Guide to Securing a Schengen Visa for Greece from the UK with Euro Holidays
Planning a trip to see the historic ruins of Athens, or relax on the beaches of Santorini and Mykonos? If you are a non-UK/non-EU national living in the United Kingdom, you will most likely need a Schengen Visa for Greece before you fly.
At Euro Holidays, we specialise in crafting unforgettable European getaways. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Greece Schengen visa from UK, including required documents, appointment booking, processing times, and costs, so you can focus entirely on enjoying your upcoming vacation.
Who Needs a Greece Travel Visa?
Your passport determines whether you need a Greece travel visa:
- UK Passport Holders: You do not need a visa for short tourist or business stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, you must comply with the standard 90/180-day Schengen zone limit.
- Third-Country Nationals Residing in the UK: If you hold a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a valid UK visa, but your citizenship is from a country without a visa-waiver agreement with the EU, you must apply for a Greece short-stay visa (Type C).
Why Visit Greece?
Greece is known for its ancient ruins, stunning islands, and beautifull culture:
- Tourism: Explore the historical sites of Athens, the stunning beaches of Santorini, and the rich culture of Crete.
- Business: Greece has a growing tourism industry and is expanding in sectors such as shipping, agriculture, and energy, with business centers in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Types of Greece Visas Available
Depending on your travel purpose, you can apply for different visas:
- Type C Short-Stay Visa (Tourism/Business): Valid for holidays, short business trips, or visiting family. It allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. This is the standard visa required for most Euro Holidays tour packages.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: Ideal for frequent travellers, allowing multiple entries over a period of 1 to 5 years.
- Type D National Visa (Long-Stay): Required if you intend to stay in Greece for more than 90 days for study, work, or residency.
Schengen Visa for Greece Requirements & Documents Checklist
To ensure your Greece visa application is successful, you must assemble a precise portfolio of evidence. The official Greece visa documents checklist includes:
- Visa Application Form: Completed, printed, and signed. You can fill out and apply for Greece visa online via the official GVCW Online Visa Application Portal.
- Valid Passport: Must be issued within the last 10 years, possess at least 2 blank pages, and remain valid for 3+ months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Zone.
- UK Residence Permit: Your valid BRP card or share code proving your legal status in the UK.
- Passport Photos: Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm) against a light, neutral background.
- Proof of Travel Itinerary: Fully paid round-trip flight or travel tickets. Greek authorities do not accept dummy bookings. (When booking with Euro Holidays, we provide you with a fully compliant flight itinerary for your submission.)
- Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or an official invitation letter. (Our team at Euro Holidays provides the exact accommodation certificates required by the consulate.)
- Proof of Financial Means: Recent UK bank statements covering the last 3 months, showing a minimum financial cushion of €50 per day of your stay.
- Schengen Travel Insurance: Mandatory medical insurance offering at least €30,000 in coverage. It must cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, and repatriation across all 29 Schengen states.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Greece Visa Online
The submission process from the UK runs through Greece’s designated visa partner, Global Visa Center World (GVCW):
➔ Step 1: Complete online form
➔ Step 2: Book GVCW appointment
➔ Step 3: Attend & submit biometrics
➔ Step 4: Track & collect passport
1. Fill Out the Online Form
Begin your Schengen Visa for Greece by creating an account on the GVCW Web Portal. Fill in all required information, submit electronically, and print out the completed form.
2. Secure a Greece Visa Appointment
You cannot walk into the embassy or a visa centre without a booking. Secure an official Greece visa appointment online via the GVCW Appointment Booking system. GVCW operates application centres in three major UK cities:
- London
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
3. Attend Your Appointment & Submit Biometrics
Bring all physical documents from your Greece visa documents checklist to the centre. You will submit your paperwork, pay the fees, and have your biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo) captured.
4. Track Application and Collect Passport
Once submitted, you can track the status of your passport online. Once your visa is approved, your passport will be shipped back via secure courier or held at the centre for collection.
Greek Schengen Visa
If you are planning to visit Greece, you may need a Greek Schengen visa depending on your nationality and UK residence status. A short-stay visa can allow eligible travellers to visit Greece and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Apply in advance: Processing times can vary, so it is advisable to submit your application well before your planned trip.
Check your visa requirement: Your nationality and UK immigration status determine whether you need a Greek Schengen visa.
Prepare your documents: Common requirements include a valid passport, completed application form, accommodation details, travel insurance, proof of funds, and evidence of your travel plans.
Book your appointment: Submit your application through the relevant Greek visa application centre and attend your appointment when required.
Provide biometrics: Fingerprints and a photograph may be required as part of the application process.
Greece Visa Processing Time
The average Greece visa processing time is typically between 15 to 45 calendar days.
Because Greece is an incredibly popular summer holiday destination, appointment slots fill up rapidly and processing lines can slow down significantly between May and September. You can submit your application up to 6 months prior to your planned departure date.
The travel experts at Euro Holidays recommend booking your trip for Schengen Visa for Greece and starting your visa process at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance to avoid travel disruptions.
Greece Schengen Visa Fees & Costs
The fees for a short-stay visa are standard across the Schengen zone, but are converted and payable in British Pounds (GBP) at the visa center:
| Applicant Category | Schengen Visa Fee (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12 years and older) | €90 | Paid at application centre |
| Children (Ages 6 to 11) | €45 | Reduced rate |
| Children (Under 6 years) | Free | Visa fee waived |
Note: A separate, mandatory service fee is charged by GVCW to cover administrative processing costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the earliest date I can apply?
Up to 6 months before travel, with a minimum of 15 working days before departure. We recommend applying 8 to 12 weeks in advance.
What if I am visiting multiple Schengen countries?
Apply through the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time, or your first point of entry if time is equally split.
Can I study in Greece on a Schengen visa?
Short courses under 90 days may be possible. For full-time study exceeding 90 days, a Type D national student visa is required.
What should I do if my visa is denied?
You have the right to appeal. Our team at Euro Holidays can review your application and help you reapply.
How long can I stay in Greece with a Schengen visa?
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period, valid across all 29 Schengen countries.
Can I visit other Schengen countries with my Greece visa?
Yes a Greece Schengen visa is valid across all 29 Schengen member states.
How long does visa processing take?
Typically 15 calendar days, though this can extend to 30 days during peak season. Always apply well in advance.
