Greece entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Greece in 2026. Apply at the Greek embassy or visa application center in China before you travel. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Greek consulate or visa application center in your home country. Submit your application at least 15 days before departure and no more than 6 months in advance. Processing takes 15 calendar days on average.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Schengen area | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned exit from the Schengen zone. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Greek airports routinely ask for a return or onward flight ticket. The ticket must show you leave the Schengen zone before your visa expires or within the 90/180-day limit. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed host declaration (called a 'Visa Invitation Letter' in Greek) ready. Officers may ask to see it at passport control, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip. The Greek authorities expect at least €50 per person per day of stay, though this is not always strictly enforced at the border. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Chinese passport holders must get a Schengen visa before traveling to Greece. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start your application at least a month in advance.
Schengen area rules
Greece is part of the Schengen Area. Your visa allows you to visit other Schengen countries (e.g., Italy, France, Germany) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, bank statements, flight and hotel bookings, travel insurance, and the completed application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your visa application
Go to the Greek embassy in Beijing or the VFS Global center in your region (Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.). Submit your application in person. You'll give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if more checks are needed. Track your application online if available.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa dates carefully — they match your itinerary.
5
Arrive in Greece
At the airport (Athens, Thessaloniki, etc.), join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation if asked.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer for frequent travelers)
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (≈$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
work visa
Employment Visa (National D Visa for Work)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Greek employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications. Allows residence and work in Greece.
student visa
Student Visa (National D Visa for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Greek educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investors)
5 years, renewable
€2,000 (≈$2,180 USD) application fee + property investment of €250,000+
For non-EU investors who purchase real estate in Greece. Minimum investment €250,000. Grants residency and Schengen travel. No minimum stay required.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Greece)
1 year, renewable
€75 (≈$82 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of employment, minimum income (€3,500/month), and health insurance. Allows residence and remote work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children 6-12 (€40). | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by location (≈$30-50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa; enforced at departure. | €50-100 per day (max €500) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Greece
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders need an airport transit visa (ATV) to transit through Greece unless they hold a valid Schengen visa or certain other visas.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa from a Schengen member state, UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia
- Holders of a residence permit from a Schengen member state, UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk from June to October in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; ensure food hygiene and drink bottled water.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare; risk in forested areas of northern Greece.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Athens
Aliens and Immigration Directorate of Attica
173 Alexandras Avenue, 115 22 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Thessaloniki
Aliens and Immigration Directorate of Thessaloniki
26th October Street 48, 546 27 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles immigration matters for northern Greece.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalAthens
LanguageGreek
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Safe in Athens but most visitors use bottled. On islands, use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Greece — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if additional documents are needed. Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip.
Yes, as long as Greece is the main destination (longest stay) or your first point of entry into the Schengen Area. The visa must still be valid.
Yes, immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel. Keep a printed copy or screenshot on your phone.
Renew your passport first. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced for visa applications and entry.
No, Schengen visas generally cannot be extended for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Around €60–100 per day of your stay. Bank statements from the last 3–6 months are required. Recent salary slips help prove steady income.
You apply at the Greek embassy in Beijing or at a VFS Global visa application center in major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Check the embassy website for the exact location.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.