Greece entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Greece. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Greek embassy or visa application center before traveling. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | Apply for a short-stay Schengen visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in Sri Lanka. Submit your application at least 15 days before departure — processing takes up to 15 calendar days. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Immigration officers at Greek airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from a host in Greece. Officers may ask for this during visa application and at border control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Immigration can ask for proof of funds at the border. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Schengen visa processing can take 15-45 days. During summer, appointments fill up quickly. Apply at least 2 months before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Travel insurance is mandatory
You must have travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for the entire Schengen area. Without it, your visa application will be rejected. Buy a policy that covers COVID-19 and other medical emergencies.
What happens at the border
1
Gather your documents
Collect all required documents: passport, photos, flight booking, hotel confirmations, bank statements, travel insurance, and the completed visa application form. Make photocopies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Greek embassy or visa application center in Sri Lanka (usually in Colombo). Appointments can be booked online. Wait times vary from a few days to several weeks, so apply early.
3
Submit your application in person
Attend your appointment with all original documents and photocopies. You'll submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, reduced for children).
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30-45 days during peak season. Track your application online if available.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the visa dates and number of entries match your travel plans.
6
Travel to Greece
At the airport in Greece, present your passport with the visa. The border officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 5 years (usually 1-2 years)
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism; requires biometrics and appointment.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-2 years)
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€99 (≈ $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
digital nomad visa
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€75 (≈ $82 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and clean criminal record. Allows family members.
retirement visa
Greece Retirement Visa (Financially Independent Person)
2 years, renewable
€150 (≈ $163 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (at least €2,000/month). Requires proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation. No work allowed.
investor visa
Greece Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
5 years, renewable
€250,000 (≈ $272,000 USD) minimum real estate investment
For investors purchasing real estate worth at least €250,000. Grants residency for investor and family. No minimum stay required. Path to citizenship after 7 years.
student visa
Greece Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€150 (≈ $163 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Greek universities or accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Part-time work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Stay extension costFee for applying to extend short-stay visa, if permitted under exceptional circumstances. | €100 (≈ $109 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen area; may also lead to entry ban. | €50 (≈ $54 USD) per day, max €500 (≈ $545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Greece, even if staying airside. Apply at the Greek embassy before travel.
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 United Kingdom, USA, 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in summer months, especially in rural areas.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; tap water safe in major cities.
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, 115 23 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Leof. Georgikis Scholis 26, 570 01 Thermi
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern Greece.
Practical information for LK 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
If you are transiting through a Greek airport and staying in the international transit area (not passing through passport control), you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to enter the Schengen area (e.g., to switch terminals or leave the airport), you must have a Schengen visa. Check with your airline before booking.
Standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date of application. During peak travel seasons (summer, holidays), it can take 30 to 45 days. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is €80 for adults (approximately 25,000 LKR). Children aged 6-12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. There may be additional service fees charged by the visa application center (around 2,000-3,000 LKR).
No, Schengen visas are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from future Schengen travel. If you need a longer stay, apply for a national visa (type D) before traveling.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Greece. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the visa. The embassy will reject applications with insufficient passport validity.
Yes, Greek border officers may ask to see proof that you have enough money for your stay. The recommended amount is €50-100 per day. Bank statements, credit cards, or cash are acceptable. Keep a printed copy of your bank statement handy.
No, you cannot apply for a Schengen visa entirely online. You must fill out the application form online, but you need to submit it in person at the Greek embassy or visa application center in Colombo. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required.
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.