Greece visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland do not need a visa for Greece for tourism, business or transit stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is the Schengen rule, so the 90 days count across all Schengen countries, not just Greece.

From 2026, most visa-exempt travellers will need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation before flying. It is an online application, not a visa, and is valid for multiple entries over three years. Check the official ETIAS site for the exact start date and fee.

The table summarises the visa situation for the six nationalities covered on this page. All figures are for tourism, business or transit. Work, study and long-stay visas are separate.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, and must have been issued within the last ten years. Some airlines and border guards also apply the 'three months beyond departure' rule strictly, so check your passport dates before you book.

You will receive an entry stamp on arrival. Keep it safe: you may need it for hotel check-ins and to prove you have not overstayed. On exit, the stamp is checked. If you lose your passport, report it to the local police and your embassy immediately.

For stays under 90 days, no visa is needed, but you must be able to show proof of accommodation, return or onward tickets, and sufficient funds if asked. Border guards rarely ask for these for short stays, but have the documents ready.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an online authorisation for visa-exempt travellers entering the Schengen area. It is not a visa; you still do not need a visa for short stays. You apply online, pay a small fee (about €7 for most nationalities, with exemptions for under-18s and over-70s), and receive an email approval linked to your passport.

The system is expected to launch in 2026, but the exact date has not been confirmed. Once live, you must have ETIAS before flying, so apply at least a few days in advance. It is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Check the official ETIAS website for the latest details.

The 90/180 rule is the most common mistake. If you spend 90 days in Greece, you cannot simply leave for a day and come back; the 180-day window counts all your days in the Schengen area. Use a Schengen calculator to track your days.

For longer stays (over 90 days), you need a national visa or residence permit, which is a separate process. Work, study and volunteering also require the correct visa, not a tourist entry.

If you are a non-EU citizen resident in one of these countries, the rules may differ; check with the Greek embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

This page was verified on 2026-09. Visa rules change; always check the official sources below before booking.