Application Process, Documents, and Status in Greece: what actually matters to know
From real experience
tipFor frequent travelers applying for visas, it's advisable to include supporting documents from previous trips, such as copies of old passports or boarding passes, especially if border stamps were not issued.
While personal motivation letters are not always mandatory, demonstrating a genuine travel history and clear itinerary is essential. Consulates may verify travel plans even after visa issuance.
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tipHaving a recently expired French visa does not preclude you from obtaining a Greek visa.
However, due to high demand and processing times, it's crucial to book an appointment promptly and apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Greece's preference for single-destination travel means that itineraries including multiple Schengen countries might face increased scrutiny.
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tipHaving a valid visa for another Schengen country, such as Spain, does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a Greek visa.
However, be prepared for potential inquiries from the consul regarding your travel plans. Ensure your application for a Greek visa is complete and accurately reflects your intended itinerary in Greece. Honesty and transparency are key.
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ruleGreek visas are often issued for the exact duration of the planned trip, with some providing an additional 18 days after the return flight date.
In some cases, visas are issued for a specific number of days (e.g., 9 days) directly corresponding to the travel dates, rather than a broader validity period like a month or a year, unless it is a multiple-entry visa with a longer term.
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ruleVisa stamping for cruises can vary. Cruises starting and ending in Turkey (e.g., Istanbul, Izmir) may result in a "cruise" annotation on the visa.
If the cruise originates from Athens, the annotation might be "tourism". The type of annotation can impact entry requirements and potential issues if the cruise itinerary changes.
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tipWhen filling out a Schengen visa application for a trip with multiple destinations (e.g., Athens followed by Mykonos), it is generally sufficient to list the details of the first booked accommodation (e.g., hotel in Athens for 4 days).
The visa authorities typically use this information to verify initial travel plans.
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tipThe status 'OK' in the EES (Entry/Exit System) portal is a 100% reliable indicator of visa approval, usually preceding the status change on the Visa Center website by 24 hours.
The 'Not OK' status is default and often remains until after the passport is physically collected, so it should not be treated as a rejection notice.
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tipThere are no specific requirements for printing visa application forms in color.
A black and white print is generally acceptable. The primary focus is on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided on the form.
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ruleFor Greece visa applications, the declaration must be submitted using the FEFP form.
The E1 form is explicitly stated as not being accepted by the consulate or visa center.