Getting a Rhodes visa for Russians

Greece is a beautiful country that will give you a lot of unforgettable emotions and memories. Numerous positive reviews have received the island of Rhodes, which is the 4th largest of several beautiful islands adjacent to Greece. The most important advantage of the island of Rhodes is that you can not only bask in the gentle sun while watching stunning landscapes, but also take yourself to a wide variety of excursions. The fact that a visa to Rhodes for Russians in 2017 is still needed - this fact does not discourage tourists from visiting such an amazing land. In the article we will talk about what documents a tourist will need, as well as what interesting things to see in Rhodes.

Visa to Greece

Greece adjoins the countries of the Schengen zone, and this automatically means that a pass is required. For this period of time, a lot of Russian tourists visit Greece, because of this, there is news in the press that the visa regime is being “weakened” a little. But don't be naive, the country won't break entry rules just to attract more tourists.

In the case of a Schengen visa, a person can freely cross the border of Greece, as well as all its islands without hindrance. In any other cases, you need to obtain a visa pass.

It is very easy to apply for a visa to Rhodes for Russians in 2017 either at the Greek embassy or at the visa center, which can be found in any large city in the Russian Federation, and you can also contact a travel agency.

In all countries of the Schengen Agreement, there are two types of visas: C (short-term) and D (long-term), and of course Greece is no exception and also has two types of visas. A long-term, or as it is also called a national visa, is required for people who travel to the country to study, work or live for more than six months.

Tourists are advised to apply for a short-stay visa. If they ask about the purpose of the visit, everything is simple here: tourism, visiting relatives and friends, as well as conference exhibitions and other short-term events.

Price

The cost of a visa to Rhodes for Russians in 2017 remained unchanged. The consular fee will require you to pay 34 euros, if you need to make an urgent visa, you need to pay 70 euros - we are talking about a type C visa.

A category D visa will cost you 90 euros, to this amount you should also add 28 euros for the services of the visa center. Unfortunately, the money will not be returned to you in the event that the issuance of a visa document is denied to you.

No matter how much the Greek government would like, it will not be able to cancel the rules for issuing visas in the Schengen zone, but for example, in 2016, the country's consulate decided to issue a visa for three years for those citizens who did not apply for Schengen for the first time.

Features of rest on the island of Rhodes

Rhodes is not large, but nevertheless it has something to surprise tourists. Rhodes is also open for beach lovers, for family tourists with children, the island intrigues noisy groups of young people, and also lures glamorous and accustomed to luxury tourists with its grandeur, lovers of extreme recreation will not be bored in Rhodes.

Since ancient times, even the inhabitants themselves divided the island into eastern and southern parts. On the eastern side, Rhodes caresses the Mediterranean Sea, its beaches have golden warm sand, the slopes of the plains gracefully smooth out the horizon line, and the waves lazily lull and inspire summer bliss and regularity. In this part of the island there are two of the most famous and most visited resorts - these are Lindos and Faliraki.

The resort of Faliraki is bright and noisy, its nightlife is seething with all colors, the sounds of dance music can be heard from discos, bars and restaurants are always happy to welcome guests. Very close to the town there is a wonderful water park, which is considered the largest and best in all of Greece.

There are a lot of water fun and attractions on the beaches of the resort, lovers of extreme sports and fun will definitely not be bored. Faliraki has prepared a piece of bliss for those who do not like noise and crowds, along the coastline you can find secluded corners and relax from the bustle of the world.

Lindos is considered another popular resort city. Tourists who like to look at ancient architecture will really like the town, and modern service in the city will help you feel at the highest level. In order to fully soak up the atmosphere of the city, you should stay there for several days.

For extreme lovers, the west of the island is very suitable. The Aegean Sea stormily washes the shores of Rhodes. In the depths of the sea, big waves are born that lure surfers from all over the world; windsurfing and parasailing have become very popular.

In the western part of the island, those who do not like the heat will feel comfortable, since the waters of the Aegean Sea are slightly cooler than the Mediterranean, and the wind from the sea makes it easier to cope with the hot sun. The most popular resorts are Ialyssos and Ixia.

For tourists, various kinds of moments are always pleasant, where discounts are given or you don’t have to pay at all, and so on Rhodes absolutely all beaches are free. In addition, if you go on vacation from a travel agency, they will definitely include a visit to the local market in the tour, where you can enjoy tasting and choose the best wines from local winemakers as a gift, buy olive oil or honey.

In the market, you can buy incredible ceramics, carpets of various sizes and colors, as well as the finest lace made by local craftsmen.

What should definitely be visited by any tourist who came to Rhodes for the first time:

• This phenomenon is called the "kiss of the seas" - the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas;
• The valley of the seven springs will wash away all the seven deadly sins;
• There is a mountain Tsambik on which the monastery is located, inside it there is a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary;
• The mesmerizing Butterfly Valley will impress anyone;
• Conquer the highest point of Rhodes - Mount Filerimos.

Visa-free islands of Greece

Many are wondering if a visa is needed for Rhodes, some sources say that several islands that are part of Greece are visa-free. Big advice - do not believe the information about without a visa. There are cases in which Schengen is not issued, but this does not mean that documents are not needed to cross the border.

We will give a list of islands that can be visited without a Schengen document, but a few points must be observed. According to a simplified version, they are allowed into Lesvos, Kos, Sion, Rhodes in the following cases:

• Ferry or boat ticket to travel to any of the islands;
• The presence of an "island visa" which allows you to live on the islands for no more than 14 days;
• Rest in Turkey and visit the islands in terms of excursions.

Refugees on the island

In 2016, there was a crisis, so many tourists prefer to travel to rest in other countries. Due to the conflict situation and the unstable economic situation, refugees from the Middle East, Africa and Asia appeared. Greece has become for them the so-called portal to Europe.

Rhodes is located just 20 km from Turkey, so many migrants use the island as a transit point between their countries and the greater Europe. But as statistics and the migration service show, “nomads” do not stay in Rhodes for a long time.

The islands of Lesbos and Chios have received significantly more people seeking shelter. At their points of reception of people, various kinds of assistance are often required.

Despite all the difficulties that arise with the advent of migrants, Greece continues to receive tourists and keep the service at the highest level.

Video:

Louis Tomlinson - Back to You (Official Video) ft. Bebe Rexha, Digital Farm Animals