Passport Validity For Greece Travel: What You Need To Know

If you're planning a trip to Greece, it's important to ensure that your passport is valid for travel. Greece follows the Schengen area rules, which means that your passport must meet certain requirements for entry. Firstly, your passport must have a ''date of issue' less than 10 years before the date of your arrival in Greece. Secondly, it should have an 'expiry date' that is at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. These rules apply to British citizens and non-EU nationals travelling to Greece. It's also worth noting that Greece allows visa-free entry for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for certain nationalities, but be sure to check the latest entry requirements before your trip.

Do I need a visa to enter Greece?

The short answer is: it depends.

If you are a US citizen travelling on a blue tourist passport, you do not need a visa to enter Greece if you are staying for less than 90 days. However, if you are travelling on a red official or black diplomatic passport, you must obtain a Schengen visa before departure. Greece enforces this requirement very strictly, and failure to comply will result in being held at the airport police station and being turned back. If you have both types of passports, it is recommended that you travel with both.

For UK citizens, Greece follows Schengen area rules. This means that you can travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must meet certain validity requirements: it must have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before your arrival date, and an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.

If you are planning to stay in Greece for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a national visa from the Greek authorities.

How long can I stay in Greece without a visa?

To enter Greece, your passport must meet the following requirements:

• It must have a ''date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive. If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago.
• It must have an 'expiry date' of at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.

Greece is part of the Schengen area, so you can stay there without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you are visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, cultural or sports events, or studying or training. If you are planning to work in Greece, different requirements apply.

If you wish to stay for longer than 90 days, you must apply to the Greek authorities for a national visa. You can apply for a visa by visiting the Greek embassy in your country. You will need to meet the following requirements:

• A valid passport not older than 10 years with at least 6 months of validity
• Proof of accommodation
• Medical insurance (€30,000 minimum)
• Two recent passport photographs

What other documents do I need to enter Greece?

To enter Greece, you will need a passport that meets the following requirements:

• Has a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive.
• Has an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.
• Has at least 6 months of remaining validity.

Greece is a member of the Schengen area, so you can travel there without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, you will need to make sure you have the following:

• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
• A return or onward ticket.
• Comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
• A valid EU Certificate of a negative COVID-19 test result or a Passenger Locator Form (PLF).

If you are a US citizen travelling on a red official or black diplomatic passport, you must obtain a Schengen visa before your departure.

What are the rules for a Greek visa?

The rules for a Greek visa depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay. Here is a comprehensive guide on the Greek visa rules:

Short-Term "Schengen Visa"

Greece is part of the Schengen area, which allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for certain nationalities. Citizens of the United States, for example, can enter Greece and other Schengen countries without a visa if their visit is within 90 days. However, it is important to ensure that your passport meets the validity requirements, which include having a "date of issue" less than 10 years before your arrival date and an "expiry date" at least 3 months after your planned departure.

Long-Term "National Visa"

If you plan to stay in Greece for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, you will need to apply for a long-term "national visa." This type of visa is required for various purposes, including property ownership, studies, employment, athletics, and coaching. The application process for a national visa may vary depending on your specific situation, and it is recommended to contact the Greek Embassy or Consulate for detailed information.

Visa Application Process

When applying for a Greek visa, whether short-term or long-term, you will typically need to submit the following:

• A completed and signed visa application form.
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages, issued within the previous ten years, and valid for at least three months after your planned departure.
• A recent photograph that meets the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• Supporting documents, such as proof of financial resources, travel medical insurance, and a return or onward ticket.
• In some cases, you may be required to provide additional documentation, such as a criminal record certificate or a medical certificate.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Greek visa may change, so it is always advisable to check with the official government sources or diplomatic missions for the most up-to-date information.

What happens if my passport is close to expiring?

If your passport is close to expiring, you may be denied entry to Greece. Greece follows the Schengen area rules, which state that your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least three months after the day you plan to leave. It must also have a 'date of issue' less than ten years before the date of your arrival. If your passport was renewed before 1 October 2018, it may be valid if the date of issue is more than ten years ago.

It is important to check the validity requirements with your travel provider and ensure that your passport and other travel documents are in order. If your passport does not meet the requirements, you should renew it before travelling.

In addition to passport validity, there are other requirements for entry into Greece. British citizens, for example, do not need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. Citizens of certain non-EU countries, such as the USA, Canada, and Australia, can also enter Greece without a visa and stay for up to three months (90 days) within a six-month period. However, citizens of other countries may need to obtain a visa from the Greek Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

It is always advisable to check the latest entry requirements before travelling, as these may vary depending on your nationality and the type of travel document you hold. Additionally, some countries may have specific insurance or vaccination requirements that must be met. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared and ensure that your passport is valid and up-to-date to avoid any issues during your travel to Greece.

Frequently asked questions