Passport
A
passport is necessary for entry into Greece or, for EU nationals,
a national identity card. Some hotels will ask to see your passport
or ID card when checking-in and some will even insist on keeping
it during your stay although this is not required.
Ensure
that your passport is valid for at least six months more than
you plan on staying on your trip. Some countries require it, but
even if they don't, it's a good rule to follow in case something
unforeseen keeps you in Greece longer than expected.
Visa and red tape
UK
and all other EU nationals plus those of Norway and Iceland, only
need a valid passport for entry into Greece. They are no longer
stamped in on arrival or out upon departure and in theory at least
enjoy the same civil rights as Greek citizens have. US, Australian,
New Zealand, Canadian and most non-EU Europeans receive mandatory
entry and exit stamps in their passports and can stay, as tourists,
for ninety days. Note that such nationals arriving by flight or
boat from another EU country, may not always be stamped in at
minor ports so it's best to make sure this is done in order to
avoid unpleasantness on exit.
If you are planning to travel overland, you should check current
visa requirements for Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria at their closest
consulate. Transit visa for most of these territories are at present
issued at the borders, though at a higher price than if obtained
in advance at a local consulate.
Visa extension
If
you wish to remain in Greece for longer than three months, as
a non-EU/EFTA national, you should apply for an extension. This
can be done in larger cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra,
Rhodes and Iraklion through the Ypiresia Allodhapon (aliens' bureau).
Prepare yourself for strict bureaucracy. In other locations you
visit the local police station where the staff are apt to be more
co-operative.
Unless of Greek descent, visitors from non-EU countries are currently
allowed only one six-month extension to a tourist visa for which
a hefty fee is charged , up to 150 €. In theory, EU nationals
are allowed to stay indefinitely but, to be sure of avoiding any
problems, it's best to get a resident visa and, if appropriate,
a work permit. In either case, the procedure should be set in
motion at least four weeks before your time runs out. If you don't
already have a work permit, you will be required to present pink,
personalized bank exchange receipts totalling at least 1500 €
for the preceding three months as proof that you are importing
sufficient funds to support yourself without working. Possession
of unexpired credit cards, a Greek savings account passbook or
travellers cheques can, to some extent, substitute for the pink
receipts. The pages of the passbook in particular should be photocopied
and given to the police.
Certain
individuals get around the law by leaving Greece every three months
and re-entering a few days later, ideally via a different frontier
post, for a new ninety-day tourist stamp. However, with the recent
flood of Albanian and eastern European refugees into the country,
all looking for work, security and immigration personnel don't
always look very kindly on this practice
If you overstay your time and then leave on your own power - ie
are not deported - you'll be hit with a huge spot fine upon departure,
effectively a double-priced retroactive visa extension. No excuses
will be entertained except perhaps a doctor's certificate stating
you were immobilized in hospital. It cannot be overemphasized
just how exigent Greek immigration officials often are on this
issue.
The
Greek embassy or consulate
in your country can provide you with additional information.
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