Greece entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Greece. You must apply at the Greek embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. This requirement is unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | Submit your application at the Greek consulate or visa application center in Nigeria. You need a completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of accommodation. Processing takes 15 calendar days — apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 3 months beyond your intended departure from Schengen area | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone, not just Greece — check your passport's expiry date before applying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Athens and other Schengen entry points routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a non-Schengen destination. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation for every night of your stay, or a formal invitation letter from a host in Greece. Immigration may ask to see it during passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show you have at least €50 per day of your stay. Recent bank statements (last 3 months) or a credit card with sufficient limit work best. Keep cash in euros for smaller expenses. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa appointments at the Greek embassy in Abuja can fill up quickly, especially during summer. Book your appointment at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure. Processing itself takes up to 15 days.
Schengen rules apply
Greece is part of the Schengen Area. Your visa allows you to travel to other Schengen countries, but you must enter Greece first or spend the most time there. Overstaying even by one day can result in a ban.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, application form, photos, flight and hotel bookings, insurance, bank statements. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Contact the Greek embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos to schedule a visa appointment. Wait times can be several weeks, so book early.
3
Attend the interview
Go to the embassy or consulate at your appointment time. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults), and provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take longer if more checks are needed. You'll be told when to collect your passport or if it will be couriered.
5
Travel to Greece
When you arrive at a Greek airport (like Athens International), go to the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The officer may ask about your plans.
Download Greece Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa; must apply at Greek embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
For work, study, family reunification, or investment; requires sponsor.
work visa
Greek Work Visa (National D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For individuals with a job offer from a Greek employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Greek Student Visa (National D Visa for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $130 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Greek educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Greek Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
5 years, renewable
€250,000 minimum real estate investment + legal fees
For non-EU investors purchasing property worth at least €250,000. Grants residency and Schengen travel. No minimum stay required.
digital nomad visa
Greek Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable for up to 2 years
€75 (approx. $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.
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) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | Varies by location (approx. $30–50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa; enforced at departure. | €50–100 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
Nigerian passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Greece, even if staying airside. Apply at the Greek embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa, EU/EEA residence permit, or certain national visas may transit without a visa.
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 (e.g., Nigeria). Must present certificate at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
West Nile VirusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare in tourists, but cases occur in summer in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Risk from undercooked food or street food; practice good hygiene.
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
Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum
Thivon 196-198, 163 41 Athens
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and residence permits; appointments required.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki Immigration Office
Leof. Stratou 1, 546 35 Thessaloniki
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles long-stay visa and residence permit applications.
Practical information for NG 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
If you are a Nigerian passport holder and you will not leave the international transit area of a Greek airport, you generally do not need a visa for a short layover. However, if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline before booking.
A standard Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The exact duration is stamped on your visa. You cannot extend it beyond 90 days unless you have a special reason (e.g., medical emergency).
You apply at the Greek Embassy in Abuja (Plot 114, Gana Street, Maitama) or the Greek Consulate in Lagos (Plot 9, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island). You must apply in person — no online-only applications.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about ₦70,000 depending on exchange rate). Children aged 6–12 pay €40. There may be additional service fees if you use a visa application centre. Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Common reasons include: insufficient funds in your bank account, unclear travel plans, missing documents, a passport that expires too soon, or a previous overstay in the Schengen area. Make sure your application is complete and your itinerary is clear.
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by Greece allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days. But your main destination should be Greece — that's where you must spend the most time.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days by writing to the Greek embassy. You'll need to explain why you think the decision was wrong and provide any missing documents. Appeals can take several weeks. Alternatively, you can reapply with a stronger application.
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.