Passport and Visa Requirements for Greece (as of October 2025)

EU/EEA Citizens

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries can enter Greece using a valid national ID card. This includes citizens from non-EU countries affiliated with the EU, such as Monaco and Andorra. Additionally, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland are part of the EEA and allow entry with a valid national ID card.

Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Non-EU and non-EEA nationals typically require a valid passport and may need a visa to enter Greece. However, citizens from certain countries are permitted to enter visa-free for short stays:

• 90-day visa-free stay: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States. (Passport Index)
• 60-day visa-free stay: Brazil and Uruguay.

For the most current information on entry requirements, it’s advisable to contact your nearest Greek consulate.

Schengen Area and ETIAS

Greece is a member of the Schengen Area, which allows for passport-free travel between participating countries. As of October 12, 2025, the European Union is implementing a new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen area. This system replaces manual passport stamping with a digital process involving fingerprint and facial image registration upon first entry. The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026. (Reuters)

Additionally, starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before entering the EU. This online application will involve a €20 fee and is valid for multiple entries over a three-year period. (Condé Nast Traveler)

By Air

Greece’s primary international gateway is Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport in Athens, located near the suburb of Spáta. Other major international airports include Heraklion (Nikos Kazantzákis International), Thessaloníki (Makedonia International), Rhodes (Diagóras), and Corfu (Ioánnis Kapodístrias).

Domestic and international flights are operated by Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines, as well as various low-cost carriers such as EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Norwegian Air, connecting Greece to numerous European destinations.

By Train

Thessaloníki serves as Greece’s hub for international rail services, with connections to cities like Sofia, Bucharest, Budapest, and Istanbul. Please note that train schedules and routes may vary, so it’s recommended to check current timetables before planning your journey.

By Car

Greece shares land borders with several countries, including Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Travelers can enter Greece by car from these neighboring countries. From Italy, ferries are available to various Greek ports, such as Patras, Igoumenítsa, and Corfu.

By Bus

International bus services are available to Greece from neighboring countries like Albania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. These services are operated by various regional and international bus companies.

By Boat

Ferry services from Italy to Greece are available year-round from ports including Venice, Trieste, Ancona, Bari, and Brindisi to destinations such as Patras, Igoumenítsa, and Corfu. From Turkey, ferries operate from Ayvalik to Mytilene, Bodrum to Kos, Rhodes, and Symi, Çesme to Chios, and Datça to Rhodes and Symi.