Schengen Visa for Greece from the UK

Overview: Visiting Greece with a UK BRP or eVisa

Greece is the cradle of Western civilisation, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. But beyond its extraordinary ancient heritage, modern Greece offers an irresistible combination of sun-drenched islands, crystal-clear Aegean and Ionian seas, world-class cuisine, and a warmth of hospitality that is genuinely felt rather than commercially manufactured. The country welcomed over 33 million international tourists in 2025, making it one of Europe's most popular destinations.

For UK-based BRP and eVisa holders, Greece is particularly popular as a summer holiday destination. The Greek islands, from the iconic blue-domed churches of Santorini to the party beaches of Mykonos, the unspoiled coves of Crete, and the lush greenery of Corfu, offer experiences that range from luxury retreats to budget-friendly adventures. Greece has been a Schengen member since 2000, and visa applications are processed through VFS Global in London with an approval rate of approximately 88-91%.

Important summer peak warning: Greece receives an extremely high volume of visa applications from April to July as travellers plan summer holidays. VFS Global appointment slots fill up very quickly during this period, and processing times can extend beyond the standard 15 days. If planning a summer trip to Greece, start your visa application process at least 8-10 weeks before your departure date.

Entry Requirements for Greece

• Valid passport — At least two blank pages, valid for three months beyond departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the last ten years.
• UK immigration status — Printout from UKVI View and Prove service or valid BRP card with photocopy.
• Travel insurance — Minimum €30,000 medical coverage across the Schengen Area. Greece specifically checks that your policy covers island destinations, as medical evacuation from remote islands can be expensive.
• Financial means — Approximately €50 per day plus accommodation costs. Bank statements from the last 3 months. Greece is relatively relaxed on exact thresholds but expects comfortable financial standing.
• Accommodation — Hotel bookings for all destinations, including island hotels. If island-hopping, show bookings for each island. If staying with a host, a signed invitation letter with their Greek ID copy is sufficient.
• Return travel and inter-island transport — Return flights plus any domestic flights or ferry bookings for island travel. Showing pre-booked ferries demonstrates a well-planned trip.

How to Apply: VFS Global Step-by-Step

Step 1: Timing Is Critical

For summer travel (June-September), apply 8-10 weeks ahead. VFS Global appointments for Greece are among the hardest to secure during peak season. Book your appointment the moment slots become available. Off-season travel (October-May) is much easier, with appointments available within 1-2 weeks.

Step 2: Application Form and Appointment

Download the standard Schengen form. Complete in English. Book at VFS Global London (66 Wilson Street, EC2A 2BT). Greece does not require any additional online portal registration.

Step 3: Attend, Track and Collect

Standard VFS Global process: arrive early, submit documents and biometrics, pay fee. Standard processing 15 calendar days, often 7-10 working days off-peak. Collect in person or courier (£18).

Document Checklist

• Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
• Valid passport with 2+ blank pages (original plus photocopies)
• Two passport photographs (35x45mm, white background)
• UK eVisa printout or BRP card
• Proof of UK address
• Return flight booking
• All hotel reservations (mainland and islands)
• Ferry or domestic flight bookings for island-hopping
• Travel insurance (€30,000+ Schengen coverage including islands)
• Bank statements (last 3 months)
• Employment letter or business documentation

Fees and Costs

Fee Type	Amount
Schengen visa fee (adults)	€80 (approx. £69)
Children 6-12	€40
Children under 6	Free
VFS Global service fee	£28.80
Courier return (optional)	£18.00
Typical total (adult)	£97 - £115

Processing Times

Standard 15 calendar days. Greece experiences extreme seasonal variation: off-peak (October-March) applications may be returned in 5-7 working days, while peak summer (June-August) can take the full 15 days or extend to 20 days. Greek national holidays (25 March, Easter, 15 August, 28 October) cause additional delays. Apply 8-10 weeks ahead for summer.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Book early for summer — This cannot be overstated. Greek summer visa appointments are the most competitive among Schengen countries from the UK. Start in February/March for July/August travel.
• Island-hopping itinerary — Show a clear, logical island route with pre-booked ferries. Use ferryhopper.com or directferries.com for bookings. This demonstrates genuine, well-planned tourism.
• Travel insurance for islands — Ensure your policy explicitly covers medical evacuation, which can be expensive from remote islands. Standard Schengen coverage may not be sufficient; check for evacuation clauses.
• Off-peak advantages — Consider visiting Greece in May, September, or October. The weather is still excellent, prices are lower, crowds are thinner, and visa processing is faster.
• Show all accommodation — Book hotels for every night of your stay, including island stays. Unaccounted nights raise questions during the review.
• Previous travel history — Greece is generous with multi-entry visas for repeat visitors. Include copies of all previous Schengen stamps and visas.

Top Destinations in Greece

Athens

The birthplace of democracy deserves at least 2-3 days. The Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon, dominates the skyline and is best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. The new Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus complete the ancient highlights. The Plaka neighbourhood below the Acropolis offers charming pedestrian streets with tavernas, while the vibrant neighbourhoods of Monastiraki, Psyrri, and Exarchia showcase modern Athens's creative energy. The Central Market is a sensory experience, and the rooftop bars along Adrianou Street offer stunning Acropolis views at sunset. Athens also serves as the main ferry hub for island-hopping, with Piraeus port offering routes to hundreds of islands.

Santorini

Santorini is perhaps the most photographed island in the world. The white-washed buildings with blue-domed churches cascading down the volcanic caldera cliffs create scenes of extraordinary beauty. Oia village is famous for its spectacular sunsets, while Fira, the island's capital, offers a lively atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and shops along the caldera edge. Visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, a Minoan city preserved under volcanic ash since 1600 BC, often called the "Greek Pompeii." The volcanic beaches of Perissa (black sand) and Red Beach near Akrotiri are unique. Santorini is also an excellent wine destination, with indigenous Assyrtiko grapes producing distinctive whites. Peak season (July-August) sees accommodation prices triple; June and September offer the best balance of weather and value.

Mykonos

Mykonos is Greece's party capital, famous for its beach clubs, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. But beyond the parties, Mykonos Town (Chora) is a genuinely charming Cycladic settlement with narrow white streets, the iconic windmills, and Little Venice where waves crash against the balconies of waterfront bars. Paradise and Super Paradise beaches are the party beaches, while Agios Sostis and Fokos offer quieter, more secluded alternatives. From Mykonos, take a day trip to Delos, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites and the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Mykonos is expensive, especially in July-August; plan your budget accordingly.

Crete

Crete is Greece's largest island and a destination that could fill an entire holiday on its own. The Minoan palace of Knossos near Heraklion is one of Europe's oldest cities, dating back 4,000 years. The old town of Chania with its Venetian harbour is one of Greece's most atmospheric cities. The Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest gorges at 16km, offers a challenging but spectacular hike. Elafonisi Beach in southwestern Crete has pink sand and turquoise lagoon waters that rival the Caribbean. The south coast is less developed and more authentic, with villages like Loutro accessible only by boat or hiking trail. Cretan cuisine is exceptional, with dakos, kalitsounia, and lamb with stamnagathi among the local specialities.

Corfu and the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands on Greece's western coast offer a different character to the Cyclades, with lush green landscapes, Venetian architecture, and calmer Ionian Sea waters. Corfu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with elegant Venetian, French, and British colonial buildings. Paleokastritsa, with its dramatic coves and monastery, is the island's most scenic spot. Neighbouring Kefalonia is famous for the shipwreck beach at Navagio (Zakynthos) and the beautiful Myrtos Beach. Lefkada, connected to the mainland by a bridge, offers Porto Katsiki, one of Greece's most beautiful beaches. The Ionian Islands are greener and less arid than the Aegean islands, with cooler summer temperatures and a more relaxed pace.

Best Time to Visit Greece

Season	Months	Best For
Spring	April – May	Athens, mainland sightseeing, wildflowers, hiking, mild temperatures
Summer	June – August	Islands, beaches, nightlife; very hot (40°C+), most crowded and expensive
Autumn	September – October	Best balance: warm sea, fewer crowds, lower prices, pleasant weather
Winter	November – March	Athens, mainland culture, skiing (Parnassos), Crete still mild, lowest prices

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Around Greece

Greece's ferry network is the lifeline of island travel. Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, SeaJets, and others connect hundreds of islands from Athens' port of Piraeus and Rafina. Book ferries at ferryhopper.com for the best overview of routes and prices. Domestic flights with Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express connect Athens to major islands quickly. KTEL intercity buses connect mainland cities affordably. Athens has an excellent Metro system. Car rental is useful on larger islands like Crete and Rhodes. Greece drives on the right.

Important Contacts

• VFS Global Greece — visa.vfsglobal.com/gbr/en/grc
• Greek Embassy London — 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP. Tel: 020 7229 3850
• FCDO Greece Advice — gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece
• British Embassy Athens — 1 Ploutarchou Street, 106 75 Athens. Tel: +30 210 727 2600
• Emergency — 112 (general), 166 (coast guard), 199 (fire)