The Greece Tourist Visa (Schengen Short-Stay Type C) application process for Indian passport holders

1. Eligibility & Core Requirements

   • Indian citizens must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa to visit Greece for up to 90 days within any 180-day period; no visa-on-arrival or e-visa available for Indians.

   • Passport must be issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure date, and contain at least two blank visa pages.

   • Travel strictly for tourism, visiting family/friends, or leisure; paid employment, business, long-term study, settlement, or migration are prohibited.

   • Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to India (stable employment, property, close family), clear intent to return, and no history of prior Schengen overstays or immigration violations.

2. Document Checklist & Required Evidence

   • Completed, printed, and signed Schengen visa application form from the official Greek Visa Application portal (handwritten forms not accepted).

   • Original passport plus photocopies of biodata pages, previous Schengen visas, and any old passports.

   • Two recent passport-size color photographs (35×45 mm, white background, biometric-compliant, taken within 6 months).

   • Detailed cover letter describing purpose, travel dates, day-by-day itinerary, funding source, and return assurance.

   • Visa appointment confirmation printout from the official Greece Visa Application Center (GVCW) portal.

   • Confirmed round-trip flight bookings and accommodation proof for every night in Greece (hotel reservations or host invitation with host's ID).

   • Valid Schengen travel/medical insurance covering emergencies and repatriation (minimum €30,000 coverage throughout Schengen area).

   • Financial proof: recent bank statements (last 3–6 months, typically first and last three pages, bank-stamped), salary slips, and income tax returns (last 2 years).

   • Employment proof: leave sanction letter and employment contract; business registration/tax returns for self-employed; pension statements for retirees; student enrollment certificates for students.

   • Civil status documents: marriage certificate, birth certificates for minors, parental consent letters for children.

   • Any additional documentation per the latest Greek Embassy or Visa Application Center requirements.

3. Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

   • Permitted: tourism, leisure, visiting family/friends, attending cultural events, short non-award courses (< 90 days).

   • Prohibited: paid employment, business activities, long-term or award-bearing studies, religious residency, intent to settle, or overstaying visa validity.

4. Recent Policy & Process Updates (2025)

   • Only documents explicitly listed on the official checklist are accepted; extraneous or missing documents may lead to rejection.

   • Bank statement submissions limited to recent months, typically first and last three pages only.

   • Enhanced scrutiny of travel itinerary, accommodation bookings, insurance validity, financial resources, and return intent.

   • Early application strongly advised (15–45 days before travel) due to potential seasonal delays.

   • Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) required unless exempted (previous collection within 59 months).

   • Digital application process: online form completion and document uploads, followed by in-person appointment for biometrics and document submission.

5. Application Submission Workflow

   • Complete and print the official online Schengen visa application form and schedule appointment at authorized Greek Visa Application Centre (GVCW).

   • Submit all original and copied documents in checklist order during the appointment.

   • Provide required biometric data at the appointment.

   • Track application status online and await approval notification.

   • Collect passport in person or via courier upon approval; verify all visa details immediately.

6. Role & Value of Professional Visa Service Providers (JKVTravel.com)

   • Pre-screen eligibility, recommend correct visa type, and provide personalized, current document checklist.

   • Review, format, and translate documents per official Greek embassy and Visa Application Centre standards to minimize errors.

   • Manage digital submissions, appointment scheduling, document uploads, reminders, and status monitoring.

   • Proactively handle additional document requests, policy updates, and reapplication assistance reducing refusal risk and processing delays.

   • Streamline the process and reduce client stress while emphasizing that final visa approval rests solely with Greek/Schengen authorities and cannot be guaranteed by any service.