Planning to Visit Greece? Visa Application Guide for Nigerians

If you are a Nigerian citizen and want to travel to Greece, you need to obtain a Greece visa from Nigeria to legally enter the country.

As of 2023, the number of visitors from other countries went up by 24.5%, and the money they spent increased by 28.2% compared to the first part of 2023. Receipts totaled €942 million, which is much more than €746.5 million in early 2019. (Report from Bank of Greece)

As the statistics show, in the past few years, the tourism industry in Greece has witnessed a remarkable increase. Aesthetically speaking, Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in the Schengen Area. With historical buildings, classic architecture, spectacular cities, and world heritage sites, it is a pure fairy tale. Intrigued?

Well, an adventurous journey to Greece requires a meticulous strategy including numerous steps. This guide is specifically designed to provide you with the essential details about the country’s unique characteristics, visa application process, and more. So, read this article to the end and buckle up for a great adventure!

What Makes Greece Worth Visiting? Is It Worth The Hype?

With its rich history, traditions, classical culture, stunning art, and delicious cuisine, Greece never fails to intrigue international tourists to visit this ancient country at least once in their lifetime. There is a long list of factors that make the country a bucket list destination for outsiders. However, for the sake of brevity, we have enlisted a few of them in the table below:

1	Italy has approximately 6000 islands and islets. However, 200 of them are inhabited.
2	This classic country boasts 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Apollo, Meteora, and the Old Town of Corfu.
3	Amazingly, 80% of Greece is covered in mountains.
4	Greece has a diverse array of wildlife. In fact, the country is home to some of the world’s most unique animals, such as seals, turtles, frogs, lizards, snakes, fish, butterflies, mice, and the Kri-kri.
5	Greece has a larger tourist population than its inhabitants. It means, every year, the country is visited by approximately 33 million tourists.
6	One of the fun facts about Greece is that it is officially known as the  “Hellenic Republic” and the people are known as the “Hellenes.”
7	Interestingly, Athens, the capital of Greece, took its name from the Goddess Athéna.
8	Athens is the oldest capital city in Europe!
9	Few of us know that Greece is the birthplace of Democracy and a few other modern concepts.
10	Written in 1823 by Dionysios Solomos, the Greek national anthem is called ‘Hymn to Freedom’ or ‘Hymn to Liberty’.
11	No area in Greece is more than 85 miles from the sea!

What is a Greek Visa for Nigerians?

A Greek visa is a travel document or official authorization that allows a non-EU national, such as a Nigerian, to travel and stay in Greece for a specific purpose and duration of stay. One important thing to remember is that having a visa does not guarantee entry. Thus, officials at the border may still ask you to show supporting documents to analyze your travel plans and stay durations. Therefore, you are requested to do proper research before applying for a visa and traveling to the destination country.

Besides, Greece is a part of the Schengen Zone; thus, it has multiple visa types that you can choose from. For this purpose, you can go through the section below.

Do Nigerians Need A Visa To Travel To Greece?

Yes, Nigerian nationals must obtain a visa if they intend to travel to Greece. Thus, having a pre-approved visa makes the applicant eligible to enter Greece. Unfortunately, other opportunities, such as eVisa, visa on arrival, or visa-free entry, do not apply to Nigerian citizens. So, they need to get a permit through the conventional or paper/embassy method.

However, as per the 2024 statistics, 89 countries, including Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, and Belgium, are exempt from applying for the Greece visa. This also includes the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, etc. It means that visa-exempt nationals can enjoy a visa-free trip for 90 days. They can explore the entire Schengen zone, including Greece, without a visa. Contrary to this, staying for more than 90 days requires them to get a suitable visa, according to the purpose of your trip to Greece, e.g., a work visa or a student visa.

What Are The Major Types Of Greek Visas Available?

Greece offers an array of visa types, as shown in the table below. Therefore, it is strongly advised to carefully determine the visa type because all the other requirements and the application process depend on your selection.

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration of Stay
Airport transit Visa (A-Type)	An airport transit visa is one of the categories of a short-stay visa that allows individuals to take a connecting flight to a non-Schengen destination	Only 24 hours (The holder is not permitted to leave the airport)
Short Stay visa (C-Type)	You need to choose this visa if you intend to stay in Greece or other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days. Besides, a Schengen visa has a validity of 180-day days. A short-stay visa is applied for: Business Tourism Family visits Attending cultural and sports events Diplomatic visits Medical treatment	90 days within 180 days. You can conclude your trip in a single, double, or multiple trips, based on the number of entries on your short-stay visa sticker.
National visa (D-Type)	The long-stay visa, also called a national visa, allows the holder to stay for more than 90 days. It requires a renewable residence permit. Moreover, a national visa is applied for:  Study Investment Family reunification Employment Seeking asylum	Allows a stay for typically 1 year on a renewable residence permit. Usually depends on the purpose and duration of your stay in the host country.

What Are The Visa Documents Required for Nigerians To Travel To Greece?

Applicants need to ensure that they have all the requested visa supporting documents to be submitted to the authorities when applying for a Greek visa from Nigeria. For this purpose, you can go through the following section.

A visa application form

The visa application form is a foundation stone for the application process. Therefore, when applying for a Greek tourist, business, or visit visa from Nigeria, make sure to print out the visa application form, complete it, and submit it to the embassy, consulate, or the visa application center of Greece in your country. Remember, the form needs to be signed at the end.

A valid passport

There is no denying the fact that a passport is a key traveling document. This document reveals your identity and nationality. Moreover, it legalizes your stay in Greece. Therefore, if you are a Nigerian citizen, you need to furnish a passport that has the following characteristics: 

• Make sure that the passport has a validity period of at least 3 months ahead of your stay in the target country.
• The passport must have been issued in the last 10 years.
• It should contain a couple of blank pages for the visa stamps.
• Most importantly, the passport must be in good condition.

Passport-sized colored photos

The visa application form requires at least two of your passport-sized, identical pictures, which is one of the visa supporting documents. However, the pictures must satisfy the Schengen photo specifications, such as:

• The photos must be 3.5 x 4.5 cm in size. 
• Ensure the photos are captured professionally.
• Avoid accessories that may hide your face. 
• The photos must not be more than 6 months old.
• Avoid providing photos with shadows and reflections.

Covering letter

A well-crafted cover letter can greatly influence the visa process. It is a personalized document that showcases the purpose of your trip to Greece. Therefore, keeping in mind the importance of the letter, make sure it contains essential and sufficient details to satisfy the authorities. The cover letter is used as a parameter through which the authorities assess your intentions. Therefore, provide a letter that thoroughly convinces the authorities.

Proof of accommodation

One can not imagine a comfortable trip without arranging proper accommodation for a stay in the destination country. Moreover, the Schengen rules and regulations make it mandatory for international visitors to furnish proof of authentic accommodation. Therefore, when applying for a Greek visa from Nigeria, demonstrate that you have made arrangements for your stay in Greece. Remember, proof of accommodation can be anything, such as:

• Hotel booking for Schengen visa
• Rental agreement / Rental contract
• Invitation letter from a family member in Greece 
• A sponsorship letter if your visa is being sponsored

A verifiable flight reservation

Besides other documents, also provide proof of flight reservation for your onward travel to Greece. This document shows that you have made proper arrangements, including a round-trip flight itinerary. Moreover, booking a flight provides mental peace during travel. It is vital to mention here that while reserving a flight, thoroughly research, and choose an authentic provider so that the authorities may validate your flight details. SFRV Travels is determined to provide flight ticket for visa that can be verified from the website of the airline. You can obtain our guaranteed service for your onward travel or return trip to Greece. 

Travel health insurance

Your travel checklist is incomplete without proof of travel health insurance. For safe travel, it is paramount to purchase the coverage from an authentic site. The minimum amount of 30,000 euros is acceptable for the Greek visa. In addition to that, the document must include the name and contact details of the provider and the insured person. Once you buy the coverage, it is sufficient to provide you protection during a medical emergency, accidents, injuries, death, and evacuation for your entire stay around the Schengen zone. Besides, it also covers expenses related to luggage loss or flight cancellation.

Proof of financial sustenance

Proof of financial means is a document that serves as evidence of your financial standing. A strong proof of financial means is a deciding factor for a Greece visa from Nigeria. Therefore, provide a recent bank statement, salary slips, financial details of your parents, or a sponsorship letter that shows your capacity to fund your stay in Greece. The financial statement should exhibit that you are in a position to afford your transportation, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses during travel.

Make sure that you check the current financial requirements needed to travel to the target Schengen country.

A copy of the National ID card

It is mandatory to include a copy of your national ID card in the documents while submitting them to the visa processing authorities.

Additional Documents Needed Based on the Purpose of Your Trip

Other than the above-mentioned general essentials, ensure that you have the following supplementary documents, considering the purpose of your trip to Greece.

Visit purpose	Documents needed
Tourist visa	A detailed itinerary Proof of onward travel or return ticket
Business visa	Invitation letter from the potential employer Bank statement No Objection Certificate
Visit visa	Proof of relationship with the visiting member Their residency permit A letter of sponsorship
Work visa	Job offer letter from the Greek organization or company Employment contract Work permit
Student visa	Enrollment letter from the Greek educational institution Academic transcripts Proof of tuition fee payment

Where to Apply for the Greece Visa from Nigeria?

Greece has an Embassy in Abuja as well as a Consulate General in Lagos. Therefore, you need to visit one of the nearest centers based in your territorial jurisdiction. Other than that, you can also look for visa application centers if their services are available in your country of residence.

Address	Contact Number	E-mail
24 Agadez Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja 904101, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria	+ 234 9087812150,  + 234 9087006850	grembabuja@mfa.gr
Leventis Iddo House, Ebute-Metta, Lagos	+ 234 14408134	conslagos.gr@gmail.com

Application Process for a Greece Visa from Nigeria: Step-by-Step Guide

As discussed above, applicants planning to travel to Greece need to apply for a suitable visa. They can lodge their visa applications at either the Greek embassy or consulate located in different locations in Nigeria. Other than that, you can also look for visa application centers if they are available in the country of your residence.

Set aside, the visa application steps will be the same, as mentioned below.

Step 1: Identify the application facility

The first step should be the identification of the application facility through which you can apply for a visa. This can be a Greek Embassy or Consulate in Abuja or Lagos in Nigeria.

For further details, you can also visit the official websites of the diplomatic missions (embassy or consulate).

Step 2: Determine the visa type

After that, move to the next step, which is the determination of the visa type. This should be aligned with the purpose of your trip to the target country, i.e., Greece. Moreover, Greece offers several visa types to Nigerian citizens from which they can opt for a suitable one.

This provides a foundation for the subsequent application steps.

Step 3: Fill out the visa application form

The third step is about completing the visa application form that you can get from the website or the physical store of the embassy or consulate. For example, you can fill out the Greece Schengen visa application form through the given link.

Similarly, you can also get the application form for a National visa and provide accurate details. In case any blank is left unfilled or false details are entered, your application will lead to rejection.

Step 4: Collect the documents

Once the above steps are completed, move ahead and start gathering the visa supporting documents. For this purpose, ensure that you have a document checklist to recheck the essentials. Also, do not forget to translate the documents into either English or Greek.

Step 5: Book an appointment

Furthermore, you need to schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate by contacting the officers at the given appointment numbers. Make sure that you book the appointment slot quickly, as they fill too fast. Once done, you will receive a confirmation email having an application reference number that you can use later.

Step 6: Visit the facility

Next, visit the facility, either the embassy or the consulate, on the day of the appointment, to submit your documents and application form. Moreover, the authorities may also require you to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photos) if not been submitted in the last 59 months.

Other than that, you need to pay the visa application fee at the center in the available payment methods. Lastly, if further clarification is required, the authorities will ask you to attend a short visa interview.

Step 7: Track your application

Then, head back to your home and wait for the processing time. In the meantime, you can track the status of your application regularly through the given application reference number.

For this purpose, you can also contact the officials at the embassy or the consulate.

Step 8: Collect your passport

The last step is to collect your passport (if approved) from the same facility through which you applied for a visa. You can also get it delivered through the courier delivery if that service is available in your area of residence.

What Is The Standard Visa Processing Time For The Greece Visa?

The Greece visa processing time entirely depends on the situation surrounding the visa process. Typically, the visa processing authorities conclude the result of the Schengen visa within 10-15 working days. However, the time may differ when there is an influx of visa applications, a political or humanitarian crisis, or the application is not complete.

On the other hand, the processing time for a long-stay visa is different from a Type C visa. Thus, such applications may take around 50-60 days or more because of additional scrutiny and lengthy processing time.

Therefore, to avoid this unfortunate scenario, it is strongly advised to apply for the visa a month before your planned trip. 

Breaking Down The Greece Visa Fees For Nigerian Citizens

The visa application fee may vary as per the visa type and the age & nationality of the visa applicant. The table mentioned below showcases the visa fees and exemptions:

Visa Applicant’s Categories	Fee Amount in EUR	Fee Amount In Nigerian Naira	Visa Fee Exempted categories
Adults/grown-ups above the age of 12 years (Type C visa)	€90	1,53,558	Family members of EU/EEA and Swiss citizens. School pupils, students, post-graduate students, and accompanying teachers Researchers from third countries  Representatives of non-profit organizations  Diplomatic passport holders
Children between the ages of six to 12 years old	€45	76,779
Minors under the age of six	Gratis/Free	Gratis/Free

The above table shows the amount for a Schengen visa. Contrary to this, a long-stay or Type D visa may cost you around 180 euros, plus 150 euros for administrative fees, and 30 euros/more for VFS Global charges, if applicable. Moreover, it is important for travelers to know that fees are charged in Euros, but you will pay them in Naira. So, confirm the current exchange rate before leaving for the visa application center or the embassy.

Rejection Reasons for a Greek Visa from Nigeria

The rejection of a Greece visa from Nigeria usually stems from failing to meet Schengen visa protocols and inconsistencies in the application profile.

Look at the following common visa rejection reasons.

1. The most typical rejection reason is doubts about your intention of leaving the target country. If you are unable to prove your strong financial, professional, and family ties to Nigeria, the officials may think that you are planning to overstay.
2. Secondly, insufficient financial resources, including bank statements with inadequate balances or unexplained lump sum deposits, can raise suspicions about your application.
3. Moreover, unreliable documents or fake flight reservations are often rejected. Besides, inconsistent information between your cover letter, hotel bookings, and travel itinerary can lead to a refused application because of the inappropriate travel purpose.
4. Invalid or inadequate travel health insurance can result in rejection. This is because submitting an insurance policy is the most vital Schengen visa requirement that you need to fulfill to manage your unexpected medical and travel expenses.
5. Furthermore, missing documents, incomplete application forms containing errors about personal information, or an out-of-date passport can lead to automatic rejection.
6. Additionally, applicants with a criminal record or security concerns may be denied entry to the target country. Therefore, a criminal conviction of more than one year’s imprisonment or any alert in the SIS will be considered a threat to public safety.
7. Lastly, previous immigration history, visa rejections, or overstays in any Schengen country can negatively affect your current or future visa applications.

Post visa-rejection steps for applicants

God forbid, if your application is denied, you have two options.

• You can appeal the decision directly to the Embassy or Consulate of Greece in Nigeria. Make sure that the appeal is written in Greek and requires a Greek lawyer for the hearing. It is time-consuming, and the result is mostly not as desired.
• The second choice is to reapply for a visa if the rejection was due to weak documents (missing proof of funds). Thus, you can submit a fresh application by having up-to-date and strong evidence.

What Are Some Best Practices For The Greece Visa Approval From Nigeria?

There are numerous factors involved in prompt visa approval. However, we have collected a few best practices that can enhance the chances of visa approval.

• Thoughtfully assess the visa types and choose the one according to your interests
• Collect all the essential documents without exception
• Book an appointment for the in-person appearance
• Visit the correct visa application center for the submission of documents and biometric verification
• Double-check the application before submission
• Ensure the data contained in the supporting documents matches the information contained in the application form

FAQs- Greece Visa from Nigeria

Nigerian citizens can go through this section to learn about some frequently asked questions about a Greek visa.

1. Are Nigerians required to get a visa to visit Greece?

Yes. Nigerian citizens need a Greek visa to enter the country legally. Therefore, a Schengen visa allows you to visit the country for 90 days for tourism, business, or visit purposes. Besides, a long-stay visa grants you access to the target country for study, employment, or family reunion purposes.

2. Is it necessary to have a flight ticket before applying for a visa?

No. Embassies around the world advise the applicants to avoid real flight tickets before their visa is approved. This will help them avoid financial loss in case their visa application is rejected. Therefore, a flight reservation for visa application purposes will do the same job.

3. How long does a Greek visa from Nigeria take to reach a final decision?

It usually depends on the visa type you apply for when traveling to Greece from Nigeria. Thus, a short-stay visa typically takes 15-20 working days to reach the final stage. However, the processing time can be extended to up to 45-60 days in rare circumstances.

4. Can I travel to other countries with a Greek visa?

Yes. If your Greek Schengen visa is valid, you can visit the rest of the 28 European countries without applying for a separate visa. You just need to ensure that Greece is your primary destination or first point of entry.

5. What if I am applying for a Greek visa for a minor?

If you are applying for a Greek visa for a minor, you need to submit a birth certificate of the minor and a notarized consent letter signed by both parents if traveling alone or with only one parent. In case of parents’ separation, a court order letter is needed.

6. Is it possible to get a Greek residency permit through investment?

Yes. You can obtain a 5-year residency permit via the Greek Golden Visa program. According to this, Nigerian investors need to purchase real estate worth at least 250,000 euros or higher in some regions.

7. Do I need to have travel health insurance for a Greek visa?

Yes. Having travel health insurance is one of the mandatory requirements of a Schengen visa. Thus, make sure that the policy provides a coverage amount of 30,000 euros to bear unexpected medical and travel emergencies and stays valid for the entire Schengen Area.

Conclusion: The Crux Of The Write-Up

“A man who doesn’t plan long ahead will find trouble at his door.” – Confucius 

The importance of a well-thought-out travel plan cannot be disputed. No travel is successful without a meticulously drawn strategy that includes key requirements. Therefore, if you intend to embark on an incredible journey to Greece from Nigeria, all you need to do is delineate your visa type, travel itinerary, and the places you intend to visit in Greece. Moreover, it is also key to understand the document requirements, such as the passport, proof of accommodation, and flight ticket. By reading this article, you will be in a position to get a Greece visa from Nigeria to travel far and wide! 

Besides, you can also get your travel documents, including a flight booking, hotel reservation, and travel medical insurance, from SFRV Travels easily.

Read also:

Lithuania Visa from Nigeria → Learn how Nigerian citizens can apply for a Lithuania visa, including the required documents, visa fees, and step-by-step application guidance.

Norway Visa for Nigerian Citizens → Discover the essential requirements and procedures for applying for a Norway visa for Nigerian citizens for tourism, study, or business purposes.

Iceland Visa from Nigeria → Explore the complete process for obtaining an Iceland visa from Nigeria, from eligibility and documents to visa appointment details.

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