Everything you need to know about travelling from UAE to Greece
If you want to go on a vacation without breaking the bank, Greece should definitely be on your list. The Mediterranean country is one of the top holiday destinations for people residing in the UAE. Tourists swarm to this beautiful region because of its incredible beaches, rich culture, and unrivalled dining scene. Here’s our guide on how you can travel from UAE to Greece hassle-free and on a budget.
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT GREECE?
It’s safe to say that Greece ticks all the boxes when it comes to a cost-effective travel destination that offers plenty of things to do.
From exploring the stunning well-trodden hilltop trails and mesmerising mountain towns to endless white-sandy beaches, there’s so much to explore in this magnificent country. It’s also a great option to go for a honeymoon from the UAE. Let’s find out some of the other reasons why you should pay this beautiful country a visit.
THE WEATHER IS PERFECT
Due to its southern location on the Mediterranean, Greece enjoys beautiful weather. Summer, spring and autumn seasons are all perfect for a visit. Rain is rare between June and September and temperatures during the day are high.
THE FOOD IS GREAT
Greek cuisine is another reason why you should visit! The awesome food will definitely be a highlight of your trip. Simple ingredients with traditional cooking techniques combine to give your taste buds a much-needed treat.
Make the most of the Mediterranean diet, particularly at a restaurant overlooking the stunning beach or sea views. Some of the dishes you should try are stifado, fava, spanakopita, souvlaki, moussaka and kleftiko.
DISCOVER WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Greece is where modern civilisation started so it’s not surprising to see an abundance of ancient historical sites. History buffs can discover the most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites located in Athens and other parts of the country.
Here are some of the sites worth exploring in different parts of Greece:
- The Acropolis, Athens
- Meteora
- Mount Athos
- Philippi
- Delos
- Medieval City of Rhodes
- The archaeological sites of Aigai (Vergina), Delphi, Mystras, Olympia, Mycenae and Tiryns
- Historic Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint John on Patmos
- Medieval City of Rhodes
- Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
- Old Town of Corfu
- Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki
- Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
- Sanctuary of Asklepios and ancient theatre at Epidaurus
- Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
DIVINE BEACHES
Greece is home to some incredible beaches. Santorini Red Beach is a rare sight and it should definitely be on your list when you travel from UAE to Greece.
The Red Beach is enclosed by steep red hills that create a captivating sight. Explore the volcanic rocks and collect tiny pebbles in varying colours as souvenirs.
Notable beaches in other parts of Greece that you can explore are located in Milos, Crete, Kalamata and Mykonos.
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELLING FROM UAE TO GREECE
UAE CITIZENS
UAE citizens do not require a Greece visa if they visit the country for 90 days or less. For stays longer than 90 days, they can apply for a long-term “national visa” or a short-term “Schengen visa.”
However, starting in November 2023, there will be modifications to the visa-free travel to Europe policy. To enter any of the Schengen nations, all visa-exempt citizens—including Emirati nationals—will need to register with ETIAS.
It’s essential to note that European Travel Information and Authorisation System is not a visa but a visa waiver programme for visa-exempt non-EU citizens.
Valid for three years, the ETIAS short application form will be available online. The applicant will be notified via email, and the approved visa waiver will be electronically connected to their passport.
Once the form is complete and verified, it will allow you to visit all Schengen States. However, it’s essential that passengers go through the country selected as the first point of entry, in this case, Greece. Make sure to apply for the form 96 hours before your journey.
Within this three-year time limit, UAE citizens can visit Greece multiple times for up to 90 days (each entry) for tourism, transit, business, family and medical treatment.
The ETIAS form will cost €7 (AED 25). Travellers under the age of 18 and over the age of 70 will be exempted from paying a fee.
UAE RESIDENTS
Foreigners living in UAE on a residence permit (nationals of any of the countries that do not have a visa-free policy with the Schengen countries) will require a visa to travel to Greece. Travellers planning a short-term visit to Greece can apply for Schengen Visa.
APPLY FOR SCHENGEN VISA
Here is the procedure for applying for a visa to travel from UAE to Greece:
- Download the Application Form and fill it in with all the required information. Print and sign the copies.
- Schedule a time to visit a Visa Application Center to get your fingerprints and photo taken.
- Pay the fee at the Visa Application Centre
- Attend the visa interview. Take all required documents with you.
- You will receive an email about your visa application. Alternatively, you can track your application status online by using the Reference Number mentioned on the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre.
- Collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Schengen Visa Application Requirements for UAE Residents are as follows:
- Application Form
- Passport (Not older than 10 years and with a validity of at least three months)
- Two photos (Not older than three months and that meet the requirements of the Schengen states)
- Proof of residence permit in UAE (Valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure)
- Travel Flight Itinerary (demonstrating your reservation of a flight from the United Arab Emirates to the Schengen Zone and back on the precise dates you intend to enter and exit this region.)
- Cover letter specifying your reason for visiting Europe, the countries you wish to see, how long you want to stay there, and other pertinent information.
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means (This can be a bank account statement, Sponsorship Letter or a combination of both.)
- Europe Travel Insurance
Note that all visa applications for visiting Greece are processed by VFS Dubai Visa Application Centre. It is located in Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2. Visit the VFS website for more information.
VISA APPLICATION FEE
Applicants must pay a non-refundable visa fee to apply for a Schengen visa. The current Schengen visa price cap for those travelling from UAE to Greece is as follows:
- Fee: 340 AED for adults | 170 AED (6 to 12-year-old child)
- Additional Cost: AED 88
Passport holders with diplomatic or military status and family members of a citizen of the EU or EEA won’t have to pay the visa fee. There is also no fee for children under the age of six.
BOOK YOUR TICKET FROM UAE TO GREECE
Emirates offers return flights from Dubai to Athens for roughly AED 2000, although prices may vary depending on when you book your flight. It is one of the popular destinations with cheap flights from Dubai.
The flight time between DXB and Athens is generally 5 hours or more. You can book a complete holiday package at an unbeatable price from travel agencies and various airlines.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS QUARANTINE REQUIRED FOR ENTERING GREECE?
No quarantine restrictions are no longer valid for passengers. However, it’s essential to consult your embassy or the airport authorities before your travel to Greece.
ARE UAE CITIZENS ALLOWED VISA-FREE ENTRY INTO GREECE?
Yes, UAE citizens are eligible for visa-free entry, but it’s always better to consult the official Greek Embassy website before making travel plans to Greece from the UAE.
This concludes our guide about how to travel from UAE to Greece. Summer is the perfect time to visit this stunning destination in the Mediterranean.
Dubai enjoys a strategic global position that makes it convenient for residents to travel around the world. History buffs love travelling to Egypt from the UAE and discovering the hidden treasures of the Pharaohs.
If you’re interested in other destinations that aren’t too far from home, travelling to Armenia from the UAE is an excellent option. You can also consider travelling to Georgia from UAE if you’re looking for affordable holiday destinations.
Both Georgia and Armenia are visa-free countries for UAE residents. However, in order to travel to these countries you must have a UAE residence visa valid for at least six months. For Dubai visa check by passport number only, you can log on to ICA Smart Services.
