Greece Travel Guide

Greece — Passport and Visa Information

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Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Other EU	1	No/2	No
USA	Yes	No	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No	Yes
Australian	Yes	No	Yes
British	Yes	No/2	No

Passport required by all except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passports must be valid for the following durations:
(a) British and EU passports must be valid for length of intended stay. British passport holders may stay in Greece until the last day of the validity of their passports.
(b) Australian, Canadian, USA must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay, which can be a maximum of three months.

Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Notes

Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Visa Note

(a) 2. EU nationals staying more than 90 days or for employment (including establishing a business, trade, profession or commercial activity) have to apply in person to the consulate general of Greece for a national visa; (b) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of travel documents issued by the area of Cyprus not controlled by the Government of Cyprus, and holders of UN laissez-passers; (c) Some nationals may have to register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. Contact the nearest embassy/consulate to determine whether this is necessary prior to travel.

Types of Visa and Cost

Schengen visa (airport transit visa and short-stay visa): €60 (£52). National visa (long-stay visa): €37.50 (£33).

Working Days Required

Three to 14, dependent upon nationality.

Travel Warnings

Most visits to Greece are trouble-free.

There is a general threat from terrorism, which has been on the increase. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers.

Following a landslide at Tempi on 17 December 2009, part of the Athens-Thessaloniki road has been closed. Disruption is expected to last some months.

You should maintain high standards of public behavior in Greece. The Greek police will not accept rowdy or indecent behavior, especially where excessive alcohol consumption is involved. Greek courts impose heavy fines or prison sentences on people who behave indecently.

Visitors should be aware that high temperatures in the summer months (June-August) can cause forest fires, which can also result in severe pollution and falling ash.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Health Care

Members of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are entitled to free emergency medical treatment providing they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For emergencies, ring 166 (public ambulance).