Planning a trip to Greece from India? You might need a Greece tourist visa to enter the country. In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting a Greece tourist visa from India.
Do You Need a Tourist Visa for Greece?
If you are an Indian passport holder, you need a visa to enter Greece for tourism purposes. However, if you are travelling to Greece for less than 90 days, you can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa.
A Schengen visa allows you to travel to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area, including Greece, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Types of Greece Tourist Visas for Indians
There are two types of Greece tourist visas for Indians:
Short-Stay Schengen Visa
A short-stay Schengen visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It allows you to travel to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area, including Greece, for tourism, business, or medical purposes.
National Visa
A national visa is valid for more than 90 days and allows you to stay in Greece for a longer period of time. This type of visa is ideal for those who intend to study, work, or settle in Greece.
How to Apply for a Greece Tourist Visa from India?
Here are the steps to apply for a Greece tourist visa from India:
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need
Determine whether you need a short-stay Schengen visa or a national visa based on the purpose and duration of your trip.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Gather the required documents for your visa application. The list of documents may vary based on the type of visa you are applying for, but generally includes:
- Passport with at least six months of validity
- Visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of travel arrangements (flight tickets, hotel bookings, travel itinerary)
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, invitation letter from a sponsor)
- Proof of employment or business (employment certificate, business registration certificate)
- Police clearance certificate
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with the Greece Visa Application Centre in your city. You can book an appointment online or by phone.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your visa application at the Greece Visa Application Centre on the scheduled date and time. Make sure you bring all the required documents and pay the visa fee.
Step 5: Track Your Application
You can track the status of your visa application online or by SMS.
Step 6: Collect Your Visa
Once your visa application is approved, you can collect your visa from the Greece Visa Application Centre. Make sure you bring your original passport and a copy of your visa application.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Greece Tourist Visa?
The processing time for a Greece tourist visa from India is usually between 10 and 15 working days. However, it may take longer if your application requires further scrutiny or additional documents.
Conclusion
Getting a Greece tourist visa from India is a straightforward process if you have all the required documents and follow the steps mentioned in this article. Make sure you apply for your visa well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any last-minute delays or complications.
