Globetrotters consider Greece to be a dream vacation destination and have it on their travel bucket list. It is the ultimate travel spot for its fascinating history, fantastic beaches, and drool-worthy food. From checking out ancient ruins to island hopping in the Aegean Sea, Greece has it all. If you are a UAE resident dreaming of a Greek escape, acquiring a Greece Schengen visa is a must. Why? Well, besides Greece being a stellar destination with its islands, it’s also your ticket to the rest of Europe. So, let’s get down to knowing the details of getting a Greece visa for UAE residents.

What is a Greece Schengen Visa?

For those unfamiliar with the term ‘Schengen visa’, it is a travel document that facilitates borderless travel across 27 European countries with a single visa. Greece proudly stands among these 27 nations, forming the Schengen States. Applying for a travel visa to Greece comes with a bonus. Securing a travel visa to Greece unlocks a remarkable perk – an automatic Schengen visa that opens the doors to various European destinations without the hassle of multiple applications. The Greece Schengen visa allows a 90-day stay within a 180-day timeframe, offering flexibility with single or multiple entry options. Yet, there is a key detail to bear in mind when obtaining a Greece visa as a Schengen visa: meeting Schengen travel conditions. These include possessing a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months. Additionally, make sure your travel insurance covers the whole Europe tour – not just the Greek leg of the journey. If your European itinerary involves visits to other countries for an equal duration, Greece should be your first stop in the Schengen area. If Greece is set to be your primary destination for the majority of your European adventure, obtaining a Greece visa as a Schengen visa becomes the ideal choice.

How to get a Greece visa from UAE?

Getting a Greece visa from the UAE is fairly easy. You would need to keep in mind a few points such as:

If you are an Emirati (A UAE citizen), then you can enter Greece without a visa. All you need to show at the Greek immigration counter after arrival in the country is your valid passport which will last beyond 6 months from your arrival date in Greece, proof of your reason to visit and financial status that you will be able to support your stay in Greece without any problems.

However, someone who is a citizen of another country but residing in the UAE will have to get a pre-approved Greece tourist visa from Dubai for their Greek sojourn. Start by researching where to apply for a Greek visa if you are a UAE resident. Check if you need to apply based on your citizenship, travel purpose, and itinerary. If it seems confusing, consider reaching out to a Schengen visa expert for help. They can make the process easier and guide you through it. Being prepared in advance makes the application process much smoother.

Document Required for Greece Schengen visa for UAE Residents

Once you have decided that you require a Greece visa from Dubai, the next step would be to gather all the documentation.

These include:

• A completely filled and signed online visa application form with no errors.
• Passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining after arrival in Greece. The passport should not be handwritten and must have been issued within 10 years. It should contain at least 2 blank pages.
• A Valid UAE resident visa, valid at least for 3 months.
• Copies of any previously acquired Schengen visa
• A recent colour photograph taken not longer than 6 months from the date of applying for the visa. It should be taken against a white background and must have full facial coverage. It should be clear and undamaged and clicked as per the specifications of visa guidelines.
• Travel Medical insurance is mandatory for Schengen travel. It should have a minimum coverage of 30000 Euros and should be valid for your entire stay and in all Schengen countries you intend to visit along with Greece.
• Detailed travel itinerary and confirmed return flight tickets.
• Proof of financial support via recent, original bank statements and pay slips.
• Proof of accommodation through hotel reservation or confirmation of stay by hosts in case of a social visit.
• Employment Letter from the employer showcasing the tenure of the applicant’s job position, length of employment, and copy of company trade license.
• Other important documents such as birth certificates and NOC by parents/guardians for minor applicants or any specified document as requested by the embassy.

Once you have all the documents in order, proceed with the application process:

• Fill out the visa application form – Fill it out accurately. When applying for a Greece Schengen Visa, attention to detail is crucial. Take your time, make sure you’ve answered all the questions, and double-check for any mistakes.
• Keep all your documentation in order.
• Schedule an appointment with a Visa Application Centre in UAE where you will have to provide biometric data along with your application and document.
• Pay visa fees and wait for your visa result.

Processing time for Greece Visa

The average processing time for a Greece Schengen Visa is around 15 working days. However, it’s always wise to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for any unexpected delays.

Fees associated with the visa application

The current visa fee is 80 Euros. Additionally, there may be additional service charges for visa application centres, courier services, and so on.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the validity of a Greece Schengen Visa?

Generally, You are allowed to stay in Greece and other Schengen nations for up to 90 days during a 180-day period if you have a Greece Schengen visa. However, the length of your trip and the consulate’s decision will determine how long the visa is valid.

Can I extend my visa if needed?

No. Schengen Visa cannot be stretched beyond its validity. You will have to apply for a new visa after you exit the Schengen Area once the validity lapses.

Can I submit my visa application by mail or online?

No, visa applications for Greece Schengen Visa from Dubai must be submitted in person at the Greek consulate or visa application centre. Booking an appointment with the embassy and attending in person to submit your documents and provide any required biometric data is required. However, discussions are going on for the digitalization of Schengen visas which may be available in the near future.

Conclusion

With a Greece Schengen Visa in hand, you can explore other European gems like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, without any hassle. No more waiting for multiple visas for your Greek-cum-European Odyssey giving you the ultimate freedom to wander and explore to your heart’s content.