Greece entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, and short-term study. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay in Greece | Your UAE passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Athens and other Greek ports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they want to see you leave within 90 days. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host. Officers sometimes ask for it at passport control, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. The official guideline is €50 per day, but officers rarely ask unless you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Schengen 90/180-day rule
Your 90-day visa-free stay applies to the entire Schengen area (27 European countries). You cannot reset the clock by hopping to another Schengen country. Use the EU's short-stay calculator to track your days.
Entry may be refused without a clear itinerary
Border officers can ask for proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds (at least €50 per day). Have these ready to avoid delays or refusal.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Print or save digital copies of your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a separate folder from your passport.
2
Arrive at Greek border control
At Athens International Airport or any other entry point, join the 'Non-EU' queue. Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Exit within 90 days
Count your days carefully. Overstaying even by a day can result in fines or a ban from the Schengen area. Set a reminder on your phone.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free period or if visa is required.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with history)
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple visits; same fee as single entry.
National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
digital nomad visa
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€75 (approx. $83 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and minimum income (€3,500/month). Allows family members.
Apply retirement visa
Greece Retirement Visa (Financially Independent Person)
2 years, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (at least €2,000/month). Requires proof of funds, health insurance, and no intention to work. Can lead to permanent residency.
Apply investor visa
Greece Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
5 years, renewable
€250,000 minimum property investment (approx. $275,000 USD) + legal fees
For investors purchasing real estate (€250,000 in most areas, €500,000 in high-demand zones). Grants residency for family; no minimum stay required. Path to citizenship after 7 years.
Apply student visa
Greece Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Greek universities or accredited institutions. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineOverstaying Schengen 90/180 rule incurs fines and possible ban. | €50–€200 per day (approx. $55–$220 USD), max cap varies |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For longer stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Greece
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Greek airports, as they enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in summer in rural areas, especially central and northern Greece.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare; risk in forested areas of northern Greece.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is generally safe, but foodborne illnesses can occur; practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Athens
Athens Immigration Office (Aliens and Immigration Directorate)
Petrou Ralli & Thivon 1, 104 47 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for extensions and residence permits; appointments often required.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Egnatia 45, 546 30 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits for northern Greece.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalAthens
LanguageGreek
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Safe in Athens but most visitors use bottled. On islands, use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Greece
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Greece — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term study only. You cannot take paid employment or start a business. For work, you need a separate work visa or permit.
No, the 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. You must leave the Schengen area before day 90. Overstaying can lead to fines up to €3,000 and a re-entry ban.
You need to apply for a national visa (type D) from the Greek embassy in the UAE before you travel. This is for longer stays like study, work, or family reunification. Processing takes 15–30 days.
No, for stays under 90 days you don't need to register. For longer stays with a national visa, you must register at the local Aliens Police within 8 days of arrival.
You'll be fined €50 to €3,000 depending on how long you overstay. You may also be banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 5 years. Always leave on time.
Yes, but the 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen area, not just Greece. If you enter via Italy, your 90 days start ticking from that day.
Yes, each child must have their own passport. Children cannot be added to a parent's passport. The same 6-month validity rule applies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.