Greece entry requirements for Lebanon 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
Lebanese passport holders need a visa to enter Greece. Apply at the Greek embassy in Beirut before traveling — no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option exists. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Greek consulate or VFS Global centre | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Greece. Apply at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal or through an accredited visa application centre in Lebanon. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application no later than 6 months and no earlier than 15 days before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone — border officers at Athens Airport check this strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration at Athens International Airport routinely asks for a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a formal invitation from a host in Greece. Border officers may ask to see where you're staying for the entire trip. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements, cash, or credit cards | Show you have at least €50 per person per day for your stay. A recent bank statement or a combination of cash and credit cards works — officers at passport control rarely ask, but have it ready. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take 30-45 days during summer. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules
With a Greek visa, you can visit all 27 Schengen countries. Your total stay in the Schengen area cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
What happens at the border
1
Book an appointment at the Greek embassy in Beirut
Visit the Greek embassy's online appointment system. Slots fill up fast, especially in summer — book at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, application form, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting papers. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Attend the in-person interview
Go to the Greek embassy in Beirut at your appointment time. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (€80 for adults), and answer questions about your trip. Biometrics (fingerprints) will be taken.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30-45 days during peak season. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once a decision is made, you'll be notified to collect your passport. If approved, the visa sticker will be inside. Check the dates and validity carefully.
6
Arrive in Greece
At passport control, present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask about your accommodation, return ticket, and purpose of visit. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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 (usually)
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism or business. Must apply at Greek consulate in Lebanon.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1–5 years (if granted)
Cost€80 (≈$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history and justification.
National long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€99 (≈$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes. Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
student visa
Greek Student Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Greek universities or accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
work visa
Greek Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Greek employer. Requires work permit approval, employment contract, and proof of qualifications. Leads to residency.
digital nomad visa
Greek Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable for up to 2 years
€75 (≈$82 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of €3,500/month income, health insurance, and clean criminal record. No local tax on foreign income for first 7 years.
retirement visa
Greek Retirement Visa (Financially Independent Person)
2 years, renewable
€99 (≈$108 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (pension, investments) of at least €2,000/month. Requires proof of funds, health insurance, and Greek accommodation. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children 6–12 (€40) and free for under 6. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)Same base fee; may be issued with longer validity at officer's discretion. | €80 (≈$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying Schengen can lead to fines, deportation, and entry bans. Exact amounts depend on duration and circumstances. | €50–€100 per day (estimated, max cap varies) |
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
Transit visa required
Lebanon passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Greece, even if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from an EU/EEA country
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia (may be exempt in some cases, but check with Greek embassy)
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer in rural areas. Use repellent and avoid standing water.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene is good; risk is minimal for travellers. Avoid tap water in remote areas.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas. Consider vaccination if hiking extensively.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Athens
Athens Immigration Office (Aliens and Immigration Directorate)
Leof. Kifisias 7, Athina 115 23, Greece
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments often required; arrive early.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Leof. Stratou 1, Thessaloniki 546 35, Greece
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles permits for northern Greece. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for LB 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
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Lebanese passport holders. You must obtain a Schengen visa from the Greek embassy in Beirut before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take 30-45 days during peak seasons (summer, holidays). Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults. Children aged 6-12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are paid at the embassy in cash or by card — check their current policy.
Yes. You need to provide a confirmed return or onward flight itinerary as part of your application. It proves you intend to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires.
You cannot extend a short-stay Schengen visa in Greece except in very rare emergencies (e.g., medical reasons, force majeure). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from the Schengen area.
Yes. A Greek-issued Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just make sure Greece is your main destination (longest stay) or first point of entry.
You'll need: valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, 2 recent passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), bank statements (last 3 months), proof of employment or leave, and a cover letter explaining your trip.
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.