🇷🇺Russian Federation

🇬🇷GreeceRU-GR

Russian Federation to Greece visa requirements

Q: Does ETIAS apply to Russian travellers going to Greece?

No. ETIAS is only for nationalities that are visa-exempt. Russians need a full Schengen visa, so ETIAS is not an option for them.

Q: How long can I stay in Greece with a Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the dates printed on your visa.

Q: Can Russians still get a multiple-entry Schengen visa?

Generally no. Since 7 November 2025 the European Commission suspended multiple-entry visas for Russians residing in Russia, so most applicants receive single-entry visas and must reapply for each trip.

Q: How much does the Greece Schengen visa cost for Russians?

The visa fee is EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children 6–11, free under 6), plus a visa centre service fee of roughly 2,550 RUB.

Q: What is the EES and does it affect my entry?

The EU Entry/Exit System records biometric entry/exit data of non-EU travellers at Schengen external borders. It began a phased rollout on 12 October 2025 with full implementation by 10 April 2026, so expect biometric registration on arrival.

A Russian ordinary passport holder needs a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Greece for tourism. There is no visa-free, eVisa, or visa-on-arrival channel, and ETIAS does not apply to Russians (it is only for visa-exempt nationals). Since November 2025 the EU issues Russians single-entry visas only. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, and Russia is not on the EU's visa-exempt list, so Russian ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen Uniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C) before travelling. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Applications must be lodged in person (with biometric fingerprinting) at the Greek consulate or its authorised visa application centre in Russia, typically 15 days to 6 months before travel. The EU fully suspended its Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia in September 2022, making the process slower, costlier, and subject to enhanced security scrutiny. As of 7 November 2025, the European Commission effectively suspended issuance of multiple-entry Schengen visas to Russian nationals residing in Russia, so most applicants now receive single-entry visas and must reapply for each trip. ETIAS does NOT apply to Russian passport holders because it covers only visa-exempt travellers; Russians remain in the full visa regime. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began a phased rollout from 12 October 2025 (full implementation by 10 April 2026), recording biometric entry/exit data at Schengen external borders.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen Uniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C), single-entry

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single entry (multiple-entry visas suspended for Russians since Nov 2025)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 visa fee + service fee (approx. 2,550 RUB)

consular fee only

Processing time

15 to 45 calendar days

standard track

Validity

Issued for the duration of the planned trip; max 90/180 days short stay

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm trip details and visa type

Determine your travel dates and purpose. For tourism choose the Schengen Type C short-stay visa. Apply no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 calendar days before departure. If Greece is your main destination (longest stay), apply through Greece.

· Type C· 15 days–6 months ahead

/02

Gather required documents

Prepare a passport (issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond return), two recent 35x45mm photos, travel medical insurance (min EUR 30,000), confirmed flights and hotel bookings, proof of sufficient funds, and a completed application form.

· Insurance EUR 30,000· 2 photos

/03

Book an appointment

Schedule an appointment at the Greek consulate or its authorised visa application centre (GVCWorld) in Moscow, St Petersburg, or another regional centre in Russia.

· In-person· GVCWorld

/04

Attend appointment and give biometrics

Submit your application in person, provide fingerprints and a digital photo (biometrics are valid for reuse for 59 months), and pay the visa and service fees.

· Biometrics· Fingerprints

/05

Wait for processing

Standard processing is 15 days but may extend to 30–45 days when consultation with other Schengen states is required. Track your application via the visa centre.

· 15–45 days

/06

Collect passport and verify visa

Retrieve your passport, check the visa sticker for correct dates, number of entries, and authorised stay, then prepare for EES biometric registration on entry.

· Check sticker· EES at border

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

Russian Federation -> Greece · Schengen Uniform Short-Stay Visa (Type C), single-entry

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPassport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredTwo recent biometric photos (35x45mm, white background)

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredTravel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid across Schengen

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation)

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of sufficient financial means for the stay (bank statements)

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RequiredVisa fee EUR 90 plus service fee paid

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredFingerprints / biometric data (in person, unless given in last 59 months)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RecommendedEmployment proof or other evidence of ties to Russia (return intent)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesEuropean Commission – EU visa measures for Russian citizens Greece Schengen Visa from Russia – Official Visa Centre (GVCWorld)Hellenic Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visas

Application link included: European Commission – EU visa measures for Russian citizens

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard fee; raised from EUR 35 after EU suspended visa facilitation with Russia

Schengen visa fee (child 6–11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

Visa centre service feeapprox. 2,550 RUBCharged by authorised application centre (incl. 22% VAT)

Optional courier / regional deliveryvariesAdditional delivery time up to 10 working days for regional centres

Total estimateEUR 90 (plus approx. 2,550 RUB service fee) — EUR 90 + service and optional courier fees (approx. EUR 120 equivalent total)incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

15 calendar days

Typical decision time for a complete application with no additional consultation

Extended processing

30–45 calendar days

When the consulate requires consultation with other Schengen Member States or additional documents

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Russia is not a visa-exempt nationality for the Schengen Area

Russia does not hold a visa-waiver agreement with the EU, so a Schengen visa is mandatory for all short stays in Greece.

High

/02

EU suspended the Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia (Sept 2022)

Russian applicants face the full visa fee, longer processing, and enhanced scrutiny rather than facilitated terms.

High

/03

Multiple-entry visas suspended for Russians (Nov 2025)

Russian nationals residing in Russia generally receive only single-entry visas and must reapply for each trip.

Medium

/04

ETIAS does not cover Russian passport holders

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationals; Russians remain in the full visa regime and cannot use it as an alternative.

Medium

/05

Enhanced security review

Member States may conduct thorough case-by-case reviews of Russian applications, sometimes lengthening processing.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

Russia to Greece route verified

Confirmed Russian ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C visa for Greece. Verified single-entry-only policy (Commission decision 7 Nov 2025), EUR 90 fee, and that ETIAS does not apply. EES phased rollout noted (from 12 Oct 2025, full by 10 Apr 2026).

/09 — The questions