Visa to Greece for Russians 2024

Greece is still one of the most popular destinations among Russian tourists. This country attracts with its rich cultural traditions, picturesque beaches and mild Mediterranean climate. Since Greece is part of the Schengen zone, Russians will need a Schengen visa for traveling in 2024. It allows not only to visit Greece, but also to travel to other states that have signed the Schengen Agreement, which makes the trip even more profitable and interesting.

Do Russians need a visa in 2024?

Yes, Russian citizens will need a visa to travel to Greece. The most common type of visa for tourist purposes is the Schengen visa.

Visa-free stay in Greece

Russians are not allowed to stay in Greece without a visa. For short trips, you must obtain a Schengen visa, which entitles you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Documents to apply for a visa to Greece

To obtain a visa to Greece, you need to prepare the following package of documents:

• A foreign passport, the validity period of which is at least 3 months after the expected completion of the trip.
• A completed visa application form.
• Two color photographs.
• Health insurance with at least 30,000 euros coverage.
• Proof of financial solvency (e.g. bank statement).
• Accommodation reservation or official invitation from the host country.
• Proof of purchase or booking of airline tickets.
• Copies of passport pages with personal data and other completed pages.
• Russian passport with copies of pages containing personal information, registration and information on marital status.

Traveling with minors

Yes, children can travel to Greece with their parents or other accompanying persons. For this purpose, it is necessary to provide:

• Child's birth certificate.
• A travel permit from the other parent if the child is traveling with only one parent.
• If the child is traveling with a third person, a notarized consent from both parents will be required.

Penalties for violation of the period of stay

Exceeding the authorized period of stay in Greece can result in serious fines, deportation and a ban on future entry to the Schengen area. The fines vary depending on the duration of the violation and can reach several thousand euros.

What is allowed and forbidden to do

In Greece, tourists are allowed to:

• Visit cultural and historical sites.
• Travel freely in the country within the validity period of the visa.
• Use public transportation services and rent cars.

Prohibited:

• Violate public order and the laws of the country.
• Exceed the period of stay specified in the visa.
• Work or engage in commercial activities without a work permit.

Where to get a VISA

You can apply for a visa to Greece at visa centers or Greek consulates.

If you are interested in obtaining citizenship or residency status, check out the section with relevant Greece residency program. We help you obtain citizenship and residence permits for investments from different countries with many options and additional services.

What languages are popular in Greece

The official language of Greece is Greek, one of the oldest languages in the world, which has retained its uniqueness and rich culture. However, English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete and Rhodes, making communication with tourists and foreigners convenient. Italian, French and German can also be heard in some regions, especially in popular tourist destinations where visitors may encounter many visitors from Europe. Knowledge of English is usually enough to travel around the country comfortably.

What is the climate in Greece

Greece's climate is typically Mediterranean, characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. In coastal areas such as Athens and the islands, winters are milder, with temperatures around 10-15C, while summers are hot, with temperatures reaching 30-35C. In the northern and mountainous parts of the country, winters can be cooler, sometimes with sub-zero temperatures and snowfall. The summer season usually starts in May and lasts until October, making Greece ideal for summer vacations.

What are the taxes in Greece

The main tax in Greece is the VAT (FPA), which is 24% on most goods and services. However, there are reduced VAT rates of 13% and 6% for some goods and regions (such as islands), making vacations to these places a little more affordable. In addition to VAT, Greece levies income taxes, the progressive rate of which depends on the income level of citizens and residents (from 9% to 44%). There is also a property tax and special taxes for investors and residents, such as dividend tax and corporate taxes for businesses.