The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the reopening of Greece Visa Centres across India, effective February 12, allowing Indian nationals and residents to resume submitting applications for travel to Greece.
In an official statement, the Embassy of Greece in India confirmed that applicants can now book appointments through the designated visa appointment platform. Travellers are advised to prepare all required documentation in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
Visa processing is expected to take up to 15 working days under normal circumstances. However, some applications may require consultation with other Schengen countries, potentially extending processing times to 45 working days. The Embassy emphasized that applications should be lodged at least 15 working days before departure to avoid delays.
Applicants submitting their documents at Visa Application Centres outside New Delhi should factor in an additional five days, as applications are first sent to the GVCW New Delhi centre before being forwarded to the Embassy of Greece’s Consular Office for processing.
Highlighting the importance of early planning, the Embassy reminded travellers that under the Schengen Visa Code, applications can be submitted up to six months before the intended travel date. “Given the high demand and limited last-minute appointments, prospective travellers are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible,” the statement said.
When submitting a visa application, applicants must pay the Visa Fee and Service Fee in Indian Rupees (INR) along with the required supporting documents. This step ensures that applications are processed efficiently and without avoidable delays.
The resumption of visa operations marks a positive development for India-Greece travel, coinciding with a revival of interest in leisure, cultural, and MICE tourism to Greece, as the country welcomes back international visitors.
