Traveling to Greece is a dream for many, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. If you’re a UK citizen or a resident in the UK, you might be wondering if you need a visa to visit this beautiful country. This guide provides everything you need to know about Greece visa requirements for UK citizens, including what you need to enter, stay, and the future ETIAS requirement. Let’s dive into the details.
Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
As a UK citizen, the process for entering Greece is relatively simple. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, a group of European countries that allows free movement between member states. The UK’s exit from the EU, however, has slightly affected travel requirements. But don’t worry—UK citizens with a full British passport can travel to Greece without a visa for short visits.
Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens
UK citizens do not need a visa for tourism, business meetings, cultural events, or short-term studies in Greece. You can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies regardless of the purpose of your visit, as long as your stay does not exceed the 90-day limit.
Why 90 Days?
The 90-day limit refers to the total amount of time you can spend in any Schengen Area country, not just Greece. So if you visit other Schengen countries like Italy, France, or Spain during your trip, the days you spend there will count toward your 90-day limit.
Requirements for UK Citizens Traveling to Greece
While you don’t need a visa, there are a few basic entry requirements you need to meet:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from Greece.
Travel Insurance: It’s always advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: You may be asked to prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. This is usually around €50-€100 per day, depending on your travel plans.
Onward Travel: You should be able to show evidence of your departure from Greece, whether it’s a return flight or travel to another destination.
No Criminal Record: Like most countries, if you have a criminal record, this might affect your entry. It’s advisable to check your status before traveling.
If you meet these requirements, you can enter Greece without a visa for a short stay.
Visa Requirements for Non-UK Nationals Residing in the UK
While UK citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Greece, the rules are different for non-UK nationals living in the UK. Non-EU nationals residing in the UK may still need a visa to enter Greece, even if they hold a valid UK residence permit.
Schengen Visa for Non-UK Nationals
If you’re a non-EU national residing in the UK, you will likely need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Greece, unless you’re from a visa-exempt country. The Schengen visa allows you to visit Greece and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa to Greece:
Determine the Type of Visa You Need: The Schengen visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, etc.). Ensure that you apply for the right visa type.
Gather Required Documents: The basic documents needed for a Schengen visa include:
- A completed visa application form.
- A valid passport or travel document.
- A passport-sized photo (usually 2 recent passport-sized photos).
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter).
- Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, payslips, etc.).
- Flight reservation and proof of onward travel.
- A cover letter stating the purpose of your trip.
Submit Your Application: Schengen visa applications must be submitted through the Greek consulate or embassy in your area. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to submit your application and biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Pay the Visa Fee: Schengen visa fees are usually around €80 for adults and €40 for children (aged 6-12). Be sure to check the latest fees, as they can vary slightly.
Wait for Processing: The processing time for a Schengen visa is typically 15 calendar days, but it’s best to apply well in advance, as delays can happen.
Schengen Visa Processing Time
It’s essential to apply for your visa at least three weeks before your intended travel date. However, Schengen visa processing can take up to 15 days. Make sure you leave enough time in case of delays.
Passport Validity
Regardless of whether you’re a UK citizen or a non-EU national residing in the UK, your passport must meet certain validity requirements to enter Greece:
At least three months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Greece.
Issued within the last 10 years: If your passport is older than 10 years, you’ll need to renew it before traveling.
Having a passport that doesn’t meet these requirements can result in denial of entry to Greece or other Schengen Area countries.
ETIAS Visa Waiver (Future Requirement)
Starting in 2026, UK citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling to Greece and other Schengen countries. The ETIAS is not a visa, but it is a mandatory pre-screening requirement for visa-free travel.
What is ETIAS?
ETIAS will be an electronic travel authorization system, similar to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). It’s designed to improve security by pre-screening travelers before they arrive in the Schengen Area.
How to Apply for ETIAS
The process for applying for ETIAS will be quick and easy:
Complete an Online Application: You will fill out a short online form with personal details, travel information, and passport details.
Pay the Fee: The ETIAS application will require a small fee (estimated to be around €7).
Receive Authorization: Most ETIAS applications will be approved within minutes, but it’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your travel date.
Validity: Once approved, your ETIAS authorization will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
ETIAS will make travel to Greece and the Schengen Area more secure, but it will not replace the need for a passport. Make sure you apply for ETIAS well in advance, as entry without it may be denied.
Additional Entry Requirements
In addition to your passport and visa (if applicable), Greece may have some additional entry requirements:
Proof of Onward Travel: You may be asked to show evidence of your return or onward travel. This could include a return flight ticket or proof of travel to another country.
Sufficient Funds: It’s important to show that you have enough money for your stay in Greece. This is typically €50-€100 per day, depending on your travel plans and whether you’re staying with family or friends.
Passport Stamps: Upon entry into Greece, make sure your passport is stamped at the border. This stamp is crucial to track the duration of your stay.
Staying Longer Than 90 Days
If you plan to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national visa. National visas are typically issued for purposes such as long-term work, studies, family reunification, or retirement.
How to Apply for a National Visa
To apply for a national visa, you will need to submit your application to the Greek consulate or embassy in the UK. The process may take several weeks, and you will need to provide supporting documents, such as:
- Proof of purpose (job offer, university acceptance letter, etc.).
- Proof of accommodation in Greece.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay.
Make sure you apply well in advance, as processing times can be lengthy.
Conclusion
For UK citizens, traveling to Greece is fairly simple, as you can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Just ensure your passport meets the necessary validity requirements, and you may need to show proof of sufficient funds, onward travel, and travel insurance. However, if you’re a non-EU national residing in the UK, you will likely need to apply for a Schengen visa.
Remember that starting in 2026, UK citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver before traveling to Greece. Keep an eye on this requirement to ensure smooth travel in the future.
By understanding the visa requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and planning ahead, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip to Greece and explore all that this amazing destination has to offer. Safe travels!
