Is it possible to visit Greece without a visa?
Visa to Greece
Greece has been a member of the European Union since 1981. To visit this country, regardless of the purpose of the trip, a Schengen visa is required. The rules for obtaining a visa are the same for all EU member states.
But along with the current visa regime, the Greek government, in order to increase the flow of tourists, decided to visit several Greek islands without a visa. For Russians, this decision was an additional chance to visit the country.
In 2019, you can get to Greece without a visa on the following islands:
Chios is a "rocky" island of mastic trees, small villages, ancient architecture with elements of sgraffito and sandy beaches. An ideal place for a relaxing holiday and a great opportunity to explore unknown Greece. The island is closest to Turkey, and its history is inextricably linked with the Ottoman Empire.
Lesvos is a famous island where in ancient times women were free from all conventions. Famous for oak and coniferous forests, olive oil, cheeses and anise tincture made according to old recipes.
Kos is one of the popular Greek islands with sandy and small-pebble beaches, with the famous fortress of the Knights of St. John, minarets, Roman architecture and ancient ruins.
Samos - in ancient times was part of the Turkish Mount Michele, but natural disasters "torn off" part of the coast, turning it into a separate island. Before settlement in 1562 by Orthodox Greeks, the island was a refuge for pirates. It is famous for its olive groves, vineyards, pine forests and citrus orchards.
Rhodes - the island of "roses", which has preserved antiquity and medieval romance, is one of the centers of the formation of Christian culture. It is famous for its rich vegetation and luxurious beaches.
Kastelorizo is a small island that looks like a drop. It is in demand among lovers of a relaxing holiday and fans of sea sports: sport fishermen, yachtsmen, surfers, divers.
Symi is a small "colorful" island off the coast of Turkey, with traditional carved architecture, famous monasteries and pebbly beaches.
How to get to the Greek islands without a visa?
For Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians, it is possible to get to the islands of Greece only with a special permit - an island visa. Such permission is issued only for tourists who arrived on one of the above islands by sea from Turkey. The Turkish agencies of Bodrum and Marmaris organize excursions to the Greek islands with the official issuance of an island visa. It is possible to obtain permission to visit the Greek islands without a Schengen visa in advance, in Moscow. But in this case, you will have to complete the island visa at the travel agency organizing the tour.
Island visa - what is it?
An island visa, unlike a Schengen visa to Greece, is not valid in the rest of the state. Its term is limited - no more than 14 days. For violation of the regime of stay - punishment in the form of a ban on entry into the country. The Russians can only return home through Turkey. The simplified mode is valid only in the summer period: from the beginning of June to the end of September. Before issuing a permit to stay in the Greek islands, make sure that there are no entry bans due to:
- The presence of debts and sanctions on fines in the EU zone.
- Violations of the visa regime in previous trips abroad.
- Work in a company where travel restrictions are established due to access to classified materials.
Issuing an island visa is quick due to a small package of documents that must be presented.
- Two photos - you can take in the port upon arrival on the island.
- Original and photocopy of the passport.
- Round-trip tickets for sea transport: ferry, ship, yacht.
- Hotel booking confirmation in case of staying on the islands for several days.
- Certificate from the bank on the availability of the account - 500 euros at the moment.
- Payment for a short term permit.
