Consular Affairs - General Information on Schengen Short Term Visas.
Visa section opening hours: Monday - Friday 09.30 - 13.00 (collection of visas: Monday - Friday 12.00 - 13.00)
PLEASE NOTE THAT AS FROM 1st DECEMBER 2003, ALL PERSONS WISHING TO APPLY FOR A VISA TO ENABLE THEM TO GO TO GREECE MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONE BEFORE ATTENDING AND SUBMITTING THEIR DOCUMENTS IN PERSON AT THE CONSULATE.
THE PHONE NUMBER TO CALL IS 09065 540 744.
APPLICANTS MUST NOT COME TO THE CONSULATE GENERAL WITHOUT HAVING FIRST MADE AN APPOINTMENT USING THE AUTOMATED TELEPHONE APPOINTMENTS BOOKING SERVICE.
Whether or not a Visa is required to enter Greece depends on your nationality, your proposed length of stay, the purpose of your visit and the type of passport or travel document you hold. Greece along with certain other countries in the European Union now issue a uniform Visa called The Schengen Visa. The Schengen Visa allows the holder to travel to, or through, all Schengen member countries, including Greece or move freely within them.
Address / Opening Hours / Fees / How to apply:
All Visa applications should be submitted in person to The Greek Consulate General, 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP. The nearest Underground station is Holland Park. The Visa Section is open Monday to Friday only and is closed on Greek Bank Holidays.
Please note that from 1st December 2003, all persons wishing to apply for visas to visit Greece MUST have made a prior APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONE before attending and submitting their documents in person at the Consulate. The phone number to call is 09065 540 744. Applicants MUST NOT come to the Embassy without first making an appointment using the AUTOMATED TELEPHONE APPOINTMENTS BOOKINGS SERVICE.
Until 1st December applications must be lodged between 9.30am and 1.00pm. A limited number of visas are considered each day and applications are accepted on a first come first served basis each day, independently of the opening hours. No further applicants are admitted once the daily quota of applications has been achieved. The visa section reserves the right to close its doors earlier and without prior notice.
Those who reside more than 200 miles from London do not have to come in person to collect their visas. Instead you may receive your visas by mail provided you have supplied us with a prepaid registered self addressed ‘Special Delivery’ envelope.
Please note that visas are not issued to brown Certificate of Identity holders.
Visa fees are payable in cash and postal orders only and vary according to the prevailing rate of exchange and the proposed length of stay. In general the fees are between £9 and £39. Personal cheques or credit cards cannot be accepted.
Visa fees are subject to change every month depending on the exchange rate between EURO - £.
A fee of £ 24.50 is applicable for all countries and for all types of visa (single, multi or transit).
Kindly note that there is no fee for children or spouses of EU nationals, provided that the relevaant supporting documents are submitted (see main visa information page)
All applicants for visas are advised to be wholly familiar with the passport validity requirements and the required documents for entry to Greece, before submitting a visa application. All applicants MUST submit ALL of the required documents with their application for a visa otherwise the application will not be accepted, and applicants will be required to apply again on another day.
How to obtain Visa Application Form:
Visa application forms are available by fax by calling our 24 hour automated service on 09065 540 849 from a telephone directly connected to a fax machine. The application form and accompanying information will be automatically faxed to your fax machine. Forms and accompanying information are also available by post by calling our 24 hour automated Post service on 09065 266 611 and leaving your name and address on that service. All applicants for visas for entry to Greece are advised to be wholly familiar with all of the required documents to be submitted before submitting any visa application. Applications should be submitted in person.
Child / Spouse of EU National
This information applies to children or spouses of all European Union nationals. If you are under 18 and your parent holds a European Union passport, or if your spouse holds a European Union passport, you may obtain, free of charge, a Schengen visa which is valid for Greece. All Visa applications should be made in person to The Greek Consulate General, 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP.
All applicants are required to submit the following documents:
[1] Your own passport showing a valid residence permit issued in the UK. This should be valid for at least 3 months longer than the validity of the required visa and it must have at least one blank page on which affix the visa sticker.
[2] One completed application form signed by the applicant or the legal guardian in the case of minors with two recent passport sized photographs attached.
[3] Your spouse’s or parent’s European Union passport.
[4] Your original marriage certificate accompanied by a certified translation in English or your child’s original Birth Certificate as appropriate.
Minors under 18 applying for a visa should be accompanied by both their parents, otherwise a letter from both their parents or legal guardian, authorizing them to travel to and stay in Greece and appointing the person who will be responsible for them must be produced. This letter should be dully authenticated by a man of law, or by a consular officer of the applicant’s nationality. Finally, both parents’ passport, birth certificate of the minor and proof of legal guardianship must be enclosed with the application.
Please note that all documents submitted must be in the original and in the photocopied form.
Applications will be processed on the basis of the documentation submitted. It then depends on your nationality and your place of residence as to how long it will take before you receive notification of the result of your application.
Nationals from the following list of countries should allow several weeks from the date of appointment for the processing of their application: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Belarus, Burundi, China, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, Guinea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea North, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldavia, Oman, Palestine, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. All holders of Travel Documents and Aliens Passports.
No more than 90 days:
British and all other EU passport holders travelling to Greece do not require a visa and these nationals may travel to Greece without a visa provided that the passport is valid for the intended period of stay in Greece.
Providing that the stay in Greece is for no more than 90 days, nationals of the following countries also do not, require a visa to enter or transit through Greece or transit through a Greek airport, providing also that the passport is valid for at least 3 months from the day of return from Greece. The list of countries is as follows:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Honduras, Hong Kong – blue and red passport holders, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Romania, South Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay, The Vatican and Venezuela.
However, all of these nationals, may need a visa to travel to one or more of the other Schengen countries, and if this is your intention you should contact the appropriate Embassy or Consulate before travelling.
All visa applications must be made at the Consulate that is responsible for your place of residence, so only UK residents may lodge an application for a visa at the Greek Consulate in London.
If you are a national of a country not mentioned in the above list you have the following options:
Transit Visa:
A Schengen Transit Visa enables you to pass through the territory of one or more Schengen member countries, including Greece on your way to another country. Applications must be made at the Embassy or Consulate of the first Schengen country that requires you to have a Transit visa.
All Visa applications should be submitted in person to The Greek Consulate General, 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP. The nearest Underground station is Holland Park. The Visa Section is open Monday to Friday only and is closed on Greek Bank Holidays.
Those who reside more than 200 miles from London do not have to come in person to collect their visas. Instead you may receive your visas by mail provided you have supplied us with a prepaid registered self addressed ‘Special Delivery’ envelope.
Please note that visas are not issued to brown Certificate of Identity holders.
To apply for a transit visa applicants are required to submit:
[1] A full national passport or official travel document, showing a valid residence permit, valid for at least 3 months longer than the validity of the visa being applied for, which must have at least one blank page on which affix the visa sticker.
[2] One completed application form signed by the applicant or legal guardian in the case of minors, with two recent passport sized photographs attached.
[3] Provisional booking or itinerary of your travel arrangements - flight details and hotel accomodation- both original and photocopy. If you are visiting friends or relatives in Greece, please submitt a letter duly certified by a police station in Greece. Moreover, transport documentation, for example an air ticket, or a confirmed ferry booking, or, - if you are driving, - you will need to submit the registration document, proof of legal ownership of vehicle and an insurance certificate.
[4] A visa for your onward destination country if required.
[5] Recent official letter from your employer addressed to the Greek Consulate with proof of your wages/salary (original and photocopy)
[6] Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of intended stay in Greece. E.g. recent Bank statements or travellers checks
[7] Consular fee should be paid by postal order or cash (we regret that personal cheques and credit cards cannot be accepted).
[8] Proof of travel insurance to cover your intended stay in Greece is required (original and photocopy).
Please note that all documentation should be submitted in both original and photocopied form.
Students in the UK must submit an original and photocopied recent letter from your school or University confirming your status and attendance and the duration of the course.
Those self employed must produce a recent letter from their solicitor or accountant confirming their status as self employed.
Nationals from the following list of countries should allow several weeks from the date of appointment for the processing of their application:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Belarus, Burundi, China, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, Guinea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea North, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldavia, Oman, Palestine, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. All holders of Travel Documents and Aliens Passports.
Minors under 18 applying for a visa should be accompanied by both their parents, otherwise a letter from both their parents or legal guardian, authorizing them to travel to and stay in Greece and appointing the person who will be responsible for them must be produced. This letter should be dully authenticated by a man of law, or by a consular officer of the applicant’s nationality. Finally, both parents’ passport, birth certificate of the minor and proof of legal guardianship must be enclosed with the application.
Please note that all documents submitted must be in the original and in the photocopied form.
Applications will be processed on the basis of the documentation submitted. It then depends on your nationality and your place of residence as to how long it will take before you receive notification of the result of your application.
Airport Transit Visa
A Schengen Airport transit visa allows the holder to pass through the international transit zone of an airport without access to the national territory of the Schengen member country.
The following citizens require an airport transit visa to transit through a Greek airport:
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey and Zaire. Nevertheless, holders of diplomatic and service passports and holders of valid residence permits of EU member states, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and Switzerland, of the above mentioned list of countries, do not require an airport transit visa.
Citizens of other countries do not require an airport transit visa.
All Visa applications should be submitted in person to The Greek Consulate General, 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP. The nearest Underground station is Holland Park. The Visa Section is open Monday to Friday only and is closed on Greek Bank Holidays.
Those who reside more than 200 miles from London do not have to come in person to collect their visas. Instead you may receive your visas by mail provided you have supplied us with a prepaid registered self addressed ‘Special Delivery’ envelope.
Please note that visas are not issued to brown Certificate of Identity holders.
To apply for an airport transit visa applicants are required to submit:
[1] A full national passport or official travel document valid for at least 3 months longer than the validity of the visa being applied for which must have at least one blank page on which affix the visa sticker…
[2] One completed application form signed by the applicant or legal guardian in the case of minors, with two recent passport sized photographs attached.
[3] A confirmed airline ticket.
[4] A visa for your onward destination country if required.
Minors under 18 applying for a visa should be accompanied by both their parents, otherwise a letter from both their parents or legal guardian, authorizing them to travel to and stay in Greece and appointing the person who will be responsible for them must be produced. This letter should be dully authenticated by a man of law, or by a consular officer of the applicant’s nationality. Finally, both parents’ passport, birth certificate of the minor and proof of legal guardianship must be enclosed with the application.
Please note that all documentation should be submitted in both original and photocopied form.
Applications will be processed on the basis of the documentation submitted. It then depends on your nationality and your place of residence as to how long it will take before you receive notification of the result of your application.
Nationals from the following list of countries should allow several weeks from the date of appointment for the processing of their application:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Belarus, Burundi, China, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, Guinea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea North, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldavia, Oman, Palestine, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. All holders of Travel Documents and Aliens Passports.
Short Stay Visa:
If you are a national of a country that requires a visa to visit Greece for a period of no more than 90 days. All applications should be submitted in person to the Greek Consulate in London. Please note that all applicants MUST submit all of the required documents with their application for a visa otherwise the application will not be accepted, and applicants will be required to apply again on another day. The following documents are required to be submitted:
(1)Your original and valid passport or travel document showing a valid Residence Permit issued in the UK.
Both the original and a photocopy are required. The passport or travel document must be valid for at least 3 months longer than the expiry date of the visa you are applying for, and it must have at least one blank page on which affix the visa sticker.
(2) One completed application form signed by the applicant, or the legal guardian in the case of minors- with two recent passport sized photograph attached.
(3) Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your intended stay in Greece. For example bank statements or travellers cheques.
(4) Recent official letter from your employer addressed to the Greek Consulate with proof of your wages/salary (original and photocopy)
(5) Consular fee should be paid by postal order or cash (we regret that personal cheques and credit cards cannot be accepted).
(6) Proof of travel insurance to cover your intended stay in Greece is required (original and photocopy).
(7) Provisional booking or itinerary of your travel arrangements -flight details and hotel accomodation- both original and photocopy. If you are visiting friends or relatives in Greece, please submit a letter duly certified by a police station in Greece. Moreover, transport documentation, for example an air ticket, or a confirmed ferry booking, or, - if you are driving, - you will need to submit the registration document, proof of legal ownership of vehicle and an insurance certificate.
DO NOT PURCHASE A TICKET UNTIL YOUR VISA IS ISSUED
Students in the UK must submit an original and photocopied recent letter from your school or university confirming your status and attendance and the duration of the course. Those self employed must produce a recent letter from their solicitor or accountant confirming their status as self employed.
Minors under 18 applying for a visa should be accompanied by both their parents, otherwise a letter from both their parents or legal guardian, authorizing them to travel to and stay in Greece and appointing the person who will be responsible for them must be produced. This letter should be dully authenticated by a man of law, or by a consular officer of the applicant’s nationality. Finally, both parents’ passport, birth certificate of the minor and proof of legal guardianship must be enclosed with the application.
It then depends on your nationality and your place of residence as to how long it will take before you receive notification of the result of your application.
Please note that visas are not issued to brown Certificate of Identity holders.
The fees can be paid by cash or postal orders only. Personal cheques or credit cards cannot be accepted.
Please note that all documentation should be submitted in both original and photocopied form.
Those who reside more than 200 miles from London do not have to come in person to collect their visas. Instead you may receive your visas by mail provided you have supplied us with a prepaid registered self addressed ‘Special Delivery’ envelope.
Nationals from the following list of countries should allow several weeks from the date of appointment for the processing of their application:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Belarus, Burundi, China, Colombia, Egypt, Georgia, Guinea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea North, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldavia, Oman, Palestine, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. All holders of Travel Documents and Aliens Passports.
Long Stay Visa (more than 90 days):
If you intend visiting Greece for more than 90 days OR you are or going to take up employment or establish a business, trade, profession or commercial activity, for more information please write to: The Visa Section, Greek Consulate General, 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP, describing in full details the purpose of the visit and stating a contact address and daytime telephone number.
Schengen Information:
The following countries, namely Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden being parties to ‘The Schengen Convention’, now issue a uniform Visa called The Schengen Visa. The Schengen Visa allows the holder to travel to, or through Greece and all of these countries, or move freely within them. Please note the following conditions.
If you hold permanent residency in any one of the Schengen Member countries, you are entitled to re-enter any Schengen country without a visa on production of your proof of residence and your passport. A Schengen visa will be issued free of charge to the spouse and children of a European Union citizen provided that proof of the kindred is submitted at the time of application. This proof should be an original European Union full national passport and an original marriage or birth certificate.
If you intend to visit only one Schengen country, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of that country. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country in which your main destination is situated.
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries without having a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the first Schengen country that requires you to have a visa.
To obtain a Schengen visa you are required to hold a passport or travel document that is recognised by all of the Schengen countries. If your passport or travel document is valid only for certain Schengen member countries then the validity of your Schengen visa will be restricted to those countries.
http://www.greekembassy.org.uk/
