Introduction
Greece is a popular destination among Indonesian travelers, thanks to its idyllic beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re planning to explore the ancient ruins of Athens, soak up the sun in Mykonos, or go island-hopping in the Aegean Sea, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa if you’re traveling from Chicago. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing a Greece Schengen visa, from the application process to the required travel documents and more.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The Schengen Area is a zone consisting of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Do Indonesian Travelers Need a Schengen Visa to Visit Greece?
Yes, Indonesian citizens need a Schengen visa to enter Greece as it is a member of the Schengen Area. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or transit purposes, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa before you depart from Chicago. This visa allows you to enter Greece and other Schengen countries, as long as your entire stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.
How to Apply for a Greece Schengen Visa from Chicago
The application process for a Greece Schengen visa is straightforward and can be completed online or in-person at the Greek embassy or consulate in Chicago. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a Greece Schengen visa:
Step 1: Determine your visa type
Before you apply for a Greece Schengen visa, you’ll need to determine which type of visa you need. The most common types of Schengen visas are:
- Short-stay visa: This type of visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or other purposes.
- Transit visa: This type of visa allows you to transit through a Schengen country for up to five days on your way to a non-Schengen country.
- Airport transit visa: This type of visa allows you to transit through a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Once you’ve determined which type of visa you need, you’ll need to gather the required documents for your application. The documents you’ll need to provide may vary depending on your visa type, but generally include:
- A completed Schengen visa application form
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages
- A passport-sized photo
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Schengen Area
- Travel medical insurance that covers up to €30,000 in medical expenses
Step 3: Pay the visa fee
Once you’ve gathered your documents, you’ll need to pay the visa fee. The visa fee for a Greece Schengen visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the visa fee. You can pay the visa fee by credit card or cash at the Greek embassy or consulate in Chicago.
Step 4: Submit your application
After you’ve paid the visa fee, you can submit your application online or in-person at the Greek embassy or consulate in Chicago. If you’re submitting your application in-person, you’ll need to make an appointment beforehand.
Step 5: Wait for a decision
After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for a decision. The processing time for a Greece Schengen visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but generally takes up to 15 days. If your application is approved, you’ll receive your visa in your passport. If your application is denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial.
Requirements for a Greece Schengen Visa
In order to be eligible for a Greece Schengen visa, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- You must have a valid passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in the Schengen Area.
- You must have a completed and signed Schengen visa application form.
- You must have a passport-sized photo taken within the last six months.
- You must have proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations.
- You must have proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Schengen Area.
- You must have travel medical insurance that covers up to €30,000 in medical expenses.
How Much Does a Greece Schengen Visa Cost?
The visa fee for a Greece Schengen visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from the visa fee. In addition to the visa fee, you may also need to pay other fees, such as a service fee or courier fee, depending on the embassy or consulate where you submit your application.
Other Travel Requirements for Greek Visitors
In addition to a Schengen visa, Indonesian travelers visiting Greece from Chicago will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Greece.
- A return flight ticket or onward travel ticket.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Greece.
- Travel medical insurance that covers up to €30,000 in medical expenses.
Accommodation and Itinerary for Visitors to Greece
When planning your trip to Greece, it’s important to make sure you have a place to stay and a rough itinerary of your trip. Here are some tips to help you plan your accommodation and itinerary in Greece:
- Book your accommodation in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates.
- Consider staying in a central location, such as Athens, to easily explore nearby attractions.
- Create a list of must-visit attractions and plan your itinerary around them.
- Allow enough time to explore each attraction and factor in travel time between locations.
- Be prepared for the weather and pack accordingly.
- Check for any local events or festivals that may be taking place during your visit.
Travel Tips for Indonesian Visitors to Greece
Here are some tips to help make your trip to Greece as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
- Learn a few basic Greek phrases to help communicate with locals.
- Be respectful of Greek customs and traditions, such as dress codes for religious sites.
- Take advantage of public transportation, such as buses and trains, to get around.
- Try the local cuisine, such as souvlaki and moussaka.
- Be aware of your belongings and take precautions to prevent theft.
- Take plenty of photos to capture your memories of Greece.
Conclusion
If you’re an Indonesian traveler planning to visit Greece from Chicago, securing a Schengen visa is an essential step in the process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can apply for a Greece Schengen visa with confidence and ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents and requirements for your trip. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy all that Greece has to offer and create lasting memories of your visit.
