Certain American and other non-EU citizens vacationing or intending to illegally work in Greece may need to show Greek authorities they have at least 50 euros a day for the length of their stay.

An interior ministry decision published in the Government Gazette on December 31, 2007 states in Article 1 that non-EU nationals traveling to Greece with a Schengen visa must show upon entry that they have at least 50 euros for each day of their stay, or a minimum of 300 euros for up to five (5) days. Non-EU minors need a minimum of 25 euros per day.

Article 2 says that non-EU citizens entering Greece with a national visa — a visa granted by Greece for entry to Greece only — with a validity of up to 90 days must have at least 300 euros for the entire length of their stay, whether it is one day or 90 days. The amount increases to 30 euros a day for anything beyond 90 days.

Finally, Article 3 says that the above two rules are in effect for non-EU citizens who are from countries that impose the same requirements on Greek citizens. Meaning, this legislation was written to retaliate or prevent against certain countries targeting or planning to target Greek citizens. As Australia, Canada and the USA currently do not require visiting Greek citizens to show financial means upon entry, American, Canadian and Australian citizens are technically not included as part of these new laws. But border police can still question anyone from any country at anytime for any reason.

Whether or not this applies to you, or authorities actually request that you show a credit card or cash at the border/airport, 50 euros a day is an accurate estimate of how much travelers to Greece need for food, transportation and sightseeing. Getting by on 20 euros a day is unrealistic.

* Convert 50 EUR to your currency by going to www.xe.com

In the “news”

An incomplete version of this story in the Athens News misled readers — particularly Americans — to believe the 50-euros-a-day rule applied to all non-EU citizens. It does not.

It primarily applies to non-EU citizens from countries that target Greek citizens, “undesirables” trying to live/work in Greece illegally, hooligans and citizens from western countries (Americans and Canadians) who overstay their visa.

The number of American tourists to Greece increased to nearly 436,000 in 2007, and the Greek tourism sector is a growth market that accounts for almost 20 percent of this country’s GDP. This country would be ill advised to impose monetary restrictions on all non-EU countries, and this is why I investigated further.

In discussion

The 50-euros-a-day topic was opened on posting boards, where more misinformation and rumors were spread. These rules are not amendments to existing legislation in law 3386/05 regarding a minimum financial requirement, as none existed previous to December 31, 2007 (I read it). It is a new addition. It is also not guaranteed that being clean shaven, well spoken and neatly dressed will absolve you from being checked. Whether you are questioned is purely the discretion and mood of border/passport control.

Greece is not alone in asking certain visitors to show minimum financial means. Bulgaria does the same thing, and other EU countries have historically asked select non-EU visitors to show a return ticket or financial resources if border/passport control suspects a person has intentions of staying/working illegally in the country.*

A lot of Americans, Canadians and other non-EU travelers who come each summer to work illegally in island bars and restaurants account for the highest number of overstays in Greece. There are no official stats, but the indicators are there — “Overstaying a visa in Greece” is one of the most popular posts on this site, and there are a number of Americans, Canadians and other non-EU citizens posting in forums requesting advice and job leads specifically for Greece, not Germany, Sweden or Spain. It is illegal to work in Greece as a traveler.

Therefore, Greece is within its right to discourage “undesirables” and question or demand proof of financial support from anyone they deem suspicious.

Two stories of many

* Upon learning my profession, certain countries have requested proof of financial means, a handwritten and signed statement that I promise to not work in their country, and the confiscation of some of my possessions. This happened in the UK, Germany, Hungary, France, India, Egypt, Mexico and the former Yugoslavia.

I provide this as an example that border police can question anyone at anytime for any reason, then decide to allow passage or turn someone away. Their actions need not be supported by written law.

* I urge you to read Dubaibilly’s comment attached to this post, which details what happened to his stepson. His story illustrates that a non-EU citizen may be asked to show 50 euros a day even before a visa is issued.

For related stories, see “Travel” or “Visas for Greece.”

Sources

- All sources are linked above
- Special thanks to Stathis for retrieving the necessary documents, which I then translated from Greek to English
- Hat tip to DubaiBilly for sharing his story attached to comments
- Photo source: www.Bilderkiste.de

Non-EU citizens not connected to a Greek or EU citizen wishing to retire or otherwise live in Greece supported by funds from outside the country can apply for a residence permit based on independent means. It is NOT a work permit.

According to the Greek state’s legal council (Nomiko Symboulio tou Kratos), applicants must go to the Greek Consulate in their homeland to secure a Greek national visa type ‘D’ that denotes intention to immigrate. This would then be presented to the local office of your municipality in Greece upon arrival to secure a residence permit based on independent means.

All of the non-EU citizens I know living in Greece supported by independent means previously entered with a normal Schengen/tourist visa, then applied for the residence permit upon arrival. However, the special entry visa is widespread now, and Greece is known to change its rules and regulations without notifying the public or its own consulates and public sector offices.

The following will prepare you for collecting the correct documents to apply for the special entry visa in your homeland and presenting them again upon arrival in Greece. It is usually not as simple as showing the visa to a public sector employee and being granted a residence permit, and the application process must start at least 60 days before your visa expires.

As I have not applied for the special entry visa myself (I’m an EU resident based on work), you will need to inquire at the Greek Consulate nearest you and be prepared to bring many of the documents I list below. A list of Greek Consulates in the USA and worldwide are provided for you in the third column of this site.

Applying for the residence permit in Greece

Your local municipality (”dimos” office) or nomarxeia accepts applications during certain hours, usually early in the morning starting at 7:30 a.m., and there is no nationwide standard. Some take appointments, some operate on a first-come, first-serve basis on specific days.

If you are uncertain of the location, the Mayor’s office or City Hall in your prefecture should be able to direct you to the correct location; KEP is often not knowledgeable about non-EU issues, though you are free to give it a try by calling ‘1564.’

1. Four (4) photocopies of the main page of the applicant’s passport and the original for verification
AND
One (1) photocopy of each passport page, which is needed to see your history and that you entered the country legally
- The applicant’s passport must be valid for the duration in which you are applying (1 year)
- The applicant’s passport must have at least one (1) blank page in which to place the permit
- No translation is necessary if the passport has Latin letters
- The municipality employee can do the certification of photocopies, no need to go to the police or Embassy

2. Application, given to you at the municipality
- Original must be filled out in Greek, then photocopied once without a signature

3. Proof of continuous medical insurance (past, present and future)
- Insurance can be from back home (Tricare, private insurance), which can remain in force or eventually be cut in favor of local options
- IKA, TEVE, OGA or other private insurance in Greece
- Medicare and Medical are not acceptable since coverage terminates once you leave U.S. territories
- Sometimes, they ask for evidence going back two (2) years
- Originals for verification and four (4) photocopies of each document

4. Proof of income
- Bank statements, letters from the source of income, past tax statements, etc. that show at least 2,000 euros/month in support (I do not quote figures in other currencies because the euro fluctuates daily)
- Certified originals for verification and four (4) photocopies of each document
and/or
4. Deposit of that 24,000 euros income (2,000/mo) in a Greek bank account
- Additional funds may be required if you are supporting a family
- An AFM (tax number) is not required to open an account
- Original bank register/book and four (4) photocopies of balance within 14 days of application

5. Proof of residence in Greece
- Signed lease stamped by the eforia (tax office) or mortgage papers or a dilosi (statement of facts) certifying your legal resident address
- Usually another document such as an OTE, DEH or EYDAP bill in your name
- Original and four (4) photocopies of each document

6. Clean criminal record
- Most municipalities present you with an application, which essentially requests your type A criminal record. It must be filled out in Greek, then it’s certified by the public official
- A few municipalities ask that you get your own criminal record from the Ministry of Justice

7. Health certificate
- Optional requirement: Authorities will almost always want it for a first-time applicant or if some time has passed since you last submitted one
- Secured by getting an X-ray and a blood test at a state/public hospital in Greece (see, “How to get a health certificate“)
- Original and three (3) photocopies

8. 150 euros fee paid at either the Mayor’s Office or eforia (Greek tax office)
- Location varies according to municipality

9. Four (4) recent color passport photos

10. Fakelo (colored folder with bands at the corners), purchased from any bookstore or school supply store

Anything not in Greek must be translated into Greek at the Translation Department or by a lawyer.

If you are a family, a full set of elements listed above must be provided for each applicant and presented at the same time.

What happens next?

After your papers are verified and accepted, you will be issued a bebaiosi (certificate of receipt; blue paper with photo) that serves as a temporary permit while higher authorities examine your documents. You must carry this or a photocopy with your passport for public and private transactions, as well as legal purposes should a policeman or other authority ask you to present it.

It does NOT grant you the right to travel outside of Greece. You must remain within the borders until an official sticker has been issued and placed in your passport.

There is no interview or other requirement, just some months of waiting and follow-up on your part since no one will call or otherwise contact you. If your application is successful, a permit will be issued in the form of a sticker.

Be sure to apply as early as possible upon arrival and after securing a legal residence, in case there are issues that need resolution. You must complete the process before the special entry visa expires.

The official permit is good for one year.

Renewal of the permit based on independent means

Must be renewed at least 60 days in advance of the expiration date.

All of the same requirements listed above will be necessary, except a photocopy of the entire passport. Health certificates and criminal records can be re-requested at any time, depending on the employee and situation.

Once you have held a residence permit for one year, the government allows travel outside Greece during pre-approved Easter, summer and Christmas periods that they announce if your permit has expired, as long as you can show proof that you applied for a renewal. See “I’m a non-EU citizen in Greece, may I travel whenever I wish?“

Other residence/work permits

If this option doesn’t quite suit your situation, check the category “Residence-Work permits” to see other types. It’s not yet an exhaustive list, as there are literally dozens, but it will give you a general sense of the most popular ones.

Sources

- Documentation given to me by the municipality office, which I translated to English
- Answers given by public sector employees when questioned
- First-hand experiences of people who hold this type of permit
- Greek Consulate in the USA (I agreed to not disclose which one)

Article updated April 8, 2008

Whether you have a Schengen or national visa, you are expected to leave the country before the visa expires and not overstay.

Otherwise, it is recommended to secure an visa extension (granted under special circumstances) or apply for the proper permit within 30 days of arrival if you are staying permanently. The permit process is NOT open to everyone, which you can read about in “How Americans/non-EU citizens can move, live and work in Greece.”

Schengen visas

American and other non-EU citizens from countries in which Greece and other Schengen countries signed a “visa waiver” agreement can stay up to 90 days within the Schengen zone in any 180-day period as a tourist if they have a passport valid for at least three (3) months. See “Schengen countries” if you do not know what they are.

Be aware that the countdown starts from the date of entry to the Schengen zone, as stamped in your passport or scanned by the computer in the absence of a stamp. i.e. If you are American and entered through France 20 days prior coming to Athens, the 90 days starts from that date, not the date you arrived in Greece. Further, it is not an EU visa (there’s no such thing); it is a Schengen visa.

Dual citizens of any country with two passports are not entitled to twice the time, and it has nothing to do with who you are married to. It only matters which passport you used to enter the country; if you try to enter with one passport and exit with another, passport control will question why you have no entry/exit stamp and get the truth out of you.

The term “visa waiver” means that non-EU citizens from certain countries do not need to go to the consulate, apply for a visa and get a sticker; it is sticker-free travel to the Schengen zone. To see if your country is on the list, see “Countries that do not need a visa for Greece.”

For non-EU citizens from countries without a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen zone, you must still go to the Greek Consulate in your homeland and apply for a sticker to be placed in your passport. The number of entries (one, two, multiple) is determined by your needs, as is the duration of stay (days, weeks or months up to 90 days maximum) in any 180-day period. There are no visas with validity past 90 days.

* Overstaying in the Schengen region does not have a one-size-fits-all set of rules. Each country has unique fines, penalties and enforcement standards.

National visas

A national visa is good only for Greece and no other country. These types of visas are issued to those seeking to travel, study, conduct business or potentially immigrate only to Greece OR to those who for some reason do not qualify for a Schengen visa. There are no visas with validity past 90 days.

How to apply for a visa extension

If you plan to stay longer than the expiration date of your Schengen or national visa while in Greece, it is wise to apply for a visa extension at the Alien’s Bureau Office or police station nearest to your legal or temporary address here. The location varies according to municipality, and you will be sent away if you go to the wrong one. Please note that this is a visa extension and not a “temporary residence permit,” as the American Embassy in Athens has incorrectly stated. There’s no such thing.

Visa extensions are normally granted under special extenuating circumstances, such as being in the hospital, having a serious car accident or a relative passing away, not because of careless planning, unexpectedly falling in love, taking illegal work and “just because.”

1. Apply between 7 to 25 days in advance of your visa’s expiration

2. Fill out the one-page Greek/English/French form provided to you by the alien’s bureau or police station

3. Provide any supporting evidence for needing an extension to the person in charge, who will give you a verbal answer

If you are approved, you will need to provide:

1. Four (4) passport size color photos

2. Proof of residence while in Greece (i.e. Letter from the person with whom you’re staying, hotel bill, statement of facts); the person in charge will request what is specifically needed for your case.

3. Proof of minimum financial means, which is a bank statement showing you have at least 450 euros/month or 15 euros/day for the length of your extension

4. Two (2) copies of the entry stamp to the Schengen zone or visa sticker in your passport

5. A passport that is valid for the period in which you are requesting an extension (i.e. If you’re asking for a 3-month extension, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months)

6. A flat fee of 464 euros, whether your extension is a minimum of one (1) day or a maximum of six (6) months (incorrectly reported as 364 euros by the Athens News); six (6) month extensions are granted for special extenuating circumstances

(Note: The American Embassy of Athens states that it is necessary to show a return ticket home, but I have not found this to be true)

The Alien’s Bureau or police station will give you a paper to put in your passport to show authorities when exiting Greece to avoid being stopped and fined.

The word ‘extension’ implies there is something valid to prolong, which means this is no longer the case if your visa has already expired.

* Special thanks to KEB, a reader who provided first-hand experience on securing an extension in July 2007; and reader JK in April 2008.

What if I’m denied an extension?

If you have the possibility to visit another station within your municipality, a different person may give you a different answer. However, there is no guarantee and you will be sent away if you cannot prove legal or temporary residence within the jurisdiction of the police station in which you are requesting an extension.

Should you be denied an extension, you are expected to leave Greece and the Schengen zone before the original visa expires, as scheduled.

Why doesn’t the Embassy intervene on my behalf?

The embassy is a diplomatic mission that serves citizens and non-citizens regarding issues with the homeland, not the host country where it is a guest.

Therefore, it cannot override a host country’s rules and regulations, nor help or intervene when a citizen has broken local laws. Visitors to this country are responsible for their actions, and ignorance is not a legitimate defense.

What about overstaying student and work visas?

Student and work visas are national visas (as mentioned above) that have classifications and entry limitations. Generally:

- Work visas on the whole cannot be renewed, converted or extended because they are for temporary stays (conference, consultation) or must be exchanged for a work permit before expiration.

- Student visas on the whole are restricted to one entry and are for temporary stays (semester abroad) or must be exchanged for a residence permit before expiration.

The correct visa and length of validity should have been sorted back in your homeland before arrival in accordance and adherence to the plan in place. There should be no need for an extension or reason for overstay. Period.

Can I get a visa extension to get married?

Depends. If you had scheduled a date to get married during the validity of your visa and there was an unforeseen event, such as the prospective groom/bride being in an accident or the municipality failed to provide the necessary papers after you had turned in the proper documents on time, there may be legitimate reason to extend it.

If you need an extension because of your own poor planning, or you and your partner/fiancé(e) decided to get married so one of you could get a permit to stay/live/work in Greece, then authorities will likely deny an extension. The ‘why’ should be obvious.

It also means there are restrictions in returning to the Schengen zone because of the 180-day rule.

Can I get a residence/work permit OR get married, if I overstay my visa or am an illegal resident?

No. Once your visa (student, work, tourist, Schengen) has expired, you enter an illegal resident status and are therefore ineligible to be hired legally, apply for a residence/work permit, conduct official transactions and get married. Why? In short, because you must be legal to do something legal.

Applying for a residence/work permit requires you be in a legitimate status, as does applying for a marriage license. If you somehow slip through the cracks, higher authorities will eventually deny your permit or can have it revoked at any time. Likewise, if your marriage is suspicious, a board of eight people will make that determination during the interview process, withhold issuing your permit and request that you leave the country.

Greece is more strict with overstays

Most Schengen countries are lenient with certain tourists when it comes to staying longer than the 90 days because it is good for the economy, but Greece is strict and has no tolerance for reasons I can’t explain. It has been well documented in travel articles and guides, such as the Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.

In the past: It used to be that one could renew a visa by crossing any country’s border and re-entering, but those days are long gone. With cooperation between the majority of EU countries and implementation of the Schengen Agreement, your passport will not be inspected or stamped upon arrival in a Schengen country, nor stamped upon returning to Greece since flights originating in the EU deliver passengers to a terminal without passport control.

Crossing to a non-Schengen country and re-entering is pointless with the current law in place.

Today: Although I know several Canadians and Americans who claim to have renewed their visas by crossing to a non-Schengen country in early 2007, I do not know the circumstances under which it occurred or if it’s even true. Attempting this is not recommended and will accomplish nothing because border patrol has been instructed to enforce the law and turn you away.

What is the law? The law is that a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period is allowed in the Schengen zone. It doesn’t matter if it’s a continuous 90 days or 30 days this month, 30 days two months from now and another 30 days four months from now. Schengen allows a maximum of 90 days temporary stay in any 180-day period. If the duration of stay for your visa is only 60 days, the same applies — it’s 60 days in any 180-day period.

* Special thanks to Frank, who provided first-hand experience to revise this article in November 2007.

The best advice

I find the best advice is:

a) Be sensible, plan ahead, get the right visa and don’t even think about overstaying
or
b) If you are planning to stay in Greece past the validity of any visa offered and find no legal way to secure a work/residence permit, go ahead and overstay as long as you wish without exiting, consciously accept the consequences and pay the fine when you leave.

There’s nothing more to add.

Overstaying without an extension

Anyone who stays beyond a visa’s validity without an extension and without a residence/work permit is “illegal,” subject to interrogation by airport officials, and must pay a fine upon exiting. Those caught working illegally or engaging in criminal activity in addition to being illegal are subject to deportation.

If you cannot or choose not to pay the fine of between 600 to 1,300 euros, officials will stamp your passport with the outstanding amount and a code number, which will be referenced in a computer each time you cross a border. You will likely be questioned at border crossings and can be barred from entering other Schengen countries.

Paying the fine at a later date clears your outstanding balance, however the mark (red, black, purple or whatever they have on hand) in your passport remains until its next renewal and it is possible you will still be questioned, as your travel record remains in the computer for a long time. (Note: I was questioned in Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Italy, in addition to being pulled out of line and temporarily detained in Greece, each time I crossed even though my fine was paid years before and I presented the original receipt every single time).

If you have a layover to another Schengen country on your flight home, it is possible that Greece will allow you to pass without penalty and assume the layover Schengen country will deal with you. This could work in your favor if authorities in the layover country grant you lenience or ignore the overstay; but it could also work against you in that authorities may bar you from entering or assess you a penalty greater than what Greece may have. It is impossible to predict the outcome. (* Special nod to Brady for contributing part of this info).

There have been claims that those who overstay a visa “can never come back to Greece,” but there is no written law to support this statement. However, it’s Greece and anything is possible, written or not.

How is an overstay fine or penalty calculated?

Whether or not you’re even looked at or how much you’re fined is purely the discretion of the person passing judgment; it doesn’t matter how long ago you passed the deadline. The American Embassy in Athens wrongly states that the penalty assessed is determined by the length of overstay. How do I know they are wrong? I know people who overstayed one day and were fined 600 euros, and people who overstayed 4 months and were fined exactly the same thing.

If the country is connected to the Schengen computer system (I don’t know which are or aren’t, and status could change at any time), your passport will be scanned, and anyone in violation will be automatically flagged — it doesn’t matter what stamps are or are not in your passport. If the country is not connected to the Schengen computer, border patrol can let you by without a glance or very easily do the math in his/her head.

In both cases, the immigration official can decide to do something…or not. If you’re let go, nothing is recorded in the computer or your passport, and you should be grateful and be on your way. If you’re not let go, he will enter you in the computer and assess a fine. You will then have the choice of paying the fine or not.
- If you pay, you will still be entered in the computer but your passport won’t be marked and you won’t be blacklisted.
- If you do not pay, you risk being blacklisted in the computer and/or in your passport for up to five (5) years. If you try and enter the Schengen zone before the blacklist period ends, whoever you get upon entering will again have the choice of letting you pay the fine and allow you passage or simply turn you away.

Well-to-do tourists are usually not bothered. Crackdowns are more likely on repeat violators of visas, scruffy tourists/backpackers, football hooligans, people pretending to be tourists but are trying to flee their country and work illegally, etc. Greek authorities are also seeking to crack down on Americans, Australians and Canadians who come to Greece each summer to work illegally and account for the greatest number of overstays across all nationalities.

Deportation

A mark in your passport and paying a fine does not mean you have been deported. Deportation usually occurs after police have detained you, legal judgment has been rendered in a court of justice, and you are escorted to the border to ensure departure.

Laws state that those who are deported by police or a court of justice cannot return for a minimum of three (3) years. I also read in the Government Gazette that the deportation fine is 1500 euros (will look that up and revise, if necessary).

Important note

The rules and regulations that govern applying for an extension and the penalties for overstaying a visa are different for every Schengen country. It is wrong to assume that all countries are the same.

Many of the facts relayed in this article apply to other Schengen countries, however you must check with authorities in the country of concern if you are reading this article and not in Greece.

Alien’s Bureaus

Athens
173 Alexandras Avenue
(210) 646-8103
(210) 770-5711
(210) 641-1746

Elefsina
18 Iroon Polytechneiou
(210) 554-7427

Elliniko
Proin Anatolikos Aerolimenas Athinon
(210) 960-1341

Glyfada
23 Karaiskaki
(210) 960-1341
(210) 962-7068

Kolonos
99 Antigonis
(210) 510-2833

Lavrio
3 Damoukara
(2210) 922-5265

Maroussi
73 D. Gounari
(210) 802-4808

Pallini
14 Athanasiou Diakou
(210) 603-2982
(210) 603-2980

Piraeus
37 Iroon Polytechniou
(210) 412-2501
(210) 412-8607
(210) 417-4592

Tavros
24 Petrou Ralli
(210) 340-5828/829/888
Hours 8:00-14:00

Thessaloniki
25 Tsimiski
(2310) 521.067
(2310) 510.829

Additional phone number from the Kathimerini: (210) 750-5711/17

(List is incomplete and more will be added for the mainland and islands)

Police stations

In many non-urban areas, the local police station serves as the Alien’s Bureau.

Call ‘11888′ within Greece to inquire and find the location nearest you. If you are outside Greece, you are likely not in need of a visa extension and should call the Greek Consulate of your homeland to address any related inquiries.

* Note: Police and bureau staff are not guaranteed to speak English, so it may be necessary to bring a Greek-speaking companion or show additional patience with the process.

Legal disclaimer

The information disclosed is based on many people’s first-hand experience and official documentation, but should not be taken as legal advice of any kind. There is also no way I can predict the human factor of policemen, border control and passport authorities of Greece or any Schengen country.

Related posts

“Non-EU travelers need 50 euros a day“
“Summer jobs in Greece FAQ“

Sources

- Greek Consulate in Washington DC
- Ministry of Justice, Greece
- Friends now working at Eleftheriou Venizelou Airport and local police stations
- Friend who worked for the Alien’s Bureau on Alexandras in 2003
- Personal experience; experiences of Americans and Canadians from 1997-2007
- Specific experiences of non-EU citizens KEB and Frank, August-November 2007
- Article from Athens News, for comparison purposes only

Photo from thaivisarun.com

* Article updated June 17, 2008

Schengen countries are those that have signed a 1985 Schengen agreement abolishing border checks/controls and harmonizing provisions that allow a common visa to visit all participating countries. It means that passports will only be checked and stamped if arriving from or departing to a non-Schengen country.

Note that the term “Schengen countries” does not refer to all EU member states or European countries and includes non-EU countries. All are connected to an SIS database that allow police to track suspects involved in crime across the EU.

Visitors still need visas where appropriate, and only Schengen visas allow travel within the entire Schengen zone. i.e. If you were only granted a visa to a specific country, you cannot go to another country regardless if they are in Schengen, the EU or are another EEA country.

Current Schengen countries

Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France and Monaco
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Spain
Sweden

* United Kingdom and Ireland (Outside the Schengen zone, but has policing and judicial authority)

As of March 2008

Please note that these countries technically abolished border checks by land and sea on December 21, 2007, however some countries may not have been prepared for the changeover. Airports were supposed to be ready by March 2008, though some may still be in transition.

A country’s recent entrance to Schengen does not extend, renew or change your visa status.

Czech Republic
Estonia
Hungary
Latvia
Lithuania
Malta
Poland
Slovakia
Slovenia

As of November 2008

Liechtenstein
Switzerland

As of 2011

Bulgaria
Romania

Signed but no date set

Cyprus

Related posts

“Non-EU travelers to Greece need 50 euros a day“
“Countries that enjoy visa-free travel to Greece“
“What is an EFTA country? What is an EEA country?“

Article last updated April 10, 2008

Citizens of the following non-EU countries can travel to Greece without first securing a Schengen or national visa from the Greek Consulate and can stay up to 90 days for tourist purposes.

Visas are determined by your passport and your citizenship only.

Non-EU Countries

Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Bolivia
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
El Salvador
Guatemala
Holy See (State of the Vatican)
Honduras
Hong Kong (blue and red passports)
Iceland
Israel
Japan
Liechtenstein
Macao (holders of Região Administrativa Especial de Macau)
Malaysia
Mexico
Monaco
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Panama
Paraguay
South Korea
San Marino
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
United States
Uruguay
Venezuela

If your country is not on the list

If your non-EU country is not on the list above, you are required to go to the Greek Consulate in your homeland and apply for a non-immigrant Schengen or appropriate national visa that grants you entry, so a sticker may be placed in your passport for entry.

A link to the addresses and phone numbers of Greek Consulates Worldwide is provided for you in the third column of this site.

Citizens from EU countries are automatically granted free movement between the 27 member states. If you are unsure if your country is on the list, click here.

If you are married to a Greek or EU citizen

The citizenship of your spouse is irrelevant for temporary visits to the EU as a student, businessman or tourist. It is only relevant in the world if you are a non-EU citizen seeking to immigrate, live and work permanently in Greece. And even in that case, most come here with a Schengen or national visa and secure a residence permit upon arrival in Greece. You must consult with the Greek Consulate for your specific case.

There is no such thing as a fiance(e), spouse or ancestral visa for Greece.

Staying longer than 90 days in Greece

If you are planning to immigrate permanently to Greece, it is wise to consult with the Greek Consulate in your homeland to see if you need a special visa for your specific case — do not rely on a friend, relative or forum or you may enter an illegal status and be forced to return to your homeland. Upon landing in Greece, you are required to apply for a work and/or residence permit within 30 days.

If you are intending to work illegally in Greece or do not have an avenue to get a permit, please see “Overstaying a 90-day visa in Greece” to understand your options and possible penalties.

Related posts

“Non-EU travelers need 50 euros a day“
“How Americans/non-EU citizens can move, live and work in Greece“
“Summer jobs in Greece“

(Article last updated April 17, 2008 )