Greece travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealanders do not need a visa for Greece for tourist stays up to 90 days in any 180‑day period. From 2026, you will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before you fly. Apply online, well ahead of your trip, and carry proof with you.

As a New Zealand citizen, you can enter Greece without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180‑day period). This applies to the whole Schengen area, so days spent in other Schengen countries count toward the same limit.

From 2026, an ETIAS authorisation will be required before travel. It is not a visa; it is an online pre‑screening that you apply for before you fly. Apply well in advance and keep a copy of the approval.

Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation, as border officers may ask.

New Zealand does not have an embassy in Greece. The nearest accredited embassy is in Rome, Italy. For consular assistance, contact the New Zealand Embassy in Rome or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington.

In an emergency, call the 24/7 consular emergency line from New Zealand: +64 99 20 20 20, or contact the embassy in Rome.

Greece uses the euro. For New Zealanders, the main costs are flights, accommodation, food and transport. A daily budget for a mid‑range traveller is roughly €80–120 (NZD 140–210), excluding flights. Budget travellers can manage on €50–70 (NZD 90–125) a day.

Flights from New Zealand to Athens typically cost NZD 1,500–2,500 return, depending on season and booking time. Internal ferries and flights add to the total.

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Greece. Most itineraries involve one or two connections, typically via Australia, the Middle East (Doha, Dubai) or a European hub like London or Frankfurt. Total flight time is around 24–30 hours, plus layovers.

Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main gateway. From there, domestic flights and ferries connect to the islands.

Greece uses 230 V, 50 Hz electricity with plug types C and F (the standard European two‑pin plugs). New Zealand uses 230 V, 50 Hz as well, so your devices will work with a simple plug adapter. Check that your chargers are dual‑voltage; most modern ones are.

Tipping is not required in Greece. Locals often round up the bill or leave 5–10 % for good service. In restaurants, a service charge is sometimes included, so check the bill. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is common.

The EU‑wide emergency number 112 works in Greece for police, ambulance and fire. Other useful numbers: 100 police, 166 ambulance, 199 fire, 1571 tourist police, 108 coast guard.