Greece visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Greece

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Greek Visa.

  • Completed visa application form. The form should be signed where necessary.
  • A passport which has a validity of 6 months from the time of exit from the country. The passport should have two blank pages.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs which should be taken with a background. The passport should be at least 6 months old and should follow the photo specification for visa application.
  • Proof of civil status.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in the country. This should be in the form of your bank statement from 3 months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Return ticket to South Africa.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation. Either confirmation of paid hotel accommodation or home address of your host in the country.

Greece Visa for South Africans

Facts about Greece

Greece is known for its world heritage sites, islands, seas, and beaches. Democracy, western philosophy, western literature, historiography, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles are considered to have originated from Greece. Tourists visiting the country can be assured of being engaged throughout their time in the country.  
 
In 2018, the country played host to over 33 million foreign tourists which made it one of the most visited countries in the world. Olympia, Greece, is popular for being the original birthplace of the Olympics Games. The tourism industry is a major contributing factor to the Gross Domestic Product in Greece. The industry is responsible for contributing 18% to the country’s GDP.
 
Indecent dressing and behavior are not tolerated, prison sentences or fines will be issued to anyone caught in the act. Anyone who is caught driving under the influence of alcohol will be fined or imprisoned. Always make sure you request a receipt whenever you buy anything in the country.

It is illegal to smoke in all indoor public places. Hefty fines will be handed out to those caught violating this law. Pepper-spray canisters are illegal in Greece and will be confiscated by the authorities.

Types of Greece Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Business visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Student visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Medical visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Official visa 15 - 30 days 180 days
Transit visa 15 - 30 days 24 hours

General Requirements for Greece Visa

  • Completed visa application form. The form should be signed where necessary.
  • A passport which has a validity of 6 months from the time of exit from the country. The passport should have two blank pages.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs which should be taken with a background. The passport should be at least 6 months old and should follow the photo specification for visa application.
  • Proof of civil status.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay in the country. This should be in the form of your bank statement from 3 months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Return ticket to South Africa.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation. Either confirmation of paid hotel accommodation or home address of your host in the country.
Greece Tourist visa Greece Business visa Greece Student visa Greece Medical visa Greece Official visa Greece Transit visa

Greece Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Foreigners who apply for this visa do so with the intention of sightseeing, recreation and relaxation in Greece.
  • This visa can also serve as a visitor visa. You can visit relatives and friends with this visa during your time in the country.
  • For visitation purposes, you need to have an invitation letter from your host in Greece. The address and a valid means of identification of your host in the country should be included in the letter.
  • Children should have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Receipt of your paid visa application fees should be presented during the visa application process.
  • You cannot take up part-time or full-time courses while in the country with this type of visa.
  • You are requested to exit the country once your visa expires.
  • The visa takes 15 – 30 days to be processed.

Greece Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The business visa allows businessmen and businesswomen to visit Greece for the purpose of maintaining and developing business relationships with companies in Greece.
  • You can sign contracts, attend meetings and conferences with this visa.
  • Holders of this visa cannot get paid for any of the services they render while in the country.
  • You cannot take up any course of learning or be enrolled in any of the schools in the country with this visa.
  • A letter of invitation from the Greek company you will be visiting with the detailed address and the purpose of the visit is required.
  • Your current employer should give you a certificate confirming that he/she is aware of your business travel. This letter should be presented at the embassy or consulate while applying for your visa.
  • If you have had previous business trades with the company you are visiting, proof of such trades should be provided.
  • You should have a letter from either your employer or the partner company in Greece stating the financial coverage of your business visit.
  • The receipt of your paid visa application fees should be provided.

Greece Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Student visas are issued to foreigners who have been offered a course in a school in Greece.
  • Before applying for this visa, you must have been accepted to study in a school in the country.
  • You should provide an enrollment certificate which allows you to attend courses in the school you have been accepted to.
  • If you are a minor, the unabridged original copy of your birth certificate is required.
  • You are required to present a proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Applicants of this visa should be willing to obey all the rules and regulations while in the country.
  • The visa cots €60 to be processed.
  • You are allowed to work part-time as long as it does not affect your education in the country.

Greece Medical Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows South Africans who have one ailment or the other to visit the country to seek medical attention.
  • A medical report from your local doctor in South Africa stating the type of ailment you have and the reason the treatment cannot be gotten in your country.
  • Letter from the hospital in Greece confirming your appointment and the duration of the medical treatment.
  • The receipt of paid medical fees should be provided.
  • If you are a minor, you should make sure you provide the original copy of your birth certificate.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fees is required.
  • Means of subsistence during your time in the country should be provided.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to work while in the country.
  • You are required to leave the country at the expiration of your visa.

Greece Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The official visa allows South African diplomats to meet up with government officials in Greece.
  • Diplomats meeting with officials in Greece do so to foster the bilateral relationship between the Greek and South African governments.
  • As a diplomat, if your purpose of visiting Greece is not official, you will not be issued this visa.
  • An official invitation letter from the Greek government should be presented while you are applying for this visa.
  • A diplomatic note from the South African government stating your status in the government, purpose and duration of your visit in the country.
  • You are not allowed to take up paid or unpaid employment while you are in the country.
  • Minors are required to have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • It takes about 15-30 days to be processed.  

Greece Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Transit visa allows foreigners to make short-stops in Greece.
  • This visa allows you to join a connecting flight from Greece to your destination country.
  • You are not allowed to be in the country for more than 24 hours with this visa.
  • Ensure you have the visa and the confirmed flight ticket of your destination country.
  • You cannot visit friends and relatives with this visa or tour the country.
  • If you are travelling with a minor, a letter of consent from the minor’s parents should be provided.
  • You can be accompanied by your spouse or minors.
  • For non-South Africans, a South African stay permit will be requested.

Greece Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

60.00 (EUR)

Medical visa

60.00 (EUR)

Official visa

60.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

Greece Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

323 Alpine way and Village road, Lynnwood 0081, Pretoria, South Africa

https://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy9795/

+27 12 342 7136 / 7

Johannesburg

261 Oxford Road, Illovo, 2196 Johannesburg

+27 123482352

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Greece visa??

Greece visa takes 15 – 30 days to be processed.

What visa is required to visit Greece??

To visit Greece, you need to have a tourist visa.

What is the best time to visit Greece??

The best time to visit Greece is between the period of June and September.

What is the best Greek island to visit??

The best Greek island to visit is Santorini.

Which Greek island has the best beaches??

The Balos beach in Crete is the best beach in Greece.