ETIAS FOR GREECE

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Greece is located in southeastern Europe and is made up of a mainland and hundreds of islands scattered over the Aegean and Ionian oceans. It has a population of about 11 million people, and Athens is the capital city.

Greece, sometimes referred to as the “cradle of Western civilisation,” has an ancient culture that has played an important role in moulding the west: the arts, philosophy, language, and politics have all been profoundly affected.

With 18, Greece has one of the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Apart from its history, Greece is well-known for its gorgeous coasts, picturesque islands, excellent weather, and distinct culture.

Greece

Capital city: Athens
Official language: Greek
Currency: Euro
Population: 10.72 million
EU member state since: 1st January 1981

GREECE BASIC INFORMATION

Greece, formally known as the Hellenic Republic, is a country in southeastern Europe that borders both Africa and Asia.

Greece has a total area of 131,940 km2 (50,502 square miles), with the Greek Islands accounting for around 20% of that total. The Greek archipelago consists of thousands of islands, only around 200 of which are inhabited.

Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes are among the most popular tourist destinations.

Greece shares land boundaries with the following countries:

  • Albania
  • North Macedonia
  • Bulgaria
  • Turkey

Greece also shares maritime boundaries with numerous other countries, notably Italy, another ETIAS member.

The climate of Greece is mostly Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and chilly, rainy winters. However, due to the geographical variety of the land, there are regional disparities.

GREECE: PART OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE SCHENGEN AGREEMENT

Greece joined the European Union on January 1, 1981, and joined the Eurozone in 2001. Greece will have 21 members of the European Parliament in 2020.

Greece is also a member of the Schengen Area, a border-free travel zone that permits individuals to move freely inside it. Greece ratified the Schengen Agreement on November 6, 1992, with the goal of eliminating its internal borders by January 1, 2000.

The Greek government has recently been involved in the creation of ETIAS, a new visa waiver for Europe that will go into force in November 2023. The purpose of the travel authorization is to increase security and safety within the Schengen Area.

TRAVELLING TO GREECE

Greece is a popular summer vacation destination, attracting over 30 million people each year. The Acropolis, Athens, and the ancient towns of Rhodes are all popular tourist destinations in Greece.

Greece has several beautiful beaches: Crete, Corfu, and Mykonos all have vast sections of coastline.

Another reason that so many non-Europeans prefer Greece is the EU’s visa liberalisation initiative. Many third-country visitors can stay in Greece for up to 90 days with only a passport.

Eligible foreigners can apply for the ETIAS programme for Greece beginning in November 2023. It will become a prerequisite for admission.

While Greece has no land boundaries with any other ETIAS country, direct flights to Italy and France make it possible to integrate Greece into a vacation throughout Europe.

IS MEDICAL INSURANCE NEEDED FOR GREECE?

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card to get healthcare in Greece (EHIC).

The kind of permit for which a non-European is requesting determines whether or not they must obtain medical insurance before travelling to Greece.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS FOR GREECE

Any foreigner who requires an ETIAS visa waiver for Europe must apply immediately before travelling to Greece.

Although health insurance is not required by ETIAS, travellers can consider investing in medical coverage to enjoy Greece with better peace of mind.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR GREECE

Visitors who do not qualify for visa-free travel to Europe must get a Schengen visa before visiting Greece.

Travelers who need a Schengen visa must satisfy various conditions, including providing proof of medical insurance. The policy must be valid for the entire Schengen Area and the minimum coverage is €30,000.

Visa applications that are not supported by the necessary documentation will be rejected.

GOING THROUGH BORDER CONTROL IN GREECE

EU residents visiting Greece may enter the country with only their identity papers. Because none of the countries bordering Greece are now members of the EU or the Schengen Area, the majority of visitors arrive through a Greek airport.

Because to the EU’s visa liberalisation policy, many non-EU people can enter Greece without a visa. Such persons will be allowed to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver beginning in November 2023. Because the ETIAS is electronically connected to the passport, there is no need to carry a paper permit when crossing the border.

Non-Europeans who are not qualified for the ETIAS visa waiver will be required to provide the following documents when entering Greece through an external Schengen Area border:

  • Passport: valid for a minimum of 3 months from date of departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years
  • A Schengen visa
  • Proof of funds sufficient for the entire stay in the Schengen Area
  • Evidence of onward travel such as a return flight ticket

Foreign arrivals may also be asked questions regarding the purpose and length of the stay in Greece.

ARRIVING IN GREECE BY PLANE, CAR, AND FERRY

The Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (IATA: ATH, ICAO: LGAV) is Greece’s largest international airport. The airport is about a 40-minute drive from the centre of Greece’s capital.

Direct flights to Athens are available from most major European cities, and domestic routes connect the city to the rest of the country and the islands.

Flights are available all year, making it a popular choice for visitors to Greece.

It is feasible to go to Greece by vehicle. To do so, motorists must transit through non-Schengen countries and should verify whether a visa is necessary. An ETIAS visa waiver is essential when driving across the external Schengen Area border into Greece.

Greece may be accessible by ferry from Italy. There are several possibilities, but the quickest trip is from Otranto to Corfu, which takes little under 3 hours.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN GREECE

Greece has been a popular tourist destination since antiquity. With its rich history, distinct culture, and natural beauty, it remains one of Europe’s most visited countries. Greece is a really diversified country with something for everyone.

There is no better venue to immerse yourself in the mythology of ancient Greece than its capital city, Athens. It is a living museum with many surprises. You may enter the ring where the first Olympians competed and see the iconic Parthenon temple.

The landmarks from the fifth century BC contrast with Athens’ more contemporary side, which includes a bohemian art scene, a lively nightlife, and superb restaurants. The Acropolis Museum, which depicts the story of ancient Greece from within a spectacular steel and glass edifice, is one of Athens’ most famous attractions.

Greece offers some of Europe’s most gorgeous beaches. The Greek islands offer a stunning background to a wonderful vacation, from the black sands of Santorini to the golden beaches of Crete and Rhodes.

Greece’s beauty extends beyond its beaches. Hiking up volcanoes and through lush forests is possible, as is spotting marine life like as dolphins and sea turtles from a boat.

There are also many charming towns to visit that provide insight into the more serene, slow-paced Mediterranean culture.

Greek culture and cuisine are highlights of every trip to Greece. Locally produced Mediterranean goods, such as olive oil, feta cheese, and a variety of herbs, fish, and meat, is the key to Greek cookery. Some foods are available across the country, while others are regional specialties.

Music is an essential part of Greek culture. Its history dates back to an age when music, dance, and poetry were inextricably linked and an integral part of daily life. Today, festivals and activities are held all year, such as the well-known Athens Epidaurus Greek festival.

ETIAS TRAVEL AUTHORISATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GREECE

ETIAS will be operational beginning in November 2023. It will become a legal requirement for qualified non-EU visitors to enter the Schengen Area. Visitors will be able to enter the nation for up to 90 days in a 180-day period under the European visa waiver scheme.

Foreigners must complete the online application form and fulfil the ETIAS standards to get a European visa waiver for Greece. A valid passport from a qualifying nation is required.

Applicants must supply basic information such as their name, address, and date of birth, as well as answer some basic security and health-related questions, in order to properly complete the ETIAS request.

The data is checked once the form is submitted. The given information is cross-checked against several databases, including Interpol. The approved Greece visa waiver is provided through email after it has been finalised.

ETIAS FOR GREECE- FAQ

Because Greece is a member of the Schengen Area, persons who fulfil the ETIAS requirements can use the same travel permit to visit Greece and any other Schengen area nation.

Italy is the ETIAS country closest to Greece. A direct flight from Athens to Rome takes less than two hours, and there are also car and boat options.

France, another ETIAS country, is easily accessible. As the world’s most visited country, visitors to Greece may make the most of their journey to Europe by seeing the famed Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The flight from Athens to Paris takes around three and a half hours.

Greece is surrounded by four nations, none of which are members of the European Union. Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey are among them.

Visitors from other nations who desire to visit any of these countries should verify the visa requirements.

Visitors from visa-exempt countries do not require a visa to visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. Many of these third-country citizens will be eligible to travel to Greece on ETIAS beginning in late 2023. Soon after its adoption, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System will become required.

The ETIAS Greece application is entirely online and may be done from home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To register, you only need a valid passport, an email address, and a debit or credit card.

A Schengen visa is normally required to enter Greece from third countries that are not eligible for visa-free travel to Europe. Different visas for Greece are offered depending on the reason for travel.

Additional supporting evidence, such as proof of money and health insurance, is required when applying for a visa.

Before visiting Greece for business or pleasure, or transiting through a Greek airport, eligible non-EU travellers will soon be required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver.

ETIAS Greece requires that all conditions be completed. This includes possessing a passport that is valid for at least three months after your arrival in Greece.

When an ETIAS application is granted, the travel authorization is electronically linked to the passport and detectable when the passport is scanned at the border. This implies that there is no need to carry a printed permission.

Overseas travellers who are not qualified for ETIAS must get a visa to enter Greece. In order to obtain a Schengen visa, extra supporting papers must be submitted in addition to the passport.