Greece entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
No 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
As a Spanish passport holder, you can travel to Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This policy remains unchanged for 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay in Greece | Your Spanish passport needs to be valid for the whole time you're in Greece. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required for entry, but airlines sometimes enforce a 3-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Immigration officers at Greek airports check for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have your booking confirmation ready — either printed or on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay — around €50–€100 per day is a safe benchmark. Border officers almost never check this for Spanish passport holders, but it's good to have. | Recommended |
90-day rule applies to the entire Schengen area
Your 90-day visa-free stay isn't just for Greece — it's for all 27 Schengen countries combined. If you've already spent time in France, Italy, or any other Schengen country in the previous 180 days, that counts toward your 90-day limit. Use the Schengen calculator online to track your days.
Overstaying can have serious consequences
If you stay beyond 90 days without a visa or permit, you risk a fine (typically €50–€200), a formal deportation order, and a ban from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 5 years. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry). Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Arrange travel insurance and an eSIM if you want them.
2
Arrive at a Greek airport or border
You'll go through passport control. At Athens International Airport (ATH) or other major airports, EU citizens use the eGates — just scan your passport. If the eGate doesn't work, join the 'All Passports' queue.
3
Present your passport to the border officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They may also ask to see your return ticket or accommodation proof — have them ready on your phone.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp marks the start of your 90-day visa-free period. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it when leaving.
5
Exit through customs and baggage claim
After passport control, collect your luggage (if any) and walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel unless you have goods to declare. Then you're free to enter Greece.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For those who need to stay longer than 90 days or have been denied visa-free entry; apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (or up to 5 years with good travel history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple visits; must still respect 90/180 rule. Good for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
digital nomad visa
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from outside Greece. Requires proof of employment, health insurance, and minimum income of €3,500/month. Allows family members to join.
Apply retirement visa
Greece Retirement Visa (Financially Independent Person Visa)
2 years, renewable
€150 (~$163 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient passive income (pension, investments) to support themselves without working. Requires proof of income of at least €2,000/month and health insurance. No age limit.
Apply investor visa
Greece Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
5 years, renewable
€250,000 minimum real estate investment
For investors purchasing property in Greece. Minimum investment is €250,000 (increased to €500,000 in some areas). Grants residency to investor and family, no minimum stay required.
Apply student visa
Greece Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€75 (~$82 USD) application fee
For those enrolled in a recognized Greek educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work up to 20 hours/week.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not available; apply at Greek embassy. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity; conditions apply. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit results in fines and possible entry bans. | €50 per day (max €1,500) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stays cannot be extended; you must leave the Schengen area and re-enter after 90 days. | Not available |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
Spanish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Greek airports, even if leaving the airside transit area for a connecting flight.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer months in rural areas, especially in central and northern Greece.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in forested areas; consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but stomach upsets can occur; stick to bottled water in remote areas.
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)
Karaiskaki 1, 104 37 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa and residence permit issues; appointments often required.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Monastiriou 190, 546 27 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles permits for northern Greece; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for ES 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, not without a visa or residence permit. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen area. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a Greek national visa (type D) or a residence permit before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entering the Schengen zone.
No, Spain is in the EU and Greece is in the Schengen area. You can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Just bring your valid passport.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel. If you're already in Greece and your passport expires, contact the Spanish embassy in Athens for an emergency travel document.
Yes, there are no border checks between Schengen countries. You can drive or take a train from Italy, Bulgaria, or other neighboring Schengen states without showing your passport. However, you must still comply with the 90-day rule for the entire Schengen area.
Report the loss to the local police immediately and get a police report. Then contact the Spanish Embassy in Athens (or the Consulate in Thessaloniki) to apply for an emergency passport. You'll need the police report, a passport photo, and proof of identity (like a copy of your passport or ID card). The emergency passport is usually issued within 1-2 working days.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. If you need medical care, public hospitals may charge non-residents, and private clinics can be expensive. A good travel insurance policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
Technically, no — the visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Working remotely for a foreign employer is a gray area. Greece has a digital nomad visa (type D) for longer stays, but for 90 days or less, most people do it without issues. Just don't take a local job.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.