Greece Visa from Dubai for UAE Residents – Steps to Apply
Greece is one of the trendy countries full of beautiful places and picturesque cities like Santorini and Mykonos. Likewise, it has a rich history portrayed in its buildings and is regarded as the cradle of Western civilization. Thus, making it an attractive travel destination for Dubai residents.
Moreover, the country is a good place for students to learn and grow professionally. Therefore, making it a place full of opportunities for people from all walks of life.
However, to visit this paradise country, you need a travel permit.
Thus, it is important to know how to get your residency permit while you are residing in Al Ain. We will introduce you to all the requirements and procedures for applying and getting your Greek ID.
So, read along for a Greece visa Dubai.
Greece Visa Types
To facilitate travelers, GRE is offering two types of passports to Dubai residents. So, depending on your requirements, you can apply for the required immigration permit.
Moreover, it is important to understand your requirements and purpose of travel and apply for the appropriate type. Since, formalities and requirements for both visa types are different.
Hence, it is important to apply for the right documentation type to avoid unnecessary hurdles in getting your travel document.
Schengen Visa
It is a short-term visa that will allow you to stay in the country for 90 days. Moreover, it is perfectly suited for those travelers who are making a recreational visit.
National Visa
If you intend to stay in Greek for more than 90 days, then you must apply for this type of document. Further, it will be helpful for students and executives who plan to explore and stay in the market.
Greece Visa Dubai Checklist
Before you initiate your travel request, the important part is to make a checklist of all requirements and keep track of it. Further, it will help you save time, effort and money in timely getting your permit.
Here is a detailed list of documents needed to apply for a Schengen Greece visa from Dubai.
- Application Form: Obtain an application from the Consulate website, fill it out, and sign both copies.
- Photographs: Two colored photographs not taken more than three months ago. It should be 35x45mm, with a face covering 70-80% of the frame. Moreover, it must have a gray background without any patterns. Further, you must have your mouth closed and avoid wearing clothes matching background colors.
- Passport: You must have a valid passport that is not older than 10 years and has a validity of a minimum of three months. So, get your passport renewed if you do not meet this criterion.
- Cover Letter: A document explaining your purpose of travel to the Greek Islands, the time you will spend there, and how you will spend your time.
- UAE Resident Proof: You must have a resident permit with a minimum expiry of 3 months after the intended date of departure from the country.
- Financial Proof: Evidence of your financial support ensuring that you can support yourself financially throughout your stay in Athens. It could include the last 3 months’ bank statement and a sponsorship letter with his bank statement from the last 3 months.
- Travel Itinerary: you also need to provide proof in the form of confirmed flight bookings of your travel from and back to Dubai and Greece.
- Accommodation Proof: A document like a hotel booking proving where you intend to stay in the country. You can also submit a letter of invitation from a family member or friend or a rent agreement.
- Travel Insurance: A document ensuring you have health insurance covering Cyprus with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Greece Visa Application Process from Dubai
You can easily apply for a Greece visa Dubai by following a set of steps that are mentioned below. Unfortunately, you currently cannot apply for an online authorization; however, it is still an easy task to complete.
Step 1: Download Visa Application
- Firstly, you need to download the applicant’s form from the official website of the Embassy at Visas.
- You must fill out the complete form and take it with you to the embassy centers (along with the required documents as mentioned previously) for submission.
- You can apply by visiting the Greek embassy located at Villa 1, 6-14 Ghbaynah Str., Al Bateen, P.O. Box 5483, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Step 2: Schedule Interview Appointment
- After you have submitted your VFS form, the next step is to book an interview appointment by clicking on this link: Book an appointment | vfsglobal
- You need to get your fingerprints and photographs taken at a service center.
- You will get an email and letter of confirmation for your interview date and time.
- If you are traveling in-group, each member of the group will receive separate appointments.
- Be punctual when you appear for the interview since any delay could cause the appointment to be canceled.
- Furthermore, you can check the schedule of an existing appointment.
Step 3: Make the Payment
- The next step is to make the fee; you can pay through cash or card on the counter when you visit for an interview.
- Your form will serve the purpose of payment receipt, so you do not need any other document to make the payment.
The following fee slabs are mandatory and non-refundable, although this keeps changing over time; current charges are listed below.
- Adults: AED 340
- Child (6-12 years): AED 170
- Child (under 6 years): Free
- Holder of diplomatic service passport: Free
- A family member of an EU/EEA national: Free
Step 4: Attend Visa Interview
Interview is the main part of your green card process. You must ensure you arrive on time on the date of the appointment, dress properly, and bring all required documents with you.
Here are key points to keep in mind while appearing for a Greece visa Dubai interview.
- Make sure you arrive at the embassy at least 10 minutes before your interview.
- Sending someone else on your behalf to the interview will not get you in.
- Take a print of your application and bring it with you.
- Bring your valid passport with a minimum of 2 blank pages in it.
- Bring all supporting documents (originals and copies)
- Pay the fee
- As part of the interview process, you should undergo biometric screenings.
- Also, ensure your fingers are honed and any cuts or abrasions are not visible.
- If you miss your appointment, make sure to get a fresh appointment after 24 hours from your original appointment.
Biometric Exemption
Biometric verification is not required for the following individuals:
- Children under the age of 12
- The collection of fingerprints is physically impossible. Such persons must submit a medical certificate to support their claim.
- If you are head of a state or a member of a national government and traveling for official purposes.
Step 5: Awaiting Response
- Once you have successfully submitted all prerequisites of your submission, you will receive an email and SMS about updates on the process.
- You can also visit in person and get an update on the process.
Step 6: Passport Collection
- After your travel document form is approved, you can either get your passport yourself or have it delivered through a courier for an additional fee.
- Make sure to bring the visa center’s receipt when collecting your document.
- You can also designate someone else to pick up your passport. It will need your authorization letter and the passport center’s receipt.
Greece Visa Fees for Dubai Applicants
Upon applying for immigration in Dubai, you will be required to pay this mandatory, non-refundable fee.
Fee for Adults
- For applicants over the age of 12, the processing fee is 340 AED (approx. 92 USD).
Fee for Children
- For children between the ages of 6-12, the cost is 170 AED (approx. 46 USD).
- Children under age 6 are exempt from paying the entry fee.
Other Exemptions
- Diplomatic and service passport holders do not have to pay the Schengen fee.
- Family members of EU/EEA nationals are also exempt from the fee.
VFS Dubai Centre Service Fee
- In addition to the fee, the Dubai VFS Application Centre charges a service fee of 88 AED (approx. 24 USD).
- This fee can be paid in cash or by card.
Checking Your Greece Visa Application Status Dubai
The VFS visa provides an online tracking service that lets you monitor your request status while it is being processed. Hence, it is useful for getting real-time updates rather than having to call or visit the application center.
Prerequisites
Before you can track your application online, you will need:
- Your reference number printed on the receipt issued by the application center
- Your last name or surname as written in your submission
These steps will guide you through using the tracking system:
Step 1: Visit the VFS Website
You can access the VFS.Global application website by clicking on the following link: Application Tracking
Step 2: Enter Details
Under the “Track Your Application” section, enter your reference number and last name in the required fields.
Step 3: Solve Captcha & Submit
Upon checking the captcha box and clicking the submit button, you will receive an update regarding your Greece Visa Dubai application.
Greece Visa Application Centre in Dubai
The VFS Global Centre in Dubai processes all passport queries for UAE residents. It is located in Wafi Mall, Dubai.
- Address: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai
- Operating Hours: The Greece Visa Application Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Request for Submission: Applications can be submitted from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Passport Return: Passport collection with processed documents is also from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays.
FAQs
How long does a Greece visa take in Dubai?
After you have successfully submitted your visa application, authorities generally take 10-15 working days to decide on your submission.
How much bank balance is required for a Greece tourist visa?
Although the number changes from time to time and depending on the duration of your stay. However, you must have a minimum of 15,000 AED in your account if you are planning to stay for 5 days. Further, you can present a bank statement, cash, credit card statement, or pay slip to support your financial strength.
What is the best time to visit Greece?
The best time to visit Greece is late spring (May) and autumn (Sep-Oct). During this period, the weather stays clear, with no rain and fewer people around. Since winter is colder and rainier, thus avoid visiting the country from late October until mid-Match.
Can I apply for a Greek visa online?
Currently, you cannot apply for a Greece visa Dubai online, so you must download, complete, and submit the application in hard form at the embassy.
Do I need a visa to visit Greece from Dubai?
Yes! Dubai residents need permission to visit Greece for both short and long-term visits. Therefore, get your entry permit prior to booking flights and hotels.
Final Thoughts
Greece has appeared as a preferred holiday destination for Dubai residents. However, make sure to get your travel document before making your plans. Further, you can apply for a Greece visa Dubai by downloading the request form from the official page of the Greek embassy.
Additionally, you must submit complete documents along with supported documents by paying the fee at the passport center. Then, you need to appear for an interview and get a decision on approval or rejection of your request by email.
The whole process generally takes 2 weeks after you have submitted your online form. Further, you can re-apply for the permit if your request is initially rejected.
We wish you good luck with your embassy application.