Greece entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders need a visa to enter Greece. Apply at the Greek embassy or consulate in your country of residence before traveling. This requirement applies from 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Greece. Apply at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no later than 6 months and no earlier than 15 days before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It also needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of exit | Immigration officers at Greek airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from the Schengen area within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a signed host letter with the host's contact details. Officers may ask for this at passport control, especially if you're staying at a private address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements, cash, or a credit card showing you have at least €50 per day for your stay. Immigration may ask for this if you look like you might work or overstay. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand.
Schengen area access
A Greek visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries. Greece must be your main destination or the first country you enter.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, bank statements. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Greek embassy or consulate in your country of residence (or an authorized visa application center like VFS Global). Submit your application in person. You'll need to pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days in some cases. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the dates and name are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Arrive in Greece
At passport control, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your plans. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 90 days in the Schengen area.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-5 years)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-5 years)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
work visa
Greek Work Visa (National D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For those with a job offer in Greece. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Greek Student Visa (National D Visa for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For enrollment in a Greek educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
digital nomad visa
Greek Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For remote workers with stable income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and health insurance.
retirement visa
Greek Retirement Visa (Long-Stay Visa for Financially Independent Persons)
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For retirees with sufficient passive income. Requires proof of funds and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay Schengen visa. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 per day (max €500) |
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
Transit visa required
Iraqi passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Greece, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state
- Holders of a valid residence permit from an EU/EEA country
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in summer months, especially in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is safe in most 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)
Leof. Kifisias 7, 115 23 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Leof. Stratou 1, 546 35 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for northern Greece.
Practical information for IQ 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Greece — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Greece does not offer visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders. You must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure. The visa fee is about €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, plus any service fees from the visa application center.
Yes, if you are in Iraq. The Greek embassy in Baghdad handles visa applications. You may also apply through a visa application center like VFS Global if they are authorized in your area.
A Greek Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Greece must be your main destination or the first country you enter.
Generally no. The Schengen visa is for short stays up to 90 days. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure, humanitarian reasons). You would need to leave the Schengen area and re-enter if you want to stay longer.
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents. You can appeal within 30 days to the Greek embassy or reapply with stronger evidence.
Yes. You need to show you have enough money to cover your stay. Typically, you need around €50-60 per day. Bank statements from the last 3 months are the standard proof.
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.