Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2025: ETIAS Authorization
Most visa-exempt travelers to Greece now need ETIAS authorization (€7) - a straightforward online application that takes about 10 minutes and is valid for three years. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip to avoid delays, especially for island-hopping itineraries.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages for stamps and entry/exit notations.
It's crucial to verify this early, as Greek authorities and airlines strictly enforce these rules, and invalid passports can lead to denied boarding at airports like Athens International.
Children and minors should have their own passports, even when traveling with parents.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa in the Schengen Area, including Greece.
This allows ample time for exploring mainland sites like Athens and islands such as Santorini or Mykonos, but track your days carefully to avoid overstays.
Post-Brexit UK citizens still qualify but should confirm with the Greek embassy for any updates.
Visa Applications
For required visas, apply through the Greek consulate or VFS Global for a Schengen Type C visa (€80 fee for adults, €40 for children), including documents like flight itineraries, hotel bookings, proof of funds (€50/day minimum), and comprehensive travel insurance.
Processing times range from 15-45 days, so apply at least two months in advance if planning a summer trip to popular islands.
Business or study visas may require additional invitations or enrollment proofs from Greek institutions.
Border Crossings
Greece's Schengen membership means seamless land borders with neighbors like Bulgaria and Albania, but expect passport checks at ferry ports to islands and international airports in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion.
Inter-island ferries often require ID verification, and EU citizens may need to show residence cards for longer stays.
From 2025, ETIAS will be scanned electronically at entry points, speeding up processes but requiring pre-approval.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen entry and highly recommended for Greece, covering medical emergencies (up to €30,000 minimum), trip delays, lost baggage, and activities like scuba diving or hiking in the Peloponnese.
Policies from providers like World Nomads start at €4-6 per day and should include repatriation coverage due to the archipelago's remote locations.
EU citizens can use the EHIC card for basic care but should supplement with private insurance for full protection.
Extensions Possible
Short-stay extensions for up to 90 additional days are available for compelling reasons like medical issues or family emergencies by applying at a local Aliens Bureau or police station before your current stay expires.
Fees range from €150-300, requiring proof such as doctor's notes or employment letters, and approval isn't guaranteed.
For longer-term stays, consider applying for a national D visa or residence permit through Greek immigration services in advance.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Greece uses the Euro (€). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks, especially useful for multi-island transfers.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Athens or island airports by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months ahead, especially for shoulder seasons, can save 30-50% on flights, allowing more budget for ferry-hopping between Cyclades islands.
Consider low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Aegean Airlines for domestic connections.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for family-run tavernas and street vendors serving meze platters or fresh seafood under €10, avoiding upscale tourist traps in areas like Plaka to cut food costs by up to 50%.
Local markets in Athens or Thessaloniki provide picnic supplies like olives, feta, and yogurt at bargain prices, perfect for beach days.
Lunch specials (menu tou imerou) offer full meals for €8-12, including wine in many spots.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase an Athens transport card for €4.10/day unlimited metro, bus, and tram rides, or KTEL bus passes for mainland routes at €10-20 for multi-day validity, drastically reducing intercity expenses.
Ferry operators like Blue Star offer island-hopping packages that bundle tickets, saving 20-30% compared to individual bookings.
Rent a scooter for €15/day on smaller islands where public options are limited, but ensure you have an international license.
Free Attractions
Enjoy Greece's stunning freebies like public beaches on Crete, sunset views from Lycabettus Hill in Athens, and coastal walks in Corfu, providing authentic experiences without entry fees.
Many archaeological sites offer reduced or free entry for EU students/youth under 25, and national holidays like March 25 provide gratis access to the Acropolis.
Hiking trails in the Samaria Gorge or Meteora monasteries are free, with optional guided add-ons for deeper insights.
Card vs Cash
Credit/debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban and tourist areas, but carry €50-100 in cash daily for rural tavernas, island ferries, and market bargaining.
Use fee-free ATMs from major banks like National Bank of Greece for withdrawals, avoiding airport exchanges that charge up to 10% premiums.
Contactless payments are widespread, but inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks abroad.
Museum Passes
The Athens Combo Ticket (€30) grants entry to seven major sites including the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, recouping costs after just two visits and valid for five days.
National Archaeological Museum annual passes at €12 offer unlimited access, ideal for history buffs splitting time between Athens and Delphi.
Island-specific cards, like the Cyclades Culture Pass, bundle museum entries for €15-20, enhancing value for multi-stop itineraries.
Smart Packing for Greece
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton or linen clothes for hot summers, including swimsuits, sarongs, and sun hats for beach-hopping on islands like Rhodes or Zakynthos.
Layer with light jackets for cooler evenings in Athens or northern regions, and include modest long-sleeve options for visiting Orthodox monasteries where shorts are prohibited.
Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for ferry travel and unexpected swims in the Aegean Sea.
Electronics
Bring a Type C/F adapter for Greece's European outlets, a portable power bank for long island days without charging, and a waterproof phone case for beach use.
Download offline maps via Google Maps or Maps.me for spotty island Wi-Fi, and apps like Ferryhopper for real-time schedules.
A GoPro or compact camera captures stunning sunsets and ruins; pack extra memory cards for high-volume shots at Santorini's caldera.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for ferries, and any prescriptions plus EU health card if applicable.
High-SPF sunscreen (50+), aloe vera gel, and wide-brimmed hats are non-negotiable due to intense Mediterranean sun; include anti-diarrheal for street food adventures.
Water purification tablets help if tap water quality varies on remote islands, and a small flashlight aids evening walks in dimly lit villages.
Travel Gear
A versatile daypack for site-seeing at the Parthenon or Delphi, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during hikes, and a microfiber towel for spontaneous beach stops.
Pack photocopies of your passport, ETIAS approval, and ferry tickets in a waterproof pouch; a money belt secures valuables in crowded markets like Monastiraki.
Compression packing cubes organize clothes for multi-leg trips, and a lightweight scarf doubles as a shawl for churches or sun protection.
Footwear Strategy
Comfortable walking sandals or sneakers for cobblestone streets in Athens and Plaka, plus sturdy hiking shoes for trails like the Samaria Gorge or Mount Olympus paths.
Water shoes protect against sea urchins and rocky shores on pebbly beaches in Crete; flip-flops suffice for resort pools but avoid for rugged terrain.
Break in shoes before travel to prevent blisters during long days exploring ancient theaters or volcanic landscapes on Naxos.
Personal Care
Travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, high-factor lip balm with SPF, and a foldable umbrella or poncho for occasional Aegean showers in spring or fall.
Insect repellent with DEET guards against mosquitoes in marshy areas like the Evros Delta; include nail clippers and tweezers for minor mishaps.
A small laundry bag and detergent pods allow washing swimsuits mid-trip, keeping your pack light for extended stays on hopping islands like the Sporades.
When to Visit Greece
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures of 15-22°C makes it perfect for exploring Athens' ruins without summer heat, and wildflowers bloom across the Peloponnese countryside.
Fewer crowds mean shorter lines at the Acropolis, and shoulder-season ferries to islands like Corfu are cheaper and less packed, ideal for hiking and cultural festivals.
Easter celebrations in April add vibrant Orthodox traditions, with lamb roasts and fireworks in villages.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season brings hot, dry weather of 25-35°C, prime for beach lounging on Mykonos or Santorini's black-sand shores and vibrant nightlife in party hotspots.
Festivals like the Athens Epidaurus Festival feature ancient theater performances under the stars, though expect high prices and full bookings for ferries and hotels.
Island-hopping thrives with frequent sailings, but pack for intense sun and potential wildfires in drier areas.
Autumn (September-November)
Pleasant 18-25°C temperatures with calmer seas suit extended swims in Crete and olive harvests in the mainland, offering a relaxed vibe post-summer rush.
Lower hotel rates (20-30% off peak) and fewer tourists enhance visits to Delphi or Meteora, with wine festivals in Naoussa celebrating local vintages.
Early fall is great for sailing charters around the Ionian Islands before winter winds pick up.
Winter (December-February)
Mild southern winters of 10-15°C allow off-season exploration of Athens museums and Thessaloniki's Byzantine sites, with budget flights and accommodations.
Christmas markets in Athens and New Year's fireworks over the Acropolis create festive magic, while northern areas like Zagori offer skiing in the Pindus Mountains.
Many islands quiet down, but Crete remains accessible for hiking gorges and enjoying hearty mountain cuisine without crowds.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Euro (€). ATMs are plentiful; cards accepted widely but cash preferred on smaller islands and for ferries.
- Language: Greek is official; English spoken fluently in tourist areas, hotels, and Athens. Learn basics like "kalimera" (good morning) for politeness.
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer with DST)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, fire, or coast guard assistance; EU-wide service
- Tipping: Not obligatory as service is included, but round up bills or add 5-10% for good service in restaurants and taxis
- Water: Tap water safe in major cities like Athens; opt for bottled on islands and in rural areas to avoid stomach issues
- Pharmacies: Abundant; identified by red or green crosses. Open late; after-hours via "duty pharmacist" rotation