Greece entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders can travel to Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in 2026. This covers tourism, business meetings, or family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Schengen area | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your planned exit from Greece (and the entire Schengen zone). Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Greek airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines flying into Athens are especially strict about this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from a friend you are staying with. Officers at passport control sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement, cash, or credit card | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can support yourself during your stay. Greek border officers rarely ask for it, but having a recent statement with a few hundred euros available avoids delays. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Greece. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
90-day limit applies to all Schengen countries
The 90-day visa-free stay is for the entire Schengen area, not just Greece. If you've already spent time in France, Italy, or Spain earlier in the year, that counts toward your 90-day limit. Use the Schengen calculator online to track your days.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Print or save digital copies of your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. Keep them in a separate folder on your phone for quick access.
2
Arrive at the airport in Colombia
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket. They're responsible if you're denied entry, so they're strict.
3
Go through passport control in Greece
At Athens or any Greek airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: 'How long are you staying?', 'Where are you staying?', 'Do you have a return ticket?' Answer calmly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're in.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer. Apply at Greek embassy/consulate in Colombia.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Requires proof of previous travel and strong ties to home country.
National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or digital nomads. Requires specific sponsorship.
digital nomad visa
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable for up to 2 more years
€75 (~$81 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning at least €3,500/month. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows family members to join.
Apply retirement visa
Greek Retirement Visa (Financially Independent Person)
2 years, renewable
€180 (~$195 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable passive income (pension, investments) of at least €2,000/month. Requires proof of funds, health insurance, and no intention to work.
Apply investor visa
Greek Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
5 years, renewable
€250,000 minimum real estate investment
For investors purchasing property worth at least €250,000. Grants residency and Schengen travel. No minimum stay required. Family members included.
Apply student visa
Greek Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€75 (~$81 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Greek university or accredited institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Part-time work allowed up to 20 hours/week.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) – coming soonExpected to be required for visa-free travellers from 2025. Single online application valid for 3 years. | €7 (~$7.60 USD) – not yet implemented |
| Stay extensionSchengen rules do not allow extension of visa-free stay; you must leave after 90 days. | Not available for visa-free stays |
| Overstay fineOverstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from Schengen. Avoid at all costs. | €100–€500 per day (estimated, up to €5,000 cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
No transit visa needed
Colombia passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Greek airports, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the Schengen area.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to pass through immigration (e.g., to change terminals or collect luggage), you must have a Schengen visa or visa-free entry.
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., Brazil, parts of Africa). Colombia is not endemic, but check your itinerary.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19 (full course + booster)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; cases occur mainly in summer in rural areas. Use repellent and avoid standing water.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in Greece; risk in forested areas. Consider vaccination if hiking extensively.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas. Avoid undercooked meat and street food if sensitive.
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 residence permits and visa issues. Appointments recommended.
Thessaloniki
Aliens and Immigration Directorate of Thessaloniki
26th October Street 50, 546 27 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles permits for northern Greece. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for CO 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
Getting to Greece
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Greece — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. You cannot extend it from within Greece. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a national visa (type D) from a Greek consulate in Colombia before traveling.
No. The same 90-day visa-free allowance covers all 27 Schengen countries (including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc.). Your total stay across the entire Schengen area cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day window.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry into Greece.
Technically, the visa-free regime is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits. Working remotely for a foreign employer is a gray area. Greece has a digital nomad visa (type D) if you plan to stay longer and work. For short stays, most people do it without issues, but it's not officially permitted.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may face a fine (typically €100–500), a ban from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 3 years, and deportation. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
No. For stays under 90 days, there's no registration requirement. Just keep your passport with the entry stamp as proof of legal entry.
It's risky. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. If you don't have a return or onward ticket, they can deny entry. Best to have a refundable onward ticket or a booked return flight.
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.