How can I get a Greek visa from Turkey (Türkiye) ?

Written by Axel Strauss
Date : 05/05/2025

Along with having a close geographical proximity, Greece and Turkey (Türkiye) share a mutually rich cultural and historical background going back millennia. And travel between the two Mediterranean neighbors has, therefore, always kind of been a thing — to say the least. However, if you’re a Turkish passport holder looking to visit your neighbor to the west today, you’re likely going to need a visa.

That’s why AXA has compiled the following comprehensive guide on applying for a Greek visa from Turkey (Türkiye). In it, you’ll find all you need to know about the process, its requirements, and what steps to take to make sure it all goes smoothly. Plus a few bonus AXA pro-tips to help with your Greek journey!

• Do I need a visa from Turkey (Türkiye) to Greece?
• What are the requirements for a Greek visa from Turkey (Türkiye)?
• How can I apply for a Greek visa from Turkey (Türkiye)?
• When and where should I apply?
• What about Greece’s “visa on arrival” program?
• How can AXA help me get my visa from Turkey (Türkiye) to Greece?

Do I need a visa from Turkey (Türkiye) to Greece?

Yes. Along with being home to the Olympic Games, the marathon, and modern democracy — Greece is also one of Europe’s dozens of Schengen countries.

This means that while some non-Schengen nationals can travel to Greece visa-free, citizens* of Turkey (Türkiye) — along with those of over a hundred other nations — will need a Schengen visa for Greece to enter its borders.

*IMPORTANT: Note that this applies to Turkish passport holders both living in Turkey (Türkiye) and residing outside of its borders — such as permanent residents of the U.K., Australia, Canada, and the U.S., Turkish Green Card holders, and so on.

PRO-TIP : But fear not! AXA’s got not only all you need to know about how to get a Schengen visa from Turkey (Türkiye) in general — but also specifically on how to get one for Greece below!

What kind of visa for Greece do I need?

First, you’ll need to figure out which visa you want. And that will depend on both the purpose and length of your desired trip.

1- For short stays (up to 3 months)

Are you, like most, just looking to enjoy some of Greece’s infamous sunshine, beaches, mountains, world-renowned culture, history, and cuisine?
If so, then you most likely want the “short-stay” (aka Type C) Schengen visa.
Also known as simply the “tourist visa,” it is the most common choice for Turkish (and other) citizens — as it allows a stay in Greece (and the rest of the Schengen zone) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

2- For long stays (more than 90 days)

However, if you’re planning to be in Greece longer than six months, you’ll need to opt for a “long stay” (aka Type D or “national”) Schengen visa.

And if you’re traveling to the birthplace of philosophy for school, hoping to work, or just passing through — you have a few other options as well.

PRO-TIP: Fortunately, AXA can tell you about all the different types of Schengen visas to suit your travel needs in no time too!

GOOD TO KNOW! Meanwhile, as of 2024, Greece also introduced a new “visa on arrival” program. This one is designed specifically for Turkish (and other) citizens hoping to visit some of its many beautiful islands for a quick getaway —and we’ll get into that a bit further down!

What are the requirements for a Greek visa from Turkey (Türkiye)?

As far as the Schengen visa — regardless of which one you choose, you’re going to need to have the following (at the very least):

• Your passport (valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen area);
• Two identical passport-style photos;
• A Schengen visa application form
  PRO-TIP: AXA can guide you through how to fill out the Schengen visa application form in 10 easy steps, by the way!);
• Your Schengen flight itinerary;
• Schengen travel insurance (IMPORTANT: Travel insurance is a mandatory Schengen visa requirement — but more on that below too!);
• An invitation letter (if applicable);
• Proof of means of subsistence (if applicable);
• A no-objection letter (if applicable);
• Proof of accommodation (if applicable).

AXA can tell you more about all the specific Schengen visa requirements — for Greece and any other Schengen country — to make sure you don’t miss anything too.

PRO-TIP : And you should always double-check with the Hellenic Republic’s (aka Greece’s) Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website — as well as that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye — to make sure all your bases are covered too!

How can I apply for a Greek visa from Turkey (Türkiye)?

The application process itself involves several key steps, so here’s how to go about it:

Step 1:Fill out the application form

Duly complete and sign the official Schengen visa application form.
PRO-TIP : The Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs website allows you to download the Greek Schengen visa application form in English, French, or Greek.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

Collect all the paperwork listed above. Make sure that all the info is correct and up-to-date.
PRO-TIP: Make extra copies just in case (and don’t staple anything).

Step 3: Book an appointment

Schedule an appointment via your local Greek consulate or an authorized visa application center (don’t worry — more on that in the next section!).
PRO-TIP: Fortunately, visa appointment slots can usually be booked online. However, it’s best to do so weeks in advance if you can — especially during busy travel seasons.

Step 4: Submit your application

On the day of your appointment, submit your completed visa application form and supporting documents at the appropriate location (i.e., consulate or via center — see below).
PRO-TIP: Keep in mind that you’ll need to come in for an in-person interview at this point — to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph), as well as all that paperwork.

Step 5: Wait for processing

And then just keep calm, hope for the best, and remember that AXA’s rooting for you!
PRO-TIP: Schengen visa processing times are usually two weeks — and that includes for Greece.
However, they can sometimes take anywhere from 10 to 30 calendar days, depending on the consulate, visa center, and/or your specific situation. So, again, plan ahead — and check in with the people in charge via phone or email if in doubt!

Where and when should I apply?

In terms of locations to apply, you generally have two options: a Greek diplomatic office (i.e., embassy, consulate, etc.), or iData — an official visa application center operating within Turkey (Türkiye).
Fortunately, Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a full list of Greek diplomatic missions in Turkey (Türkiye) in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, and Edirne (along with locations, contact info, and so on).

PRO-TIP: Meanwhile, iData has even more locations throughout the country — and AXA can tell you all about how to book an appointment with iData too!

When should I apply for a Greek visa from Turkey?

You should apply for your Greek Schengen visa no more than six months and no fewer than 15 days before your trip.

PRO-TIP: AXA recommends that you give yourself at least three weeks before your planned departure date — just in case there are any delays in the application processing. And it’s a good call to start gathering that paperwork well in advance!

What about Greece’s “visa on arrival” program?

If you live in Greece or Turkey (Türkiye), then chances are you’ve already heard about this one. But, just in case — Greece is also home to a staggering 6,000 islands (by some estimates). Only about 200 of them, however, are inhabited.
And in 2024 alone, over a million Turkish citizens visited many of them — a staggering 93% increase from the previous year!

All this was thanks to Greece’s recent unique “visa on arrival” (aka “e-visa” or “gate visa”) program. It’s designed specifically for Turkish passport holders to help them visit select Greek islands— such as Lesvos, Chios, and Rhodes— for up to seven days.

So unlike the Schengen visa — which allows travel across Greece, the (inhabited) Greek islands, and multiple other European countries for up to 90 days (in any 180-day period) — Greece’s visa-on-arrival scheme is more of a short-term permit.

IMPORTANT: Moreover, the e-visa also doesn’t grant entry to mainland Greece (or the rest of the Schengen Zone). It is, however, a convenient way for many Turks to get away briefly and see some amazing Greek sites.

Generally speaking, to be eligible, applicants must provide a hotel reservation, travel insurance (like AXA, for example), and proof of financial means.

PRO-TIP: So if you’re hoping to hop from Turkey (Türkiye) onto a Greek island or two — — you can learn more via Greece’s official e-visa application website. And have fun!

How can AXA help me get my visa from Turkey (Türkiye) to Greece?

But perhaps the best way AXA can help you secure your Greek Schengen visa from Turkey (Türkiye) visa is by doing what we do best — and that’s by providing you and your family with some affordable, top-quality Schengen travel insurance for Greece!

First off, to be granted your Greek visa, you need insurance. And your plan, in turn, must meet all the travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa. Fortunately, all of AXA’s plans do — and then some!

MONEY-BACK PRO-TIP:
For example, If your Greek Schengen visa from Turkey (Türkiye) is denied, AXA offers a full refund! We’ll only ask for an official explanation letter as to why your visa was refused (from the corresponding Greek embassy/consulate or iData).

Moreover, AXA’s plans also have no age limit, zero deductibles, and require no medical exam. Plus, we offer:

• High coverage in medical expenses, including medical repatriation & transport;
• Up to 180 days of coverage in Greece, all Schengen and European Union countries (including — depending on the chosen plan — the U.K.).
• 24/7 assistance;
• Free Video and Phone Medical Consultations (in English and a number of other languages) with our unique “Doctor, please!” feature.

And AXA’s application process is simple, quick, and easy too. We can even guide you through purchasing your Schengen travel insurance online step by step!

So as you’re collecting those documents, planning your application, and looking at tickets, make sure to also
compare AXA’s different benefits and get a free AXA Schengen Travel Insurance quote.

Because with the right AXA plan, your dream of a Greek adventure from neighboring Turkey (Türkiye) is that much closer to being a reality — not to mention a safe and worry-free one from beginning to end!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• What is a Schengen visa?
• How much does a Schengen visa for Greece cost?
• Can I extend my Greek Schengen visa?

FAQ

Can I apply for a Greek visa online from Turkey/Türkiye?

No, Schengen visas for Greece must be applied for in person — via a Greek consulate or an official visa center like iData. So while you can usually start the process online, you’ll still need to come in in person at some point.

Is it Turkey or Türkiye?

Good question. As of June 2022, the official name of the country is Türkiye — following a request by the Turkish government to the United Nations to use the country’s native spelling in international settings. However, “Turkey” is still commonly used in English.

What currency is used in Greece?

Greece is part of the Eurozone — and therefore uses the euro (€). Turkish lira (TRY) is generally not accepted, so be prepared to exchange money. International credit/debit cards are accepted in most tourist destinations too though.