Greece Tourist Visa from Dubai

In order to visit Greece, you will need a 90-day short-term visa or the Greece visit visa. The Schengen visa is another name for this short-term visa.

You can fly to and stay in Greece and the other 26 Schengen countries with a Schengen visa.

 

Greece Short-Stay vs Long-Stay Visas

Feature	Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Type C)	Long-Stay Visa (National Type D)
Purpose	Tourism, business trips, family visits, cultural or sporting events, short training or study	Work, study, research, family reunification, or residence
Duration of Stay	Up to 90 days within a 180-day period	More than 90 days
Validity	Valid for Greece and all Schengen countries	Valid only for Greece
Entry Types	Single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry	Single-entry (convertible to residence permit in Greece)
Leads to Residence Permit?	No	Yes (must apply after arrival in Greece)
Common Use	Short visits such as holidays or business trips	Long-term relocation for work, studies, or family reasons

Documents Required for Greece Visit visa

• Visa Application Form — Completed and signed Schengen application form.
• Valid Passport — Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, and with at least 2 blank pages.
• Recent Passport-Sized Photos — Taken within the last 6 months, meeting Schengen photo specifications.
• Travel Itinerary — Proof of travel plans, including flight bookings (round trip) and travel dates.
• Accommodation Proof — Hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter from a host in Greece.
• Travel Health Insurance — Coverage of at least €30,000, valid across all Schengen states, including medical emergencies and repatriation.
• Proof of Financial Means — Recent bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship showing you can cover your expenses in Greece.
• Purpose of Visit Documents — For tourism: itinerary, bookings, or invitation letters. For business: meeting/conference invitations.
• Proof of Residence Status (for UAE applicants) — Emirates ID and residence permit valid for at least 3 months beyond your return.
• Cover Letter (if required) — Explaining the purpose of travel and planned itinerary.
• Biometric Data — Fingerprints and photo (if not already given within the last 59 months).
• Additional Documents (if applicable) — For minors: birth certificate and parental consent; for medical visits: hospital/doctor confirmation.

Step-by-Step Guide: Greece Tourist Visa Application

Step 1 — Confirm if you need a visa
Check if your nationality requires a Schengen visa for short stays.

Step 2 — Choose the correct visa type
Select the short-stay Schengen (Type C) tourist visa.

Step 3 — Identify where to apply
Submit your application to the Greek Embassy, Consulate, or authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 4 — Complete the application form
Fill out the official Schengen visa application form with accurate details.

Step 5 — Book your appointment
Schedule a visa appointment at the relevant consulate or VAC.

Step 6 — Gather required documents
Prepare passport, photos, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, travel insurance, financial evidence, and any additional documents requested.

Step 7 — Attend your appointment
Submit your application, provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo), and pay the fee.

Step 8 — Wait for processing
Processing usually takes about 15 calendar days, though it may vary.

Step 9 — Collect your passport
Retrieve your passport with the visa decision once processing is complete.

Recent Policy Updates: Greece Visa & Immigration Rules 

Here are the officially confirmed updates to Greece visa and EU entry procedures:

ETIAS Delayed to 2026
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require visa-exempt travelers to register before visiting Schengen countries, has been postponed until late 2026.

Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch 
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will go live on 12 October 2025. It will replace manual passport stamping with digital entry/exit records using biometrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition.

Greece Golden Visa Expansion 
Greece expanded its Golden Visa program to include a €250,000 investment in startups, in addition to real estate, provided conditions such as job creation are met.

Transitional Period for Old Golden Visa Rules
Investors who placed a 10% deposit before 31 August 2024 can complete their applications under the old, lower investment thresholds until 28 February 2025.