How to Apply for a Visa to Greece:
Make an appointment with your nearest VAC online.
In person, provide your documentation, booking confirmation, proof of payment, and biometrics to the VAC.
Expect your application to be processed within 15-30 days.
As soon as you are told, go pick up your visa or have it couriered to you.
Everyone must attend in person for biometric data to be obtained in all Schengen nations. Greece is no exception, though travelers who have submitted their biometric data to Greece within the last five years may be permitted to apply through an authorized representative.
Please keep in mind that any additional visas required for your final destination must be secured before applying for your Greece visa.
Greece visa fees: You can pay in cash before your appointment or by debit/credit card at the application center.
R1020 / EU60 visa charge
If you opt to apply through GVC World, you will be charged an extra R350.
When submitting your application, you can choose an SMS notification service for R20. A courier service is also available for R200 per visa application.
Fees for consular visas are waived for the following applicants:
Children under the age of 12
EU nationals’ spouses and children (under the age of 22)
Diplomatic and service passport holders
Participation of NPOs in events or conferences hosted by NPOs
Scholars and students who travel for the purpose of study or training
Greek Schengen visa requirements:
South African applicants must bring the following documents:
Form must be completely filled out. Both parents must sign application documents for children (those under the age of 18).
Passport from South Africa that is valid for at least three months following your last day in Schengen territory. Passports must have two blank pages to accommodate visa stamps.
Two passport images in color, 35x45mm, no more than six months old.
A round-trip airline ticket with travel dates. Application requires only a reservation ticket.
In South Africa, proof of income is required.
Proof of sufficient finances for the duration of your stay – at least R700 per day or R3,600 in your account. You must present bank statements from the previous three months. Any extra bank account information may be given as verification.
Copies of travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 Euros (R470,000) or Discover Health’s SOS International cover.
All previous Schengen visas must be copied.
Confirmed hotel reservation for the entire stay (on hotel letterhead) OR a sworn affidavit of invitation from a Greek resident, together with a certified copy of their ID/passport.
IDs of both parents/guardians and consent forms validated by the SA police are required for kids under the age of 18. An unabridged birth certificate or official documents/court rulings proving the minor’s parents/legal guardians must be supplied. Minors must be accompanied in person by their parents to the Consulate.
How long does it take to have a Greek visa approved?
It may take up to 15 calendar days to process a visa application. Because some nationalities (see list here) require consultation from other Schengen nations, the minimum processing period is three weeks. Some applications may need to be processed further, which could take up to 45 days.
How long does it take in South Africa to obtain a Schengen visa?
You must apply at least 15 working days in advance. In most situations, you will be notified of the outcome of your application within 15 calendar days. However, it can take up to 45 days in exceptional cases, such as when additional documents are necessary.
Can a South African passport be used to travel to Greece?
Residents of South Africa
Greece is a member of the borderless Schengen Area, and South African passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa to enter the country. A passport with at least three months validity from the date of departure is required, and a visa will be issued only if blank pages are available.
