Greece is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful islands and historical sites. Visitors can experience historic cities and warm Mediterranean climate.
CapitalAthens
Population10,423,054
Official language(s)Greek
CurrencyEuro
Time zoneUTC+2
It's advisable to book accommodations in advance during the summer when crowds are plentiful.
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so many tourists can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, visa requirements depend on your nationality, so check the rules for your passport before you travel. This is different from electronic travel authorizations such as ESTA, K-ETA, UK ETA, eTA, or ETA systems; Greece normally relies on Schengen entry rules rather than a separate pre-travel permit. There is usually no paper arrival card or separate online arrival form for travelers, and customs declaration is only needed when you have items or cash to declare.
Check passport and stay conditions
On arrival, your valid passport and entry conditions for tourism will be checked. Under Schengen rules, you may receive entry/exit stamping or, depending on the situation, a biometric check.
Check whether you can use e-Gates
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and travelers from other eligible nationalities may use automated border gates. Even as a tourist, eligibility and airport availability vary, so follow the signs and staff instructions.
Declare to customs only when needed
Most tourists do not submit a separate arrival form, but if you have items to declare you must go through the customs channel. Meat, dairy, fruit, and similar goods may be restricted, so check whether your food items need to be declared.
Exit control based on passport and flight
At departure, present your passport and boarding pass and complete any required exit control. If you are flying to a non-Schengen country, follow the airline and airport instructions for security and departure procedures.
VAT refund at the airport
If you meet the conditions, tourists can process VAT refunds at the airport. You may need the purchased goods, receipts, and customs validation, so check the refund counter and procedure before boarding.
Check rules for cash and goods on departure
On departure, large amounts of cash or items subject to declaration may still need to be declared. It is safest to check the rules for food, tobacco, alcohol, and duty-free goods, including those of your destination and any transit country.