Greece is one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, not only for short vacations but also for long-term stays, studies, work, and investments. As a member state of the Schengen Agreement, its entry rules are determined within a common European framework. Therefore, they depend on the traveler’s citizenship, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of the stay. Some visitors do not need a visa at all, others must obtain one in advance, and some choose Greece as a permanent base for living or as a long-term investment.
It is important to remember that regulations change from time to time, and it is always advisable to stay updated well in advance of your trip.
Citizens of many countries (such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Israel, and others) are exempt from tourist visas to Greece. They can enter the country without a prior visa and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Entry conditions include a valid passport and an exit ticket from the area. Travelers wishing to stay in Greece beyond this period must obtain an appropriate visa in advance, such as a student visa, work visa, or a long-stay Type D visa.
Even when a visa is not required, you must hold a valid passport. It is also recommended to have a return or onward flight ticket, proof of accommodation booking, medical travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. These documents may be requested during border control checks.
Greece and the Schengen Area – How It Works
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, a European travel zone that includes most EU countries and several others. The main implication is that visiting Greece is subject to the same rules that apply in France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, for example. Visa-exempt visitors are allowed to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period, with the count being cumulative across all Schengen countries combined. This means that time spent in another Schengen country must be taken into account before arriving in Greece. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area, and you may be asked for proof of a return ticket, accommodation, and financial means.
To help calculate visit days, various websites and apps are available, and it is recommended to use them if you have spent significant time in Schengen countries recently.
Who Does Not Need a Tourist Visa
EU citizens do not need a visa at all for entry, residence, work, or studies in Greece. In addition to them, citizens of many non-EU countries enjoy a tourist visa exemption, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Israel. Citizens from these countries can enter Greece without a prior visa and stay for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, or short-term business activities that do not involve employment. Although entry is usually straightforward, full Schengen rules still apply, and the final decision rests with border control officers.
Who Must Obtain a Schengen Visa in Advance
Citizens from countries not included in the Schengen visa-waiver list must obtain a short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C) before arriving in Greece. The application is submitted in the country of origin and involves filling out forms, presenting documents such as flight and hotel bookings, medical insurance, and proof of financial means, and sometimes a short interview. This visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and grants access to all Schengen countries, not just Greece.
Long Stays in Greece – Non-Tourist Visas
Anyone wishing to stay in Greece for more than 90 days must obtain a specific visa in advance. A student visa is intended for academic studies or long-term courses and requires an acceptance letter and proof of funding. A work visa is granted only after a Greek employer submits an official request on behalf of the employee. A long-stay Type D visa is intended for relocation due to family, professional, or financial reasons. After entering Greece with such a visa, you must regularize your residency status with the local authorities and obtain a residence permit.
Golden Visa – Residency by Investment
Greece’s Golden Visa program allows non-EU citizens to obtain a long-term residence permit through investment in the country. The most common route is purchasing real estate for a minimum amount set by the state, with the threshold varying by region and time.
In Athens, Thessaloniki, and popular islands, a higher capital is required, while in other areas the amount is lower. The visa is granted for five years with the possibility of renewal, includes full freedom of movement throughout the Schengen Area, and allows for the inclusion of immediate family members.
The Greek Golden Visa does not grant the right to work as an employee in Greece, but it allows for asset management, independent business activity, and investment income.
EU Citizens in Greece
Citizens of the European Union enjoy full freedom of movement. They can enter Greece, reside, work, and study there without the need for a visa or special residence permit. In the case of a permanent move, only basic administrative registration with local authorities is required, a simple process that does not involve immigration approval.
EES – Europe’s New Entry/Exit System
Starting in October 2025, Europe is expected to launch a new automated system (EES – Entry/Exit System) for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area for short stays. The system will also apply to visa-exempt visitors, including Americans, British citizens, and Israelis. It involves collecting biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, and automatically recording entry and exit dates from all Schengen countries. The system replaces manual passport stamps and allows for accurate tracking of the permitted stay of up to 90 days within 180 days. For those entering Greece, this means a more computerized and strict border process, and sometimes longer wait times, especially during the initial implementation period.
ETIAS – Future Changes to Entry Rules
ETIAS is a new online travel authorization that will apply to citizens of visa-exempt countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and Israel. Once the system comes into effect, these travelers will be required to fill out a short online application before flying to Greece or any other Schengen country. The application will include personal details, passport data, and basic security questions, and in most cases will be approved automatically within a short time.
ETIAS is not a visa and does not change the permitted duration of stay; rather, it acts as a pre-travel screening layer. The authorization will be valid for several years or until the passport expires, and will become mandatory for anyone entering the Schengen Area without a visa. Important:
- It is important to use the official EU website/app, and not those of commercial companies that unnecessarily inflate the cost. The fee currently set for a tourist is 20 Euros.