Greece entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Greece in 2026. You must apply at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling. Plan ahead — processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Greece. Apply at the Greek consulate in your home country or the country where you legally reside. Submit your application at least 15 days before your trip and no earlier than 6 months before. The visa costs €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area | Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank pages. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire stay across all Schengen countries, not just Greece. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Greek airports check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. The ticket must show you leave the Schengen zone before your visa expires. Budget airlines flying into Athens enforce this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation for every night of your stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a host in Greece. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you are a first-time Schengen visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least €50 per day of your stay in cash or a bank statement. Greek border officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds, particularly if you have no return ticket or accommodation booked. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Greece does not offer visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders. You must get a Schengen visa before you fly. Start the process at least 4 weeks ahead, especially during summer when embassies are busier.
Travel insurance is mandatory for the visa
Your visa application requires proof of travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses for the entire Schengen area. Buy it before your embassy appointment.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Greek embassy
Contact the Greek embassy or consulate in Madagascar (or the nearest one if none locally) to schedule an appointment. Submit the completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, and bank statements. Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Once your visa is approved, print or save digital copies of your visa, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. Keep them in your carry-on — not checked luggage.
3
Arrive at a Greek airport
At passport control (e.g., Athens International Airport), present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get a Schengen entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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; apply at Greek embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1–5 years)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits.
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) application fee
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)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
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) application fee
For remote workers with stable income. Requires proof of employment and health insurance. Allows stay up to 1 year.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €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 dayImposed upon departure; maximum cap varies. | €50–€100 per day (approx. $54–$109 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Madagascar passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Greece, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, EU/EEA country, or certain other countries.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from an EU/EEA country
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, or Australia
Transit hubsAthens International Airport (ATH) · Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) · Heraklion Airport (HER)
Health & vaccines for Greece
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer months in rural areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare; risk in forested areas of northern Greece.
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. Alexandras 173, 115 22 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Leof. Stratou 1, 546 35 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Serves northern Greece; appointments recommended.
Practical information for MG 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
Yes, you need a Schengen visa. Apply at the Greek embassy or consulate before you travel. There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for Madagascar passport holders.
A standard Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your visa will specify the exact validity dates.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 390,000 MGA as of 2026). Children 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are non-refundable.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure. During peak season (summer), it can take longer.
No, Schengen visas are not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If there is no Greek embassy, you may need to apply at the embassy of another Schengen country that represents Greece, or at the nearest Greek consulate in a neighboring country. Check the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for details.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), flight and hotel bookings, bank statements (last 3 months), and proof of employment or leave. The embassy may ask for additional documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.