Apply for a Greece Visit Visa from Pakistan

If you’re planning to explore Greece, whether for tourism, business, or to visit family members, you’ll need to apply for a Greece visit visa from Pakistan. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, and a successful visa application grants you the right to visit not just Greece but other Schengen countries. This step-by-step guide will help you understand the process, required documents, and tips to increase your chances of approval.

Introduction

Applying for a Greece visit visa from Pakistan is essential if you travel to Greece for a short stay. The visa type you’ll use for is the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), which allows you to stay in Greece and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.

In this guide, we’ll cover the necessary visa application process and the required documents and provide tips to help ensure your visa application is successful.

Determine the Type of Visa

Before beginning your application, it’s essential to understand the different types of visas available for travel to Greece. For Pakistani citizens, the most common visa for tourism is the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C). This visa allows you to travel to Greece and other Schengen zone countries.

• Single Entry Visa: The most typical visa issued for short visits allows you to enter Greece once during the visa’s validity period.
• Multiple Entry Visa: You may apply for a multiple-entry visa if you plan to visit Greece and other Schengen countries more than once within 180 days.

If you’re traveling to Greece for business purposes, you can still apply for a Schengen visa. However, you might not need to submit additional documents, such as an invitation letter from your business partner in Greece.

Documents Required

You must prepare several key documents for a successful Greece Schengen visa application. Below is a comprehensive list of the required documents:

1. Visa Application Form: Complete the Schengen visa application form. You can download this from the Greek Embassy website or complete it online.
2. Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Greece and should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
3. Photographs: You will need two recent passport-sized color photographs (35mm x 45mm) with a white background. Ensure they meet the Schengen visa standards.
4. Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose of travel, the duration of your stay, and your travel plans. This helps the embassy understand why you are visiting Greece.
5. Travel Itinerary: Include confirmed flight bookings, showing both entry and exit from Greece. Also, provide hotel reservations or accommodation details for the duration of your stay.
6. Travel Insurance: You must provide proof of travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation. The policy should have a minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid throughout the Schengen area.
7. Financial Means: Provide evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay. This could be bank statements from the last 3 months, proof of employment, or a salary slip.
8. Accommodation Details: You will need a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host in Greece if you’re staying with friends or family. Your host should also provide a copy of their residence permit, Greek visa, and Czech Republic visa, if applicable.
9. Additional Documents: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide further information, such as a Family Registration Certificate or a Chamber of Commerce Certificate if you are self-employed.

Visa Application Process

The visa application process for a Greece visit visa is straightforward, but it’s essential to follow the steps carefully:

1. Schedule an Appointment: First, visit the Greek embassy or consulate in Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore. You may need to schedule an appointment online or through a visa application center like VFS Global.
2. Submit Documents: On your appointment, submit the required documents in person. Don’t forget to bring your travel document (passport) and all supporting paperwork.
3. Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fee is approximately €80, which can be paid with an embassy visa or VFS Global Center. Make sure to pay the service fee typically charged for handling your visa application.

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Greece visit visa usually takes between 10 to 15 working days. However, processing times can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications or the specifics of your case. You can track your visa application process status online if you apply through VFS Global.

After Submission

Once your visa application is submitted, the Greek Embassy will process it. Here’s what to expect:

• Visa Interview: In some cases, the embassy might ask you to attend an interview to clarify your purpose of travel and finances. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and personal background.
• Visa Approval/Denial: You will receive an update regarding the status of your application. If approved, you’ll get a Greek visa stamped in your passport. If denied, the embassy will inform you of the reasons for the rejection.
• Additional Documents: The embassy might request additional documents at any process stage. It’s essential to respond promptly to avoid delays.

Important Tips

Here are a few essential tips to increase your chances of a successful application:

• Do Not Book Non-refundable Tickets. Wait until your visa is approved before booking your flights or making hotel reservations. This will help prevent financial loss if your visa application is rejected.
• Check Visa Validity: Before making travel plans, ensure your visa validity matches your intended travel dates. It’s essential to plan your trip within the approved duration of your stay.
• Prepare for the Interview: If called for an interview, be ready to discuss your travel plans and provide clear answers about the purpose of your visit.
• Track Your Application: Use the online services offered by VFS Global or the Greek Embassy to track your application’s status.

Conclusion

The Greece visit visa application process from Pakistan is relatively straightforward if you follow all the necessary steps. Remember to gather all the required documents, be clear about the purpose of travel, and follow up regularly with the Embassy of Greece for any updates.

Plan to ensure you have sufficient time to gather your documents, complete the visa forms, and wait for processing. Being thorough and prepared will increase your chances of obtaining your Greek visa smoothly and quickly.

Ask Global Gate Way also provides airport transit visas, student visas, work visas, and visit visas to other countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Saudi A for Pakistani passport holders.