If you are headed for a romantic escape to Santorini or want to see the ancient sites in Athens, getting your Greece visa appointment is the first key step in making your European dream a reality.

Greece remains a popular European destination for Indian travellers, with 41,418 visa applications submitted in 2024, though the country rejected 31.5% of these applications, highlighting the importance of proper preparation.

Booking a Greece visa appointment from India can be a complex process, which is why we have put together this in-depth guide for you, covering it all, from what documents you will need to how we track the status of your application.

Why Do You Need a Greek Visa Appointment?

A visa appointment is required for all Indian citizens applying for Schengen visas to Greece.

This appointment fulfils two key functions at the Visa Application Centre (VAC):

  • You submit your biometric data to be registered in the Schengen Information System.
  • You submit your supporting documents to verify the authenticity and completeness of the application.

The appointment system is in place to control the flow of applicants, ensuring your documentation is reviewed smoothly.

You do not have an option to submit your visa application to Greece without first getting that appointment.

Also, whether you are after a tourism, business, work, or student visa, every applicant must attend this appointment.

The appointment system brings order to the process and allows embassy personnel to check on your travel plans via a proper documentation review.

They have the same initial appointment requirement for short-term visitors (up to 90 days) and long-term visa applicants.

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Documents Required for Your Greece Visa Appointment

Presenting the correct set of documents at your Greece visa appointment greatly benefits your case. Here is what you must bring as per official requirements:

Basic Requirements:

  • Completed Schengen visa application form
  • Valid travel passport with at least two blank pages and valid for more than your stay
  • Recent passport photos that fulfil Schengen requirements
  • Travel itinerary including confirmed flight bookings
  • Proof of accommodation in Greece (hotel reservations or invitation letters)
  • Travel health insurance for Schengen (which includes at least €30,000)
  • Visa fee payment receipt

Financial Documents:

  • Over the last 3 to 6 months’ worth of bank statements
  • Income tax returns for previous years
  • Proof of finances that cover your trip
  • A letter of intent detailing the reason for your visit

Employment/Study Proof:

  • Proof of income (employer NOC, salary certificates).
  • ID of students and proof of university enrollment (for students).
  • Business registration documents (for business travellers)

Additional Documents by Category:

  • Tourism: Detailed travel itinerary, hotel confirmations
  • Business: Company invitation letter, business meeting schedules
  • Student: University admission letter, financial sponsorship proof
  • Family Visit: Invitation letter from a Greek resident, relationship proof

Organise these documents neatly and professionally, with originals and copies of both to make your Greece visa application process go more smoothly.

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How to Book a Greece Visa Appointment from India

Booking of your Greece visa appointment is done through Global Visa Centre World (GVCW), the official service provider for Greece visa applications from India.

Important Update: VFS Global has stopped handling visa appointments for Indian citizens with respect to Greece. All bookings going forward must be done via GVCW or the official government site.

Step-by-Step Booking Process:

  • Step 1: Visit the GVCW Portal

Go to the official site of Global Visa Centre World (GVCW). Make sure you are on the real government-approved platform.

  • Step 2: Select Your Area.

Choose the nearest Visa Application Centre based on your current residence, as this is where you will report for your Greece visa interview.

  • Step 3: Choose Date and Time.

Go ahead and pick a date and time slot that works for you. During peak travel seasons, April through September, have the longest wait times. Hence, book as far in advance as possible.

  • Step 4: Fill out your information completely

Fill in your passport details, contact info, and purpose of travel. Note that any mistakes may complicate your application.

  • Step 5: Confirmation of your booking.

After completing the booking process, make sure you have received your appointment confirmation. Print this confirmation letter out as you will need to bring it with you to the visa appointment.

  • Step 6: Payment

Use the secure online payment system to pay the required visa fees and service charges. Also, keep your payment receipts for your appointment.

Need help with your visa appointment?

Visa2Fly also offers guided visa assistance, including booking appointments and form filling. We do the heavy lifting for you!

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Can You Reschedule or Cancel a Greek Visa Appointment?

Greece has a policy of visa appointment rescheduling with certain terms, as per GVCW.

They allow for up to two reschedules, making sure it's at least 48 hours before your set appointment time.

This flexibility also includes medical emergencies, changes in travel plans, or document preparation delays.

However, frequent rescheduling may delay your visa processing, especially during peak seasons.

If you miss out on your appointment with no notice you will have to get a new visa appointment and may be charged extra.

For emergency rescheduling, you will need to provide supporting documentation, and there is no guarantee that it will be approved.

How long is the Waiting Time for a Greek visa?

The standard processing time for Greece Schengen visas is at least 15 calendar days from your visa appointment date in Greece. Factors which may extend this period:

  • Peak Season Impact: Processing may go up to 45 calendar days during high-demand periods (May-September).
  • Additional Verification: Complex cases with extra documentation may take more time to review.
  • Location Factor: Applications submitted at VACs outside of New Delhi see an additional 5 days for dispatch to the embassy.
  • Planning Timeline: Book your visa for Greece at least 20-30 days before your trip. We leave this buffer in for any issue with documentation or unexpected delays.

During busy times, it may take 2 to 3 weeks to get an appointment, so start planning early.

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Tip for a Successful Interview

While for the most part, Greek visa applications do not require a formal interview, your appointment at GVCW or the Embassy is still very important. Here’s what you can do to have it go smoothly:

  • Dress Smartly: Dress professionally
  • Be Prepared: Bring your original documents and copies, both
  • Arrive Early: Arrive at the centre at least 15-20 minutes before your slot
  • Answer Confidently: When asked about your trip, answer honestly
  • Don’t Miss Documents: A missing page can hold up your visa

Avoid these mistakes:

  • Submitting handwritten forms
  • Overstating financials
  • Booking false flights that don’t fit your plan.

Where to Book Your Greece Visa Appointment in India

You can book your Greece visa appointment at the nearest GVCW Greece Visa Application Centre. Major centres include:

  • New Delhi (serves Northern India)
  • Mumbai (for Western India)
  • Chennai (for South India)
  • Bengaluru
  • Hyderabad
  • Kolkata
  • Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi (limited services available)

Note:

  • These are some examples; more centres exist. 
  • Slots are subject to availability, so book early.

How to Track Your Greece Visa Application Status

Once you complete your Greece visa appointment, it’s fairly easy for you to check your visa status.

Via GVCW:

  • Use your Ref Number and DOB on the GVCW tracking page.
  • Get notifications via email and SMS if that is what you opted for.

Via Visa2Fly:

If you have gone through Visa2Fly, we will keep you updated in real-time via WhatsApp and email so that you are always in the know.

Final Thoughts

Booking a Greece visa appointment from India may appear overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation and guidance, the process is a smooth one. Begin early, follow the list, and if needed, use an expert.

Need advice on your Greece visa appointment? At Visa2Fly, we provide full support from document check-through to appointment booking and tracking, allowing you to pay attention to planning your Santorini sunsets or Athens city tours.