Registration of visas to Greece. Greek Visa Application Center in Novosibirsk. And there is also a list of what a tourist should take care of in advance if he wants to get a visa of this category

Greece is considered one of the most attractive travel destinations. On the territory of this country there are incredibly many historical and cultural monuments, delicious traditional cuisine and one of the best beaches in Europe. Before traveling, you should find out if you need a visa to Greece.

Entry to Greece

This type of entry permit is required in a large number of cases, for example, if independent tourists plan to get to the resort, visit friends, relatives or acquaintances. A Schengen visa is also required for members of delegations or business trips.

If you need to go to Greece to live with your spouse, study, work or obtain permanent residence, then you will need to obtain national visa. If the purpose of the visit is transit, then in this case, tourists will have to submit a package of documents for this type of visa.

Obtaining the Schengen through Greece is a fairly easy process with many benefits. If this particular entry permit is pasted into the passport, then tourists will have the opportunity to visit not only this country, but also other countries. 15 states.

In this case, you must first cross the border of the state in which the visa was issued, and then stay there a large number of time.

Types of permits and for how long are they issued?

For each type of visa that allows you to enter Greece, there are a number of requirements. It is important to decide in advance purpose of the trip in order to submit documents on time and obtain an entry permit, as well as not to violate the terms of stay. Also, tourists planning to issue an entry permit on their own will need a certain package of documents.

Category A

This type of visa has a definition - transit. It will be required for citizens who will be passing through the territory of the state in order to then transfer to another plane.

The time of stay implies a certain period - it should not exceed 24 hours from the moment of disembarkation. Obtaining this type of visa implies further stay exclusively in transit zone, and on hand you will have to have boarding passes and tickets for the final flight.

In the event that Greece is a transit country between Russia and a state where an entry permit is not required, it will be necessary to collect documents only for a transit visa. If final destination- a country that is part of the Schengen area, then a visa stamp of this country will have to be affixed to the foreign document.

Type C

The most popular and universal type of visa to Greece is type C. This type of entry permit is issued to those citizens who plan to visit the country for the purpose of tourism - beach, sightseeing or gastronomic tour. The maximum allowed duration is 30 days.

For this visa requirements standard, as for any Schengen:

international passport with a validity period of at least 3 months;
A completed application form which can be downloaded from the site;
two photos 35*45mm;
hotel reservation, as well as round-trip air tickets;
medical insurance for an amount of at least 30,000 euros;
photocopies of pages internal passport;
confirmation financial solvency(traveler's check, account statement).

It is worth noting that in September 2015, the procedure for submitting biometric data was added.

For the collection of biometric data, fingerprints will be required. fingerprints and photographs of the retina, which are taken directly at the visa center.

Features of the visa regime

Now getting a visa to Greece is not difficult, especially if you fill out the documents correctly. However, in some cases, a visa may not be required at all.

Visa Free Islands

During the summer, some Greek islands operate visa relief. From June to the end of September, tourists have the right to get without a visa to Rhodes, Lesbos, Kos and Chios, as well as to Samos, but only if they arrive on their territory by ferry from.

If such a trip is planned, the following must be observed: subtleties:

should be on hand ferry tickets;
Availability hotel reservation on one of the islands;
the tour is bought exclusively from the company in Turkey;
a day before the trip, documents and photos are submitted to the travel agency single entry visa.

An island visa is issued for up to 15 days, and its cost is 35 euros (2230 rubles). It gives the right to rest in the specified territory, but prohibits visiting the mainland of Greece.

Rules for visiting the country for a child

If there are children among the tourists who decide to visit Greece, then the same rules will apply for them as for adults. It is important to remember that if the child is not yet 6 years old, then such a trip for him will be free.

If the child has his own foreign passport, then for him is done separate visa . This will require a copy of the baby's birth certificate and a standard package of documents provided by his parents. Documents should also be accompanied by a sponsorship letter, where responsible persons are the parents accompanying him.

If the child travels abroad with only one of his family members, then the second parent should apply to the consular department export permit. This document should be notarized, and copies of all pages of the civil passport must be attached to it.

If the children are entered in the parent's passport, then they also fit into his profile, and then into the visa.

When a child fits into the parent's passport, next to the surname of the accompanying person is placed the designation "+1"(or the number of children who are going to enter Greece with their parents).

To gain freedom of movement within Greece, it is important observe carefully visa rules, without violating the requirements of the law and not getting into the black list of the Schengen countries. The fulfillment of these conditions will allow tourists to visit one of the most attractive countries in the world.

See video about the features of obtaining a Schengen visa:

The territory of Greece is part of the Schengen zone, so you need an ordinary Schengen visa to visit it. But where without difficulties? What subtleties should be taken into account so that the coveted visa to Greece appears in the passport, we read further.

In a nutshell, for a visa to Greece you need all the same documents as for any other Schengen country, namely:

General passport, as well as a valid and previous (if recently changed) passport;
visa application form;
Photo according to ICAO standards - it can be taken when applying directly at the visa center;
Travel insurance for the duration of the trip;
Documents confirming the intention to travel (hotel reservation, paid air tickets). If planned difficult route, That be sure to attach a free itinerary plan(indicating dates, places of residence, means of transportation) and all relevant tickets for all modes of transport for movement within the Schengen area;
Certificate of employment and bank statement for the previous three months.

For a detailed list of documents for a visa to Greece for different categories of travelers, see. Nothing specific (such as a copy of the certificate of ownership) is required.

Do I need to pay for the hotel before applying for a visa to Greece?

On the old threads of forums about Greek visas, you can often read horror stories that the Greek consulate requires you to pay at least 30% of the cost of living, otherwise a visa to Greece will not be issued.

Difficulties arose when the hotel, even at the request of the tourist, could not withdraw money from the card - after all, when booking, it was agreed that payment would be in cash upon arrival. Then the way out was a bank transfer and the provision of payment documents to the consulate.

Today, tourists should not worry about this issue, because the official requirement to pay a share of the cost of living has been abolished back in 2016. Therefore, the tourist needs to focus on the updated list of documents (indicated by the link above), where the consulate simply needs to confirm the reservation (even with the possibility of free cancellation).

However, there is still an unpleasant pitfall - the consulate has the right to require additional documents, including the notorious proof of payment. This is not always done, and more often in cases where there is reason to doubt the intentions of the tourist - a small amount in the bank account, no work, bad visa history, etc.

Also, one of the reasons why the embassy continues to selectively require prepayment of the hotel is the intention to stop dishonesty on the part of tourists. For some unknown reason, there is a stereotype that the Greek consulate is the most generous for multiple visas (which is not true and we will write about it a little later), so many Russians apply for a visa to Greece without going there themselves. The temptation is great - a visa is issued immediately for a period of 3 to 5 years.

Visa Application Centers can also (but do not always do this) recommend paying for the hotel in advance in order to avoid the hassle of bringing additional documents later, but since this requirement is no longer in the official list of documents, the tourist can ignore this recommendation of the visa application center if he is confident in his package documents.

But the most demanding consulate is in Novorossiysk: in the season (!) they ask you to provide confirmation of a 50% prepayment for the hotel - an exception is made for this particular consulate.

As you can see, there are some nuances, so call the visa center or consulate where you are going to apply before the trip and clarify this information in advance.

Where to apply for a visa to Greece

A visa to Greece without the mediation of a visa center is issued only in Moscow - in St. Petersburg and Novorossiysk, the Greek consulates transferred the functions of collecting biometric data and the questionnaires themselves to VFS Global visa centers.

To the Greek Consulate in Moscow

The procedure is standard - residents of the capital need to sign up for an application online at this link. Reception hours for citizens are very narrow - on weekdays from 10:30 to 13:00. Passports are issued from 15:00 to 16:00, also on weekdays.

Through the visa center

Both in Moscow and in any other city where VFS Global Visa Application Centers are present, an application can also be submitted through them. As practice shows, the procedure for applying at the visa center takes less time (no need to make an appointment, the queues are usually small), but the waiting time for a visa itself is extended by several more days.

All detailed information regarding the addresses and opening hours of each specific visa application center in different cities Can .

But do not forget that a service fee of 28 € is added to the cost of the visa, but the center staff will double-check your documents again, help you fill out the application form, etc.

Visa to Greece - general information on issuance

The validity of a visa is on average + 10-15 days to the duration of the trip. There is no guarantee that you will immediately be issued a visa for several years;
When to submit documents - it is allowed to submit documents already 3 months before the start of the trip. It is better not to postpone this matter, so that there is time to deliver documents or resolve any other issues on extradition;
The term for consideration of the application and obtaining a visa - at the consulate - from 2 days, but when applying through the visa center, add another 5-7 days to this period;
The validity of the passport is at least 3 months from the end date of the planned trip. Otherwise, renew your passport and attach the old one to your visa application.

The popularity of resorts in Greece is difficult to overestimate. The country, living under the motto "Greece has everything!", invariably attracts a huge number of guests from different parts of the world. Russia is no exception. True, Russians should remember that this ancient state is part of the Schengen zone, so they will need an entry permit to visit the beautiful Mediterranean beaches in the current 2017. In addition, when planning a trip, it is better to determine the costs of your vacation in advance, and you can start counting them by answering the question of how much a visa to Greece costs.

To visit the resorts of Greece, travelers from Russia need a tourist visa. According to Greek law, guests of the country can issue:

Short stay Schengen visa type C.
Long-term national visa type D.
transit visa.

An entry permit type C can be used by travelers with the purpose of travel:

Tourist visit.
Visit to relatives, friends or relatives.
Short-term training or treatment.
Participation in various cultural, social or scientific activities.

Persons who intend to remain guests of the country long time, must independently apply to the Consulate General of Greece for a national visa D . Those who plan to count on such permission can:

Apply and study at higher educational institutions countries.
Long-term special treatment.
Employment.
Marrying a citizen of the country.
Family reunification with a resident of the European Union.

National visa gives the right to legally stay in the country from 90 to 365 days with an extension of the period of residence, and in some cases allows the holder of the permit to work.

An island visa can be issued while on vacation in Turkey. It is not a Schengen visa and allows the owner to stay only on the territory of the island, without visiting the mainland.

Each type of visa implies a specific purpose of the trip and a certain package of documents for its execution. You can find out how much a visa to Greece costs either at the VFS.Global visa center or at the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Novorossiysk.

The cost of a visa to Greece consists of the consular fee, as well as the cost of the services of the visa support center, if the registration is made through one of its regional offices throughout the country.

Consular fee

When applying for a Greek visa, the most popular type C among tourists, you need to pay consular fee at the rate of:

35 euros for the usual period for issuing a permit.
70 euros in case of urgent issuance of the document due to certain circumstances.

The price of a long-term permit is 120 euros.

Strategic investors who are ready to invest in the development of the country's economy are exempted from paying the fee when applying for a national visa.

Cost of VFS.Global services

most popular and convenient way receipt is cooperation with an accredited VFS.Global visa service center, whose branches are located in almost all major cities countries. Through this service, the applicant can not only apply for permission and submit biometric data, but also track the status of visa readiness.

For the services of the center, a citizen of Russia will have to pay 1280 rubles. Payment is made directly at the center. In cases where the consular service of the Greek Consulate rejected the documents due to the incorrectness of their execution, the visa application center is obliged to return the service fee paid by the applicant.

Who is exempt from paying fees

Children under the age of 12 (and for Ukraine - up to 18 years).
Family members of an EU citizen.
Schoolchildren and students planning a trip for education.
Persons carrying out scientific research.
Persons under 25 who have become participants in sports, educational and cultural events.
Diplomats and members of their families.

Execution of documents through travel agencies or intermediaries

A traveler going to the warm Greek shores and unique sights can make an independent choice through which structure he can apply for permits.

In addition to visiting the Consulate General or visiting the visa center, the applicant may apply to a travel agency if it is included in the list of organizations accredited by the Hellenic Republic.

However, it should be remembered that such cooperation is possible only if, during the previous five years, the applicant has already submitted biometric data to the Visa Information System. It is convenient to contact a travel agent for a service if you plan to purchase a comprehensive package offer.

Intermediaries, unlike a travel agent, do not sell tours. They only offer assistance in obtaining an entry permit. However, it should be borne in mind that the cost of a visa in this case may be higher than when contacting a visa service or self-issuing.

In addition, when contacting an intermediary, it is necessary to take into account possible risk receiving a refusal of entry due to errors made by specialists of the intermediary company. In this case, it may be more difficult to obtain an entry permit in connection with a repeated application.

Holidays in Mediterranean resorts can give tourists unforgettable memories. But in order for the trip to take place, you need to find out in advance how much a visa to Greece costs and choose a reliable way to process documents.

Now, when the unstable situation in Turkey and Egypt is forcing many to refuse to travel to these countries, Greece is becoming an even more sought-after destination. comfortable rest Russians in 2017. Therefore, the problem of obtaining a Greek visa worries those who plan to spend their holidays on the romantic beaches of Hellas. It can be obtained independently at the regional visa centers or at Consulate General Greece in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

A trip to Greece requires a Schengen visa, the country is a member of the Schengen Union. Rumors circulated in some media about the possibility visa-free entry, groundless: a Schengen visa in 2017 is mandatory for Russians. It will provide an opportunity not only to visit paradise Greece, but also visit other Schengen countries. Wanting to increase the flow Russian tourists to your country, from February 11, 2016, Greek consulates began to issue visas with a validity period of 3 years for those who travel to the Schengen area not for the first time. In 2016, new visa centers were opened, the staff of consulates was replenished in order to accelerate the issuance of visas.

In addition to the requirements that existed before for recipients, the procedure for submitting biometric data (fingerprints) was added. Each issuer of a primary Greek visa must either personally appear to undergo biometrics, the data of which is relevant for 5 years, or order a service - mobile biometrics (departure of a specialist). An employee of the Greece Visa Application Center will come to a place convenient for you to take biometric data and accept documents for a visa. You can order here: www.greecevac-ru.com/russia/biometrics/order-now.html

Visa-free entry permit

As in any rule there are exceptions, so in the visa legislation there are deviations from the strict need to apply for a Schengen visa for a trip to Greece. In 2017, without a Schengen visa, you can visit a number of Greek islands: Rhodes, Kastellorizon, Lesvos, Kos, Khion, Samos and Sion, when a different type of visa is issued instead.

Short stay island visa

This is a special license island visa, which is received by those who have planned a vacation in Turkey, combined with a visit to one of the above islands, and get there by sea on any type of Turkish sea transport. If you first decided to relax in Turkey, but want to visit one of the most wonderful Greek islands

Aegean Sea, then you have the opportunity to apply for such a short-term visa:

in Turkish travel agencies Bodrum and Marmaris
through your tour operator (guide of the hotel where you are staying)
at Russian tour operator when booking a trip to Turkey

There are restrictions on a short stay visa:

It allows you to stay only on the island specified in the visa, excluding the rest of Greece.

The holder of such a document is obliged to return to Turkey after the expiration of the visa.

Short stay visa is valid for 2 weeks only.

List of documents for obtaining an island visa

Passport (photocopies of all pages).

Travel tickets for a ferry or other sea vessel to the island and back to Turkey.

Confirmation of the hotel reservation for the days of stay.

2 photos (3.5 X 4.5).

A bank document confirming that the account has an amount of up to 500 euros at the time of obtaining a visa.

Types of Greek visas

Their issuance complies with the generally accepted rules of the Schengen area, following which the types of entry documents are divided into 2 groups: Schengen visa C and National visa D.

Visa C is issued in the following cases:

independent tourism
trip to relatives, friends, close acquaintances by invitation
members of official delegations to various forums, meetings, symposiums
scientific and business visits, business projects
participation in a joint interstate cultural event

Tourist

The most popular is the tourist visa C, issued for up to 30 days according to generally accepted rules. visa regime: there are only slight differences in the composition of the documents. Applying for a Greek tourist visa on your own is now not a very difficult task: the Greek government, interested in the influx of Russian tourists, is opening additional visa centers in major cities of our country.

National Type D

Such a long-term visa, issued only by the consulate, is necessary for those who travel to Greece seriously and for a long time, and is divided into 2 types in terms of validity: up to 180 days of stay and a multi-visa (up to 1 year, allowing many times to enter and leave the country). Both types of visa D are issued by those traveling:

to work for a long time
to study at Greek universities
marry Greek citizens if you choose to live in Greece

transit through the country

Passage through Greek territory to a non-Schengen country also requires a documentary permit – transit visa 2 categories: A, B. If transit is carried out to a Schengen country, a visa stamp in tourist visa From or in the passport.

Required documents

To get a Greek visa, you need to collect documents, the composition of which is common to all types of entry permits.

The generally accepted list of documents for obtaining a visa to Greece in 2017:

Application form on a standard form, signed by the applicant.

Passport (original and copies of all pages): it must have 2-3 blank pages and the remaining validity of at least 4 months after returning from Greece (from the Schengen countries). If you have old passports and Schengen visas, submit their photocopies.

Russian passport (photocopies of information pages: title page; data on place, date of issue; name sheet, registration mark, marital status and other information, if any.)

2 photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm) of the appropriate format.

Policy health insurance with a security amount of at least 30 thousand euros.

Check for payment of the consular (service) fee.

Documents confirming the purpose of the departure and ensuring the stay in Greece: about booking places in a hotel, inn, recreation center, etc.: air or other tickets for travel (in case of their absence - detailed description the entire itinerary).

Documents characterizing the social and financial situation of the applicant: a certificate of employment on official letterhead, a copy of the invitation to a business meeting, indicating the amount of salary, certified by the seal of the enterprise, company or other organization and the signature of an official (manager or his deputy with the authority of the head). If the employer is an individual entrepreneur, a state certificate is required. registration (copy).

Bank account statement from credit card or a sponsorship letter indicating the financial solvency of the sponsor, if the applicant is not working or his monthly income is less than 25 thousand rubles.

Student card (original and copy), certificate from the university income statement or sponsorship letter from close relatives if the applicant is a student.

Certificate of state. company registration, tax registration certificate, tax return (copy), if the applicant is an individual entrepreneur.

A copy of the pension certificate, bank statement or sponsorship letter - for leaving pensioners.

List of extras documents for those traveling to Greece by invitation

Documentary confirmation of the legal residence of the inviting person in Greece: residence permit, long-term visa, ID.

Confirmation of the place of residence of the invitee: address or reservation at a hotel, inn, etc.

List of additional documents for a Greek visa to Greece of other categories

An official invitation from the organization, certified by the seal and signature of the head.

Written notice confirming the purpose of the trip.

A copy of the invitation to a business meeting, which contains all the data on the invitees.

If you need to apply for a national D visa, then in addition to the above documents, you must submit a documented basis for the trip: a certificate of admission to study, a work contract, a marriage certificate with a Greek citizen or an application for registration of an upcoming marriage. National visa D is issued only through the consulates of Greece in Moscow.

Filling out the questionnaire

The first step in obtaining any visa is filling out an application form, the form of which can be downloaded from the Internet. This process requires accuracy and clarity, truthfulness and accuracy of information. You need to provide the following information with Latin letters in accordance with the points of the questionnaire:

Personal data (full name, date of birth, etc.), cell phone number, email address, series and number of the international passport.
Old Schengen visas: how many were there and to which countries.
Purpose of the trip, exact dates, financial condition.
Information about work (for visa D).
Put the date and sign, preferably, as in the passport.

Photo for Greek visa

In order not to have to be photographed for the second time, you need to know the ICAO standards, which are as follows:

Format 3.5 x 4.5 (cm), without frame or other framing.

The background is light, white.

Only the applicant's face in the photo, and open, without unnecessary details and decorations. (A headscarf or other head covering is allowed only due to strict religious canons).

Full face position, calm facial expression.

Children's visa to Greece

When traveling with a child, you need to submit a number of additional documents:

Child's birth certificate (copy and original).

Power of attorney certified by a notary from the father, if traveling with the mother; from mother, if traveling with father; power of attorney from both parents, photocopies of the information pages of their passports if traveling with someone else. The surnames of the parents must correspond to those indicated in the consent-power of attorney.

The questionnaire for children is signed by parents or guardians. If documents for a child are submitted later, you must submit a copy of the Schengen visa of the person traveling with him.

Applying for a visa to Greece

It is not at all difficult to do this now: visa centers place on their websites detailed instructions, how to do it. You can download samples of all the necessary forms, find answers to a variety of questions related to obtaining a visa. Short term tourist visas issued through visa centers and consulates, long-term type D - only through consulates.

Through the visa center

An ever-increasing number of visa centers allows a resident of any region to quickly become a visa holder. They work in many large cities of Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kaliningrad, Khabarovsk, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, Samara, Saratov, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, Rostov n/a and others. The design steps are as follows:

Decide on the category of visa, download the application form and fill it out
Apply online for an appointment and collect the necessary documents
Arrive at the visa center at the appointed time
Pass biometric data (dactyloscopy)
Pay the visa fee
Submit your documents and wait for your visa. (This can be tracked on the viscenter website)

Through the Consulate in Moscow

Through the Consulates of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novorossiysk, a National visa D is issued, but if the visa center refuses, you can also get a tourist C visa there. Registration for the submission of documents is carried out by a toll-free phone number (see on the website). On the appointed day, the documents must be handed over personally or through your proxy (on presentation of the last power of attorney from the applicant, certified by a notary).

Through a travel agency

You can become the owner of a permit document through a travel agency (in case of registration package tour) or with the help of an intermediary (without buying a tour package), who completely takes care of the visa process. But such a design will cost more than independent. Moreover, due to the requirement mandatory fingerprinting(especially for those who apply for a visa for the first time), the applicant will still need to appear in person at the visa center. It all depends on the decision of the future visa holder, but it is better to issue such important document yourself, even if the travel agency promises to do it as soon as possible.