A trip to the magnificent Mediterranean sceneries of Greece is an exciting one; however, before you can pack your bags, it would be important to know the Greece Tourist Visa Application process. To the Indian traveller, the Greece Visa process for Indians demands elaborate preparations to make the process hustle free. Whether it is paperwork or financial evidence, every document is important in ensuring that your visa is granted and you get to see the rich culture of Greece, its beautiful islands, and historical sites of the country.
General Introduction of Greece Tourist Visa
The Greece tourist visa is a form of Schengen visa in which the tourist can travel to Greece on a short term basis, for most periods, not exceeding 90 days. This visa is a must among Indian citizens whether you are traveling to Athens, Santorini or Crete. Processing is done by attaching a set of documents which will establish your identity, travel motives, financial stability and the intention to go back to India after your visit.
Vital Documents in Greece Tourist Visa Application
In order to successfully apply to Greece Tourist Visa, you must prepare the following documents:
1. Valid Passport
The most essential document towards any visa application is your passport. It must:
- Have a minimum of three months validity period in Greece after which you will be leaving.
- Minimum two blank pages to stamp visa.
- Included are all the past visas and travel stamps.
Valid passport will make your application to be processed without delays by the Greek authorities.
2. Duplicates Visa Application Form
The applicant has to fill the form of Greece tourist visa with precision and thoroughness. Key points include:
- Personal issues (name, date of birth, nationality, etc.)
- Information about travels, such as entry and exit dates.
- Purpose of visit well spelt out as tourism.
Problems or inconsistencies would cause delays or rejection, and hence, it is worthwhile to have a glance at the form before submitting it.
3. Recent Photographs
You will require 2-3 passport sized photographs which comply with the requirements of Schengen visa:
- 35×45 mm in size
- Light background with a direct and straight view of your face.
- No shadows, hats and glasses that cover the face.
Good photographs ensure that there is no delay in processing.
4. Proof of Travel Itinerary
A well-understood travel plan will assist in defining the purpose of your travelling trip. Documents can include:
- Reservation of flights (round trip or onward)
- Reservations of the whole period of your stay in the hotel.
- In depth day to day itinerary in case of the same.
Although tentative booking is possible, it shows that you have planned to stay, and it assures the visa officers that you are there on tourism.
5. Travel Insurance
A Schengen visa, including Greece, is covered by travel insurance. It should:
- Repatriation and in-patient treatment.
- Have a minimum coverage of €30,000
- Be admissible throughout your trip to Greece and other Schengen states.
Travel insurance provides you with the assurance of safety and simultaneously the visa requirements.
6. Evidence of Economic Solvency
You have to prove that you will be able to support yourself when you are on a trip. Acceptable documents would be:
- Latest bank statements within the past three or six months.
- Salary slips, income certificates or fixed deposits.
- Letters on sponsorship in case someone is paying your trip.
A proper financial evidence is a guarantee to the authorities that you will not struggle when in Greece.
7. Evidence of Employment or Education
You will have to provide one of the following depending on your status:
- Letters: employment letter, leave letter, pay slip.
- Self-employed: bank statements, business registration, income tax returns.
- Student: enrollment letter, no-objection certificate of school/college.
This paper shows India affiliations, which augurs well with visa approval.
8. Additional Supporting Documents
The other documents that can help you make your application stronger are:
- Introduction letter to the destination of your trip.
- Previous travel history
- Marriage certificate whilst traveling with spouse.
- Flying with children: Birth certificate.
The best way to enhance your chances of a successful application is to give out detailed supporting documents.
Visa Processing of Indians to Greece step-by step
The Visa procedure of the India to Greece is usually conducted as follows:
- Collect all the necessary documents.
- Complete the visa application form.
- Make a reservation at the closest Greek embassy or visa application center.
- Provide documents as well as biometric data (fingerprints, photograph).
- Pay the visa fee.
- Ensure that you follow your application to the end.
Processing time may take 7- 15 working days hence it is better to have done it well ahead of your scheduled travel.
Suggestions on a Smoother Application
- Review all documents to ensure they are correct.
- Copy to have duplicates of every submission.
- Do not make last minute appointments and this will not result in delays.
- Make sure that travel insurance and itinerary are corresponding with the application dates.
These tips will ensure that the process of applying to the Greece Tourist Visa is easier and more successful.
Conclusion
An effective Greece Tourist Visa Application is one that must be properly planned and have the correct documentation. A valid passport or evidence of financial stability and travel insurance are some of the documents that are vital. With this knowledge of the Greece Visa procedure of the Indian citizen and having your documents ready, you can now just look forward to seeing the historic towns of Greece, its sun-kissing islands and its rich culture. You can begin your adventure with the confidence and Go Kite Tours can position you through all the processes that you need to go through in obtaining a tourist visa to Greece.