Applicants who wish to apply for a Visa are requested to kindly read the provided information carefully. The guidelines listed on this site are to help you prepare your documents as accurately as possible, on the basis of the common list of supporting documents to be presented by applicants for short stay Schengen visas in India. This will reduce the chances of your application being incomplete or a delay in being processed.
A short stay type C Schengen Visa is for any person who plans to visit Greece and remain in the Schengen area for up to 90 days over a period of 180 days (6 months) (You will find information on how to calculate your visa travel days on this page in the Category Travel Days Calculator). The purpose of travel could be Tourism, Business, Visiting Family or Friends, Cultural and Educational, Sports, Medical reasons, Studies, Airport transit, visa for Seaman and Other. A visa application may now be lodged six (6) months before and not later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the date of the intended visit.
Please note that for non-Indian passport holders, it is necessary to have a permanent or temporary residency permit valid for more than 3 months after the intended date of return to India in order to apply. In any other case the Greek Consular Authorities will not be able to process your application.
The visa applications may be submitted either at the Visa Application Centers for Greece in India click here or directly at the Greek Embassy- Consular Office, as part of Art. 17 (5) Visa Code.
All applications will be assessed by the Greek Embassy-Consular Office in New Delhi. The Visa Application Centers for Greece offer the option of courier service for return of your documents submitted, directly at your doorstep. You may be required to appear before a Visa Officer for a personal interview at the Greek Embassy-Consular Office in New Delhi, prior to a decision being taken on your application.
Important Note: PROCESSING TIME OF APPLICATIONS FOR SCHENGEN VISA
Dear Applicant, on instructions of the Greek Consulate in New Delhi, there are important time constraints as to the granting of Schengen visas. For more information please click here.
IMPORTANT: Due to extremely heavy load in the number of applications, you are strongly advised to apply well in advance of your trip to Greece allowing a longer period than the standard 15 working days.
If, however, you decide to apply for a visa within the said 15 working days from your departure date of your trip, you are at risk of your passport being returned from the Consulate without a visa.
Please note that your passport, along with your application and supporting documents, is dispatched for processing to the Greek Embassy in New Delhi on the next working day for applications submitted in New Delhi VAC and on the third working day for applications submitted in any other location in India.
Your passport remains at the Greek Embassy until your application is processed.
When your passport is returned from the Greek Embassy, you will be notified to come and collect it from the Visa Application Center where you submitted your application or, in case where Courier Service is opted, the passport will be dispatched to your address on the next working day.
When lodging the application to the Visa Application Center for Greece, applicants shall pay the Visa Fee and Service Fee, which may only be paid in INR, and present the following Basic Documents:
| 1 | Visa application form | - Fully completed and signed by the applicant |
| 2 | Two recent passport-sized pictures | - In colour, 3.5 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch) - Facing forward, white background |
| 3 | Passport | - Valid for at least three months after date of return to India - Containing at least two blank visa pages - Issued within the previous ten (10) years - 1 copy of the identification page and 1 copy of all visa pages |
| 4 | Medical insurance (holders of diplomatic passports are exempted) | - Minimum coverage 30,000 EURO, for medical costs and medical repatriation, valid in all Schengen countries during the whole validity of the issued visa. |
Additionally, and according to the purpose of the journey, applicant shall present the necessary required documents.
The GVCW Visa Application Center for Greece is authorised by the Diplomatic and Consular Authorities of Greece in the Republic of India to collect visa applications on their behalf. The VAC for Greece is only responsible for collecting/ retrieving visa applications, and play no part in the decision making process of visa applications.
Holders of ordinary passports who wish to apply for a Visa are kindly requested to carefully read the information on this website. The guidelines listed on this website are to help you prepare your documents as accurately as possible. This will reduce the risk of your application being incomplete or unnecessarily delayed.
Holders of Diplomatic, Service and Public affairs passports are welcome to submit their applications through the Embassy/ Consular Office - Visa Section in New Delhi.
The Consular Authorities of Greece reserve the right to ask for additional documents and may call the applicant for an interview.
To download the visa application form please click here.
For visa applicants' rights in case of rejection due to registration in the Schengen Information System or the National Record of Undesirable Foreigners please click here.
For information request form about personal data processed in the National SCHENGEN Information System(N-SIS) please click here.
You are kindly advised to check the list of required documents before submitting your application. This will minimize the chances of your application being delayed or declined due to inadequate or incorrect submission of documents.
You will need to prepare a separate application pack of supporting documents and Visa Application Form for each applicant (e.g. in case parents travel along with their children, confirmation of accommodation has to be given separately for every application pack).
You will need to complete the application form and submit it at the Visa Application Centers for Greece in India. For the location click here.
You are kindly advised to carefully read the presentation list below. Please ensure that you provide all of the required documents, and that the application form is fully filled in and signed.
Following this, we advise you to download, print out and fill in the checklist which contains and explains what documents you need to hand in along with your passport when visiting a VAC for Greece to submit your application. This is done in order to help you prepare your application more effectively and save you time and efforts while you visit the GVCW Visa Application Centers.
Under the new visa system implemented by all Schengen missions in India as of November 2, 2015, all VIS visa applicants must submit their application in person in order for their biometric data (10 fingerprints and digital photo) to be taken. Please note that appearance in person for all applicants regardless of age is mandatory for biometrics.
Important Note: PROCESSING TIME OF APPLICATIONS FOR SCHENGEN VISA
Dear Applicant, on instructions of the Greek Consulate in New Delhi, there are important time constraints as to the granting of Schengen visas. For more information please click here.
IMPORTANT: Due to extremely heavy load in the number of applications, you are strongly advised to apply well in advance of your trip to Greece allowing a longer period than the standard 15 working days.
If, however, you decide to apply for a visa within the said 15 working days from your departure date of your trip, you are at risk of your passport being returned from the Consulate without a visa.
Please note that your passport, along with your application and supporting documents, is dispatched for processing to the Greek Embassy in New Delhi on the next working day for applications submitted in New Delhi VAC and on the third working day for applications submitted in any other location in India.
Your passport remains at the Greek Embassy until your application is processed.
When your passport is returned from the Greek Embassy, you will be notified to come and collect it from the Visa Application Center where you submitted your application or, in case where Courier Service is opted, the passport will be dispatched to your address on the next working day.
The list of documents is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/ documents, if desired by the Mission.
CONSULAR SCHENGEN VISA (C) FEE:
The below rates are applicable and they may vary at any time:
| Visa Type | Euro | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Short Stay (Type C) | 80 | 7,040 |
| Schengen Short Stay (Type C) for nationals of Gambia | 120 | 10,560 |
| Schengen Short Stay (Type C) for nationals of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Kosovo | 35 | 3,080 |
| Schengen Short Stay (Type C) for nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine holders of non biometric passports* | 35 | 3,080 |
| Minors under twelve (12) years old | Gratis | |
| Holders of diplomatic and service passports | Gratis | |
| Spouses and children of EU citizen traveling with the latter as long as relevant sufficient proof is provided along with the application (i.e. ticket bookings, copy of EU citizen's valid passport and marriage certificate or unabridged birth certificate as applicable) | Gratis | |
| Organized groups of school pupils, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake stays for the purpose of study or educational training | Gratis | |
| Researchers from third countries traveling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research (as defined in Recommendation No 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 September 2005 to facilitate the issue by the Member States of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries traveling within the Community for the purpose of carrying out scientific research | Gratis | |
| Representatives and participants of non-profit organizations up to 25 years old participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organizations | Gratis | |
* Note: Citizens of: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine holders of biometric passports do not require Schengen visa.
Please consult here for nationals of countries with which the EU has concluded Visa Facilitation Agreements.
SERVICE FEE:
The Service Fee amounts to INR 2,640 (inclusive of Goods & Service Tax –SGST @9% and CGST@9%) per application over and above the Visa Fees.
PLEASE NOTE:
All the above mentioned Fees are payable in cash or through UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in the equivalent amount in Indian Rupees (INR), as per the current exchange rate, at the time of submission of application at the Visa Application Center for Greece and are subject to change without notice. EURO currency mentioned above is for reference only.
The available payment method of the Visa Fees and the Service Fee is in cash or through UPI at the Visa Application Center for Greece.
As of 2 November 2015 all applicants applying for a Schengen visa will be required to present their biometric data - ten fingerprints and a digital photo. Biometric data will be stored in the Visa Information System (VIS), which is a central database for the exchange of data on short-stay visas (for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period) between Schengen States. The main objectives of the VIS are to facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security.
Therefore, as of 2 November 2015 all visa applicants will have to appear in person at the Visa Application Center for Greece, when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints. Please note that appearance in person for all applicants regardless of age is mandatory for biometrics.
Under the VIS, mandatory fingerprinting is introduced for all passport categories. Consular sections must collect biometric data – digital photo and fingerprinting often fingers - from all visa applicants. Consequently, all visa applicants, irrespective of nationality, shall be required to present themselves at the Visa Application Center for Greece at the time of their visa application for the biometric data collection.
(*)[1]Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
The following categories of applicants are exempt from the requirement to provide fingerprints (Article 13(7) of the Visa Code):
- Children under the age of 12;
- Persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible. If the fingerprinting of fewer than 10 fingers is possible, the maximum number of fingerprints shall be taken. However, should the impossibility be temporary, the applicant shall be required to give the fingerprints at the following application. The authorities competent in accordance with Article 4(1), (2) and (3) shall be entitled to ask for further clarification of the grounds for the temporary impossibility. Member States shall ensure that appropriate procedures guaranteeing the dignity of the applicant are in place in the event of there being difficulties in enrolling;
- Heads of State or government and members of a national government with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organizations for an official purpose;
- Sovereigns and other senior members of a royal family, when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organizations for an official purpose.
Basic Procedure:
Biometrics will be collected using a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process that captures a facial image with a digital camera and a 10-digit fingerprint scan with a digital finger scanner.
Your face must be clearly visible for a photograph to be taken. This means that you cannot:
- have hair that covers the eyes
- wear a hat or scarf or any other item that obscures the face, hair or neck (with the exception of religious head coverings detailed below)
- If you wear a head or neck covering for religious reasons you must ensure your face is clearly visible, from the bottom of your chin to above your eyebrows including both cheeks. If possible both ears should also be displayed. You may also need to remove your glasses when the photograph is taken.
If you have cut or damaged your fingertips, you should make an appointment with the Visa Application Center for Greece when the injury has healed.
If you have a temporary decoration, such as mehndi, you should advise the Visa Application Center for Greece when booking your appointment to determine whether a scan will be possible.
If you refuse to submit your biometric data, your visa application cannot be processed and you will be referred to the Embassy of Greece.
Before submitting Schengen Visa photos make sure that they are absolutely in a high quality form in order to make their reproduction easy – something needed when facial biometrics applies in the ID Document of the visa holder. The applicants should present two recent (not more than 6 months old) passport-sized photos that should be:
- 3,5 x 4 cm (approx. 1.2 x 1.6 inch)
- with a light background (white or off-white) so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
- in color and with facing forward
- with the forehead and ears visible, without heavy jewelry
- full face, non-smiling (without sunglasses, a hat/ cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religions belief or ethnic background
- of high quality and printed on normal photographic paper (camera print), preferably not glossy
Please click here for the specifications.
Knowing and meeting properly these requirements is essential, as only if in the needed format, the biometric recognition of the applicant and perfect reproduction can be authorized correctly.
Note:
Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements, your application will be considered incomplete.
Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Article 15) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009”, which entered into force on April 5 of 2010, applicants must purchase a travel insurance product before they apply for a travel visa. Purchasing adequate travel insurance is one of the requirements of the Schengen visa.
The requirements for Schengen travel insurance:
- The travel insurance should include medical evacuation/ repatriation. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30,000 (denominated in Euros).
- The insurance company must have a representative office in European Union countries.
- The insurance must be valid for duration of stay in the Schengen countries.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please, find here the list with approved Indian travel insurance companies of the Consular Posts of Schengen States providing travel medical insurances for Schengen Visa procedure.
Regulation (EU) No 610/2013 of 26 June 2013, amended the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement, the Schengen Borders Code and the Visa Code and – among others – re-defined the concept of "short stay" for third-country nationals in the Schengen area which is a fundamental element of the Schengen acquis.
As from 18 October 2013 for the vast majority of the third-country nationals – irrespective of being visa required or exempt – who intend to travel to the Schengen area for a short stay (contrary to reside in one of the Member States for longer than 3 months) the maximum duration of authorised stay is defined as "90 days in any 180-day period […]". "The date of entry shall be considered as the first day of stay on the territory of the Member States and the date of exit shall be considered as the last day of stay on the territory of the Member States. Periods of stay authorised under a residence permit or a long-stay visa shall not be taken into account in the calculation of the duration of stay on the territory of the Member States."
Contrary to the definition which was in force until 18 October 2013, the new concept is more precise by setting the duration in days, instead of months. Moreover, the term "from the date of first entry" which gave rise to many uncertainties and questions (especially after a judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU from 2006 (Case 241/05 "Bot)) has been dropped from the provision.
The notion of "any", implies the application of a "moving" 180-day reference period, looking backwards at each day of the stay (be it at the entry or at the day of an actual check), into the last 180-day period, in order to verify if the 90 days / 180-day requirement continues to be fulfilled.
Among others, it means that an absence for an uninterrupted period of 90 days allows for a new stay for up to 90 days.
Stays in Bulgaria, Croatia, Ireland, Romania, Cyprus and the United Kingdom shall not be taken into account as they are not (yet) part of the Schengen area without internal borders. At the same time, the non-EU Member States Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland belong to the Schengen area; short stays in these countries count in when assessing the compliance with the 90 days / 180-day rule.
Please note that the change does not apply to the visa waiver agreements concluded between the EU and Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mauritius, and Seychelles where the old definition ("3 months during a 6 months period following the date of first entry") continues to apply. For citizens of these 7 third countries the calculator is not recommended to be used.
The length of stay of non-EU citizens traveling with a visa issued in accordance with the visa facilitation agreements concluded by the EU and certain third countries is to be calculated according to the new calculation method as there is reference in these agreements to "90 days per period of 180 days".
After you submit your application we strongly encourage you to use our online service provided in order to track your application online and to check whether your passport is ready for collection. It is a secure procedure that is designed to help you to better plan and save your time.
In order to track your application you need to know the application ID, which is on the Payment Receipt given to you during the submission, and the applicant's passport number.
After having tracked online whether your passport is ready for collection, you can collect your passport in person at the end of the visa application process.
Please note that in order to collect your passport in person you need to bring your ID and the Payment Receipt given to you during the submission which will be collected from you as a proof of delivery of your passport.
Please click here for passport collection times in the Visa Application Center for Greece of your choice.
If collecting in person is not possible, you may authorize another person to collect your passport on your behalf.
The authorized person will need to bring:
- Original Payment Receipt of the applicant(s)
- An original signed and certified authorization letter from the applicant (please click here)
- A photocopy of the applicant’s ID
- The original ID proof of the authorized person
- A photocopy of the ID proof of the authorized person
In case of minors, the authorized person will need to bring:
- Original Payment Receipt of the applicant(s)
- An original signed and certified authorization letter from the minor's father and mother (please click here)
- A photocopy of the mother's and father's IDs
- A photocopy of the unabridged birth certificate of the minor
- The original ID proof of the authorized person
- A photocopy of the ID proof of the authorized person
The authorized Travel Agent will need to bring:
- Original Payment Receipt of the applicant(s)
- Original signed and certified authorization letter(s) from all applicants (please click here)
- A photocopy of all applicants' IDs
- Original signed and certified authorization letter from Travel Agency mentioning all applicants' names, passport numbers and reference numbers (please click here)
- The original Agency ID proof of the Travel Agent
- A photocopy of the Agency ID proof of the Travel Agent
Upon collection of passports, applicants are advised to immediately check that the visa granted meets their intended travel schedule and that all the information it contains is correct.
INFORMATION SHEET TO VISA HOLDERS
You have been issued a visa for the territories of the Schengen States.
As soon as you receive your short-stay visa, make sure that all the information it contains is correct.
Check the following:
- Your passport has a passport number. This number is also indicated on the visa sticker. Make sure that these numbers are the same.
- You applied for your visa for a specific period or periods. Check that your air ticket corresponds with the entry and exit dates indicated on the visa sticker.
- Check that the number of days corresponds with the number of travel dates indicated on your visa sticker.
- Check that your name is spelled correctly.
- Do this yourself in order to avoid any problems or extra costs arising when using your visa. If you think that the information on the visa is incorrect, tell the consular authority immediately, so that any errors can be corrected.
How to read the visa sticker:
DURATION OF STAY.........DAYS indicates the number of days, you may stay in the Schengen area. The days should be counted from the date you enter the Schengen area (the entry stamp) to the date you exit the Schengen area (the exit stamp), i.e. both days included.
The period of time between “FROM ...UNTIL” is usually longer than the number of days printed in the “DURATION OF STAY” field. The difference in period is meant to give you flexibility to plan your entry into and exit from the Schengen area, but your stay in the Schengen area must never exceed the exact number of days in the “DURATION OF STAY ...DAYS” field. No matter how many days you have stayed in the Schengen area, you must leave no later than the date printed in the “UNTIL” field."
Controls at the border
Your short-stay visa allows you to travel to Greece and usually to other Schengen States. But it does not automatically entitle you to enter the Schengen area. So you may have to provide certain information at border or other controls. You may, for instance, have to provide information on your means of support, how long you intend to stay in Greece and in the Schengen area, and why you are visiting. In some cases, such checks may result in a refusal for the visa holder to enter Greece or the Schengen area.
It is therefore recommended that you carry with you copies of the documents which you presented when you applied for the visa (e.g. letters of invitation, travel confirmations, other documents stating the purpose of your stay). This will help to make the border control procedure easier and avoid delays at the border.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must keep to the period of stay allowed by your visa. Misuse and overstay may result in you being expelled and banned from obtaining a new visa for a certain period of time.
