insurance now. We will not only help you to meet the mandatory Schengen visa requirements but also ensure a fast claim at the time of your need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before my trip do I need to apply for a Greece tourist visa?

You have to apply for a Greece tourist visa at least 6 months before your travel date. In fact, any application made more than 15 working days before the date of the intended visit has high chances of rejection.

What is the address of the Greece tourist visa embassy for Indian applicants?

The official Greece visa embassy in New Delhi handles the Greece tourist visa of every Indian applicant, which is located in EP-32, Dr S. Radhakrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021.

Can I get travel insurance after applying for a Greece visa?

Yes, you can get travel insurance after applying for your Greece visa. However, it is generally not recommended as insurance is a mandatory requirement for visa approval. Thus, any delay in the insurance purchase can hamper the smooth processing of your Greece visa.

What is not covered under travel insurance for Greece visa applicants?

For Greece visa applicants, most Schengen policies generally exclude pre-existing conditions, self-inflicted harm, accidents from intoxication and injuries or death from events of war or terrorism. However, you can get coverage for high-risk adventurous sports or pre-existing conditions if you include these as an add-on.

What to do if my Greece visa application gets rejected?

If your Greece visa is rejected, you have to appeal to withdraw the refusal within 15 days of the receipt of the visa refusal. Write a formal letter to the consulate explaining why the mistake was made. Or else, you can reapply for a visa by thoroughly fixing the issues that caused the initial denial.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.