Greece entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Bahraini passport holders need a visa to visit Greece. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Greek embassy or consulate before you travel. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Schengen visa application
Apply at the Greek consulate or VFS Global center
Submit your application at the Greek embassy or a VFS Global center in Bahrain. Processing takes 15 calendar days minimum. You need a completed form, passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage), and proof of accommodation.Apply for Schengen visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Schengen area
Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone, not just Greece. Airlines check this before boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Schengen area
Immigration officers at Athens International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. The ticket must show you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity period.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a formal invitation letter from your host in Greece. Border officers may ask to see it during passport control.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statements or cash
Carry bank statements showing sufficient funds for your stay. The Greek authorities expect at least €50 per person per day. Credit cards are widely accepted but having cash helps.Recommended
Apply Early — Slots Fill Fast
Visa appointments at the Greek embassy can book up weeks in advance, especially during summer. Start your application at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
Schengen Zone Rules
A Greek visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries. Your first entry must be to Greece, or Greece must be your main destination (longest stay).

What happens at the border

1
Gather Documents
Collect your passport, photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and the completed visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Greek embassy or consulate in Bahrain (or the nearest Schengen visa centre). Wait times vary — book at least 3 weeks before travel.
3
Attend the Interview
Go to your appointment with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee, and may be asked a few questions about your trip.
4
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can extend to 30–45 days if more checks are needed. Track your application online if available.
5
Collect Your Passport
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the dates and personal details are correct before you leave.
6
Arrive in Greece
At the airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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 from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

For one-time entry; must leave Schengen area after stay.

Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year or more
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)

Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.

National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.

work visa
Greek Work Visa (National D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Greece. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay and access to social services.
student visa
Greek Student Visa (National D Visa for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Greek educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Greek Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. Allows stay and work in Greece.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for adults; reduced for children.€80 (~$87 USD)
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity.€80 (~$87 USD)
Overstay Fine (per day)Penalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.€50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$540 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

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

Bahraini passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Greek airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)

Health & vaccines for Greece

Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk

Mosquito-borne; risk in summer months in rural areas.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water safe in cities.

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)
Leof. Kifisias 7, 115 23 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00

For visa extensions or residence permits; bring all original documents.

Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Leof. Stratou 1, 546 35 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00

Handles visa issues for northern Greece; appointments recommended.

Practical information for BH 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
updated May 29
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
Police100
Medical166
EU emergency112
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Greece — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Bahraini passport holders must get a Schengen visa before traveling to Greece. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for Bahrain.
A standard Schengen visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The exact duration is printed on your visa sticker.
The standard fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Fees are paid at the time of application and are non-refundable.
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. It can take longer (up to 45 days) if additional documents are needed or during peak season.
Extensions are not normally granted for tourist visas. You must leave the Schengen area before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You apply at the Greek Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (which covers Bahrain), or at a designated visa application centre in Manama. Check the embassy website for the exact address and appointment system.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 30 days or reapply with stronger documents. Common reasons include insufficient funds or unclear travel plans.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.