Visa Application Channels
Processing Time
Up to 3 weeksPlatforms to Apply
Online + OfflineGreece Visa for Indians
Planning a Greek getaway? Whether you’re dreaming about cruising the Aegean, exploring Acropolis ruins, or sampling local cuisine by the sea, Greece is a bucket-list destination. Indian travellers must secure the short-stay Schengen visa before departure — Greece doesn’t offer visa-on-arrival services for Indian passport holders — but the process is straightforward once you know what to prepare and where to apply.
What is the Greece Short Stay Visa?
Visa Application Centre in India for Greece – VFS
Greece Visa Application Centre
4th Floor, Urmi Axis Building, Behind Famous Studio, Opp. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400011, India
Greece Consulate General Details
Greece Consulate General Details
VISA House, 8/10 Alipore Road, Kolkata – 700027, India
+91 33 3011 9000
Embassy of Greece in India
Embassy of Greece in New Delhi
EP-32, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021, India
+91 11 2688 0700–04
Application Process for a Greece
Frequently asked F2F Interview Question
Photo Guide
Printed Photos
Number required: 2 identical printed photos Purpose: Required for submission at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Digital Photos
Number required: A live digital photograph will be captured during biometrics at the VAC. Printed photographs must still be submitted separately.
Dimensions
Printed photos: 35 mm (width) x 45 mm (height) Face size (from crown to chin): Approximately 70–80% of the photo (about 32–36 mm). The face must be centred and clearly visible.
Recency
Photos must be taken within the last 6 months. A new set of photographs is required for every application submission.
Quality of Printed Photos
Photos must not be cut from a larger photograph. Must be professionally printed on high-quality matte or semi-matte photo paper. The image must be sharp, clear, and in colour. No borders are allowed. Photos must be free from creases, stains, or marks. Digitally altered or retouched photographs are not accepted.
Background Requirements
Background must be plain white or very light-coloured. No patterns, shadows, or textures. The face must contrast clearly against the background. Red-eye effect is not permitted.
Photo Content Requirements
The photo must show a close-up of the full head and upper shoulders. Only the applicant should appear in the photo. Head must be centred and facing directly toward the camera. Maintain a neutral expression with mouth closed. Eyes must be open and clearly visible. Hair must not cover eyes or eyebrows.
Head Coverings and Glasses
Head coverings are permitted only for religious or medical reasons, and the face must be fully visible from chin to forehead. Glasses are discouraged. If medically required, lenses must be clear with no glare or reflection. Frames must not obscure the eyes. Sunglasses are strictly prohibited.
Printed Photos of Babies and Children
Children must be photographed alone. No toys, pacifiers, or other objects visible. For infants, no supporting hands should be visible. Babies may lie on a plain, light-coloured surface and be photographed from above. Children under 6 are not required to maintain a strict neutral expression. Infants under 1 year are not required to have fully open eyes.
Submission Guidelines
Printed photos must be loose. Do not staple, glue, or attach them to the application form. Carry them separately to the Visa Application Centre. Inform the photographer that the photo is for a Greece Schengen Visa to ensure compliance with official specifications.
Do’s and Don’ts for F2F Greece Visa Interview
For a Greece Schengen visa application, a face-to-face interview (F2F) is generally not required. Therefore, there are no specific do’s and don’ts related to an interview under the standard visa process.
Tips and Tricks
Greece VISA Eligibility Criteria for Indians
Standard Greece Visa Eligibility Criteria for Indians
Valid Passport
Your Indian passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, and contain at least two blank pages.
Purpose of Travel
Your visit must be strictly for tourism, visiting family or friends, short business meetings, conferences, or other activities permitted under a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C).
Proof of Sufficient Funds
You must demonstrate adequate financial means to cover your entire stay, including accommodation, travel, and daily expenses. Financial requirements must align with Greece’s official minimum subsistence amounts based on duration of stay and accommodation type. Even if sponsored, applicants may still be required to show personal financial stability.
Travel Medical Insurance
You must hold valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. The insurance must be valid across the entire Schengen Area and cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation for the full duration of your stay.
Proof of Accommodation
You must provide confirmed hotel bookings or documented proof of accommodation covering your entire stay in Greece and any other Schengen country included in your itinerary.
Proof of Return and Strong Ties to India
You must demonstrate clear intention to return to India after your visit. This may include proof of employment, business ownership documents, educational enrolment, family ties, property ownership, or confirmed onward/return travel reservations.
Biometric Requirement
Applicants must provide fingerprints and a digital photograph unless biometrics have already been submitted for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months.
No Intention to Work
You must not take up employment or engage in paid activities while in Greece under a short-stay Schengen visa.
Clean Travel and Legal Record
You must not be subject to an active Schengen entry ban and must not pose a security risk under Schengen regulations.
Sponsored Greece Visa Eligibility Criteria for Indians
Valid Passport
Must meet Schengen validity requirements (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3 months beyond departure, with at least two blank pages).
Sponsorship Letter
A signed invitation letter from your sponsor in Greece clearly stating the purpose of visit, duration of stay, relationship with the applicant, accommodation arrangements, and financial support commitment (if applicable).
Sponsor’s Legal Status
Copy of sponsor’s passport bio page. If the sponsor is not a Greek or EU citizen, a copy of their valid Greek residence permit must be provided.
Proof of Financial Support
Either you or your sponsor must demonstrate sufficient funds in accordance with Greece’s official minimum subsistence requirements. Sponsor documents may include recent bank statements (last 3–6 months), salary slips, employment contract, or tax records. Applicants may still be asked to provide personal financial documents to demonstrate ties to India.
Proof of Accommodation
Evidence that you will stay with your sponsor (rental agreement, property ownership documents, or residence registration) or confirmed hotel bookings covering the full stay.
Proof of Relationship
If visiting family, official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or family registry documents should be provided to establish the relationship. Documents may need to be officially translated into English or Greek where applicable.
Proof of Return to India
Evidence of employment, business ownership, education enrolment, property ownership, or other strong ties demonstrating your intention to return to India after your visit.
Biometric Requirement
Fingerprints and digital photograph must be submitted unless biometrics were provided for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months.
No Intention to Work
You must not engage in employment or paid activities in Greece under a Schengen short-stay visa.
Compliance with Schengen Rules
You must comply with the 90/180-day Schengen stay rule and must not have prior serious visa violations within the Schengen Area.
Most Common Reasons for visa rejection for Greece
Insufficient Proof of Funds: If the applicant fails to demonstrate adequate financial means to cover travel, accommodation, and daily expenses in line with Greece’s official minimum subsistence requirements, the visa may be refused.
Lack of Strong Ties to India: Failure to demonstrate strong social, economic, or professional ties to India — such as stable employment, business ownership, family responsibilities, property ownership, or ongoing education — may raise doubts about the applicant’s intention to return after the visit.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation: Missing documents, incorrect information, unsigned forms, or discrepancies between the application form, cover letter, bank statements, and travel bookings can result in refusal.
Unclear Travel Purpose: If the purpose of travel is vague, poorly explained, or not supported by sufficient documentation such as confirmed accommodation, itinerary, or invitation letter, the application may be rejected.
Previous Immigration Violations: A history of overstaying a visa, breaching Schengen regulations, or prior visa refusals without a significant change in circumstances may negatively impact the application.
Doubts About Intent to Return: If the Greek Consular authorities are not convinced that the applicant intends to leave the Schengen Area before the visa expiry, the application may be refused under Article 32 of the Schengen Visa Code.
Invalid or Unreliable Travel Bookings: Fake, unverifiable, or cancelled flight and hotel reservations can lead to refusal.
Inadequate Travel Insurance: Failure to provide valid travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 across the entire Schengen Area for the full duration of stay.
Security or Public Policy Concerns: Applications may be refused if the applicant is considered a risk to public policy, internal security, public health, or international relations of any Schengen Member State.
How are rejections conveyed?
- Refusal Notice
The applicant receives an official written refusal notice issued by the Greek Consular authorities. This is usually handed over along with the passport at the Visa Application Centre or returned via courier if that option was selected.
- Reasons for Refusal
The refusal notice clearly states the grounds for refusal, typically by referencing the relevant article of the Schengen Visa Code. The specific reason(s) are marked or explained in the standard refusal form.
- Right to Appeal or Reapply
The notice includes information on the applicant’s right to appeal the decision, the appeal procedure, and the applicable time limit. Applicants may alternatively choose to submit a fresh application addressing the previous refusal reasons.
- Detailed Explanation (If Applicable)
In certain cases, additional clarification may be provided, particularly if the refusal involves complex documentation or legal grounds.
- Collection Through Visa Application Centre
The final decision is communicated via the authorised Visa Application Centre, and applicants may track the status of their application online until a decision is made.
Documents Required
Standard visa
○ Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area, with a minimum of two blank pages.
○ Schengen Visa Application Form: Completed online, printed, and signed.
○ Recent Passport-Size Photographs: As per current Schengen photo specifications (including size 35mm x 45mm and compliant background and facial requirements).
○ Proof of Sufficient Funds: Personal bank statements for the last 3–6 months. Applicants must meet Greece’s official minimum subsistence requirements depending on duration of stay and accommodation arrangements.
○ Travel Itinerary: Detailed travel plan including entry and exit dates, cities to be visited, and proposed activities.
○ Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel bookings covering the entire stay in Greece and other Schengen countries (if applicable), or rental agreement.
○ Flight Reservation: Verifiable round-trip or onward/return travel reservation. A confirmed ticket is not mandatory at the application stage, but a genuine and traceable booking is required.
○ Travel Medical Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across the entire Schengen Area and covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation for the full duration of stay.
○ Employment and Income Proof:
• For salaried applicants: recent payslips (last 3 months), employment letter stating designation and salary, leave approval letter, and latest Income Tax Return (if available).
• For self-employed applicants: business registration documents, company bank statements, and latest Income Tax Return.
• For students: bonafide certificate and leave approval (if applicable).
○ Cover Letter: Clearly explaining purpose of visit, travel dates, itinerary, financial arrangements, and confirmation of intent to return to India.
○ Previous Travel History: Copies of previous Schengen/UK/US/other visas and entry-exit stamps, if any.
○ Biometric Requirement: Fingerprints and digital photograph must be provided unless biometrics were submitted for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months.
○ Additional Documents: The Consular authorities may request additional documentation depending on individual circumstances.
Sponsor Visa
○ Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area, with a minimum of two blank pages.
○ Schengen Visa Application Form: Completed online, printed, and signed.
○ Recent Passport-Size Photographs: As per current Schengen photo specifications (35mm x 45mm and compliant guidelines).
○ Travel Itinerary: Detailed plan including entry and exit dates, cities to be visited, and proposed activities.
○ Flight Reservation: Verifiable round-trip or onward/return travel reservation. A confirmed ticket is not mandatory at the application stage.
○ Travel Medical Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 valid across the entire Schengen Area for the full duration of stay.
○ Cover Letter: Clearly explaining purpose of visit, travel dates, itinerary, sponsor details, accommodation arrangements, and confirmation of intent to return to India.
○ Proof of Sponsor’s Invitation: Signed invitation letter detailing relationship, purpose of visit, duration of stay, sponsor’s full address and contact details, accommodation arrangements, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
○ Proof of Sponsor’s Legal Status: Copy of sponsor’s passport bio page. If the sponsor is not a Greek or EU citizen, a copy of their valid Greek residence permit must be provided.
○ Sponsor’s Financial Documents: Recent bank statements (last 3–6 months), employment contract or salary slips, or tax documents demonstrating ability to financially support the applicant.
○ Proof of Relationship: If applicable, official documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal documents establishing the relationship. Documents not in English or Greek may require official translation.
○ Applicant’s Financial Documents: Personal bank statements to demonstrate financial stability and strong ties to India, even if fully sponsored.
○ Proof of Accommodation: Sponsor’s residence proof such as rental agreement, property ownership documents, or official residence registration covering the full stay.
○ Employment and Income Proof:
• For salaried applicants: recent payslips, employment letter stating designation and salary, leave approval letter, and Income Tax Return (if available).
• For self-employed applicants: business registration documents, company bank statements, and Income Tax Return.
• For students: bonafide certificate and leave approval (if applicable).
○ Previous Travel History: Copies of previous Schengen/UK/US/other visas and entry-exit stamps, if any.
○ Biometric Requirement: Fingerprints and digital photograph must be submitted unless biometrics were provided within the last 59 months.
○ Additional Documents: The Consular authorities reserve the right to request further documentation based on individual assessment.
Additional points to keep in mind
Travel Medical Insurance (Mandatory): Travel medical insurance is compulsory for a Greece Schengen visa. The policy must provide minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation to India in case of medical emergency or death. The insurance must be valid across all Schengen Member States and cover the entire duration of the intended stay.
Children’s Biometrics Requirement: Children under the age of 12 are generally exempt from providing fingerprints when applying for a Greece Schengen visa. However, they are still required to submit a recent passport-size photograph as part of the biometric process at the authorised Visa Application Centre.
Biometric Exceptions: Applicants who are physically unable to provide fingerprints due to medical or physical reasons may be exempt from the fingerprint requirement, provided valid medical documentation is submitted to support the exemption request.
Consent Letter for Minors: If a minor is travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, a notarised letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s), along with copies of their passports or identity documents, must be submitted at the time of application.
Birth Certificate for Children: A child’s birth certificate may be required to establish proof of relationship between the minor and the accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Previous Schengen Biometrics Validity: If biometrics were submitted for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months, fingerprints may not need to be provided again, subject to verification in the Visa Information System (VIS). However, the applicant may still be required to appear in person if requested by the Greek Consular authorities.
FAQs
Disclaimers
The information provided here is accurate as of 1 January 2026 and is subject to change. For the most up-to-date details and requirements regarding the Greece Schengen (Short-Stay) Visa for Indian citizens, please refer to the official website of the Embassy of Greece in India or contact the nearest VFS Global centre handling Greece visa applications.