Greece travel guide for Canadians

Canadians do not need a visa for Greece for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule. From 2026, you will also need an ETIAS travel authorisation, which you apply for online before you fly. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, work, or study, you need a different visa or permit, which you apply for at a Greek consulate in Canada before you travel.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so the rules are the same as for other Schengen countries. As a Canadian citizen, you can enter without a visa for short stays. The 90-day limit applies to the whole Schengen Area, not just Greece, so days spent in France or Italy count against the same allowance.

Border officers may ask to see proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Have your flight booking and hotel confirmation ready, even though they are rarely requested.

ETIAS is expected to be required from 2026. It is an online authorisation, not a visa, and is valid for three years or until your passport expires. Apply well before your trip, as processing can take time.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before booking flights.

The Embassy of Canada in Greece is in Athens. It provides consular services for Canadians, including passport renewals, emergency assistance, and notarial services. If you need help, call the embassy or the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Register with the Government of Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service before your trip. It lets the embassy contact you in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Greece is a mid-priced European destination. A comfortable trip for one person, including accommodation, food, transport and some activities, typically costs CAD 200–350 per day. Budget travellers can manage on less, while luxury stays and island hopping push the cost higher.

Accommodation is the biggest variable. In Athens, a mid-range hotel costs about CAD 120–200 per night; on popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos, expect CAD 200–400 or more in peak season. Hostels and budget guesthouses start around CAD 40–60 per night.

Food is reasonable. A casual meal at a taverna costs about CAD 15–25, and a coffee about CAD 4–6. Public transport is cheap: a metro ticket in Athens is about CAD 2, and a ferry between islands can cost CAD 30–80 depending on distance and class.

Direct flights from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL) to Athens (ATH) take about 9–10 hours. Air Canada and Aegean Airlines operate direct routes in summer. From other Canadian cities, you will connect through Toronto, Montreal, or a European hub like London, Frankfurt, or Paris.

Flight prices vary widely by season. In summer, round-trip fares from Toronto or Montreal typically start around CAD 900–1,200. Off-season, you can find fares closer to CAD 700–900. Book early for summer travel, as prices rise sharply.

From Athens, domestic flights and ferries connect to the islands. Ferries are the main way to island-hop, with frequent services from Piraeus and other ports.

Greece uses the same plugs and voltage as most of Europe: types C and F, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Canadian devices use type A and B plugs and run on 120 V, so you will need a plug adapter and, for most devices, a voltage converter.

Many modern electronics like phone chargers and laptops are dual-voltage and only need a plug adapter. Check the label on your device; if it says '100–240 V', you are fine. For appliances like hair dryers or electric shavers, you may need a converter.

You can buy adapters at most electronics stores in Canada or at airports, but they are cheaper to buy before you go.

Tipping is not required in Greece, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is common. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is fine. Hotel porters and housekeeping staff appreciate a euro or two.

In tourist areas, some restaurants add a service charge to the bill. Check your receipt before adding a tip. If a service charge is included, you do not need to tip extra.

The European emergency number 112 works throughout Greece and connects you to police, ambulance, or fire services. Operators speak English. Other useful numbers: 100 for police, 166 for ambulance, 199 for fire, 1571 for tourist police, and 108 for coast guard.

For consular help, call the Embassy of Canada in Athens or the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.

Do Canadians need a visa for Greece? No, Canadians do not need a visa for Greece for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation, which you apply for online before travel.

How much does a trip to Greece cost in CAD? A comfortable trip costs about CAD 200–350 per person per day, including accommodation, food, transport and activities. Budget travellers can manage on less.

Where is the nearest Canada embassy in Greece? The Embassy of Canada in Greece is in Athens. It provides consular services for Canadians, including passport renewals and emergency assistance.

Entry requirements and ETIAS information are based on official Canadian and EU sources. Flight times and costs are estimates for 2026 and may vary. Always check the latest official guidance before you travel.