Greece entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Greece in 2026. You must apply at the Greek embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism.
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 Saudi Arabia. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application up to 6 months before your trip. The visa allows stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 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. 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 proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or ticket to a non-Schengen country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a formal invitation letter from your host in Greece. Border officers may ask to see it during passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | Be ready to show cash, bank statements, or credit cards covering at least €50 per day of your stay. Officers rarely ask, but having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing can take over a month
During summer (June–August), visa processing often stretches to 30–45 days. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 8 weeks before your trip.
Schengen visa covers multiple countries
A Greek visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first entry must be Greece or you must spend the most time there.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and passport photos. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Greek embassy or consulate in Riyadh or Jeddah (or the designated visa application center) in person. You'll submit your form, documents, and pay the visa fee. Expect to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
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.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates and number of entries allowed. If rejected, you'll receive a formal refusal letter with reasons.
5
Arrive in Greece
At the airport (usually Athens International), join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked. Border officers may ask about your itinerary — have it ready.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 90 days from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard visa for tourism, business, or family visits.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-3 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires travel history and justification.
National long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
work visa
Greek Work Visa (National D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Greece. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Greek 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 funds.
digital nomad visa
Greek Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of employment and minimum income (€3,500/month).
retirement visa
Greek Retirement Visa (Long-Stay Visa for Financially Independent Persons)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (pension, investments). Requires proof of income and health insurance.
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) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application centre. | Varies by location (~$30-40 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period. | €50-200 per day (max €5,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Saudi Arabia passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Greece to a non-Schengen country, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen state, EU/EEA country, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, or certain other countries
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in summer months, especially in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is safe in major cities.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Risk in forested areas; vaccination recommended for long-term stays or hiking.
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. Appointments recommended.
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 SA 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
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 30-45 days during peak summer months. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before your planned travel.
No, there is no e-visa for Greece. You must submit a paper application in person at the Greek embassy or consulate in Riyadh or Jeddah, or at a designated visa application center.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 330 SAR). Children aged 6-12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
You'll receive a formal refusal letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days by writing to the embassy, or reapply with stronger documentation. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Always have a printed or digital copy of your return flight booking ready.
No, Schengen short-stay visas cannot be extended for tourism. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from the Schengen area.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Greece. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
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.