Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Greece, and with IndiGo now flying nonstop from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens, demand for Greece tourist visas has surged. This guide covers everything you need to apply — fees, documents, processing times, and how to book your appointment.
If you are planning a broader European trip, our India to Europe 2026 guide covers the full Schengen visa process, flight routes, and the new EES border rules across all Schengen countries.
How to Apply: Step by Step
All Greece visa applications from India are processed through GVCW (Global Visa Center World), the exclusive external service provider for the Greek consular authorities in India.
Step 1: Book an Appointment Online
Visit the GVCW appointment portal and select the visa application center closest to your city of residence. You can submit your application up to 6 months before your travel date.
GVCW operates centers in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Cochin, Goa, Jalandhar, Jaipur, and Puducherry.
Step 2: Submit Documents and Biometrics
Visit the center on your appointment date with your complete document set. You will provide fingerprints and a photograph for biometric registration. First-time Schengen applicants must appear in person — biometrics are stored for 59 months and reused for subsequent applications.
Step 3: Track and Collect
Track your application status through the GVCW portal. Once processed, collect your passport from the same center or opt for courier delivery.
Documents Required for a Greece Tourist Visa
You will need the following documents when you visit the visa application center.
Passport and Identity
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm, white background)
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
Travel and Financial Proof
- Round-trip flight reservation (you can search for flights to Athens on Wego)
- Confirmed hotel bookings or accommodation proof for your full stay (compare hotels in Athens on Wego)
- Travel itinerary showing your day-by-day plan
- Bank statements from the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds
- Cover letter stating the purpose of your visit
Travel Medical Insurance
A travel medical insurance policy with minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for every Schengen visa application. The policy must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation across all Schengen states for the full duration of your trip.
For a detailed breakdown of what to check before buying a policy, see our Schengen travel insurance guide.
Greece Visa Fees and Processing Time
The Greece Schengen visa (Type C) allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Here is what you will pay and how long it takes.
| Applicant | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (12 years and above) | €90 (~₹9,900) |
| Children (under 12 years) | Free |
All fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or rejected. A separate GVCW service charge of €30 (payable in INR at the daily ECB exchange rate) applies on top of the visa fee.
How Long Does It Take?
Standard processing takes up to 15 days from the date of submission at the visa application center. However, applications can take up to 45 working days if additional checks or consultations with other Schengen countries are required.
If you are applying from a city other than New Delhi, add 5 extra days for your documents to be dispatched to the New Delhi center. Book your appointment at least 6–8 weeks before your travel date to stay safe, especially during summer peak season.
Getting to Greece
Direct Flights From India
IndiGo launched the first nonstop flights between India and Greece in January 2026 using the Airbus A321XLR.
| Route | Frequency | Starting Fare (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Athens (6E 1901) | 3x weekly | ₹21,999 |
| Mumbai → Athens (6E 1903) | 3x weekly | ₹21,999 |
Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flag carrier, has also launched direct flights to India using the Airbus A321XLR. Aegean began Athens–Delhi service on 17 March 2026 (5x weekly) and Athens–Mumbai service on 2 May 2026 (3x weekly). The two airlines have an active codeshare agreement, so you can book connecting flights across both networks through either carrier.
If you prefer one-stop options, Gulf carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad fly from multiple Indian cities to Athens via Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
EES Border Rules for Indian Travelers
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) went live on 10 April 2026, replacing passport stamps with biometric fingerprint and facial scans at Schengen borders. All non-EU travelers, including Indian Schengen visa holders, are now digitally registered at entry and exit. Your first EES registration takes a few minutes at the border and is valid for 3 years. Expect longer queues at major Schengen airports during the initial rollout — our EES survival guide and EES border queue tips cover strategies for minimizing wait times.
If your Schengen visa was issued by Greece, you should enter the Schengen area through Greece first, or at least spend the majority of your trip there. Entering through a different Schengen country without valid reason can cause complications at the border. Our Schengen first entry rule explainer breaks down exactly how this works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to other Schengen countries on a Greece visa?
Yes. A Greece-issued Schengen visa lets you visit all 29 Schengen countries. However, Greece should be your main destination or first point of entry. See our first entry rule guide for details.
How early can I apply for a Greece Schengen visa?
You can submit your application up to 6 months before your travel date. For summer trips, apply as early as possible — appointment slots fill up fast between April and July.
Do I need to appear in person for a Greece visa?
Yes, for your first Schengen visa application. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are captured at the GVCW center and stored for 59 months — subsequent applications within that window may not require a personal visit.
Will I need ETIAS to visit Greece in the future?
ETIAS is a travel authorization for visa-exempt nationalities and does not apply to Indian citizens, who require a full Schengen visa. Read our ETIAS guide to understand how the system works.
Sources
- GVCW — Global Visa Center World for Greece in India
- GVCW — Greece Tourist Visa Information
- GVCW — Schedule Appointment Portal
- Embassy of Greece in India — Visa Information
- IndiGo — Press Release: Delhi and Mumbai to Athens Flights
- Aegean Airlines — IndiGo Codeshare MoU
- Aegean Airlines — A321XLR Delhi and Mumbai Launch
- EU — Entry/Exit System (EES) Fully Operational
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
