ETIAS Authorization to Travel to Greece

Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, is one of Europe’s most iconic destinations. Non-Schengen nationals will soon be required to obtain an ETIAS authorization to enter the country. The system is expected to launch in 2027.

September 2026 Update: The ETIAS launch, originally scheduled for late 2026, will not take place. The official date has not yet been confirmed. 2027 is now the most likely year. Visit our page on the ETIAS launch delay for the latest information.

Can you travel to Greece with an ETIAS authorization?

Yes. For stays of less than 90 days, travelers who are nationals of countries authorized by the ETIAS system will be able to enter Greece with only an ETIAS travel authorization, without having to apply for a Schengen visa. Greece has been a member of the Schengen Area since 2000.

The ETIAS system will apply to all Schengen countries, which means that a single authorization is sufficient if your trip includes Greece along with other destinations such as Italy, France, or Austria.

Mainland Greece and the Greek Islands: Greece has more than 6,000 islands and islets, about 100 of which are inhabited. All of them are part of the Schengen Area—so the ETIAS system will apply there in the same way as it does in mainland Greece. However, if your itinerary includes a cruise with stops in Turkey (a non-Schengen country), you will need to check Turkey’s entry requirements separately, as your ETIAS authorization covers only Schengen countries.

How do I obtain an ETIAS authorization for Greece?

The ETIAS authorization application will be completed entirely online. Filling out the ETIAS form will take only a few minutes if the applicant has a valid biometric passport.

Fill out the online form

Fill out the ETIAS form online on the official European Union website using the information from your passport and answer the security questions.

Pay fees

Pay the ETIAS authorization fee of €20 by credit card. The system is free for those under 18 and those over 70.

Receive confirmation

The response is sent by email. Processing times vary depending on the request—please allow at least 8 days before departure.

Travel with Peace of Mind

The ETIAS system is electronically linked to your passport. You do not need to print out your authorization before going to the airport.

Do you need an ETIAS authorization to make a stopover in Greece?

An ETIAS authorization will allow you to make a stopover in Greece without a Schengen visa. Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) is Greece’s main hub, with connections to the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Many island airports—Heraklion (HER), Rhodes (RHO), Santorini (JTR), and Mykonos (JMK)—also serve direct international flights during the season.

How much does an ETIAS authorization for Greece cost?

The European Union has set the fee for the ETIAS authorization at €20. This amount is the same for all Schengen countries. Payment can only be made online by credit card.

Practical Information for Traveling to Greece

Top Destinations in Greece

Greece attracts more than 35 million tourists every year. Athens, the capital, is a must-see, with the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The Greek islands are among the world’s most popular beach destinations: Santorini with its legendary sunsets, Mykonos with its nightlife, Crete with its beaches, Rhodes with its medieval ruins, and Corfu with its Venetian charm. The Peloponnese, Delphi, and Thessaloniki round out the country’s exceptional cultural offerings.

Traveling to Greece from Abroad

Athens (ATH) is the main international airport, with direct flights from North America, the Middle East, and Asia. In the summer, many charter and scheduled flights provide direct service to the islands from Northern and Western Europe. Greece is also accessible by ferry from Italy (Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, Venice), which is ideal for travelers wishing to combine visits to both countries.

Cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean

Greece is a must-see stop on Mediterranean cruises. If your itinerary includes stops in non-Schengen countries (Turkey, Egypt, Israel), be sure to check each country’s specific entry requirements—your ETIAS authorization only covers stops within the Schengen Area.