Skip to main content

Greece Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens need a Schengen visa (short-stay Type C) for Greece — apply at the Greek embassy/consulate or approved visa center; visa fee 80 EUR; typical processing 15 days (up to 60 days); stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period; multiple-entry possible depending on the visa granted.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen area and have at least two blank pages for visas and stamps.
  • Schengen visa application form: The official Schengen visa application form for Greece, completed and signed; if available, fill online and print; form is referenced on the Greek MFA site https://www.mfa.gr/
  • Financial proof: Bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing sufficient funds to cover the stay; no fixed minimum is published, but provide enough to cover accommodation and daily expenses (typical guidance ~= 50–60 EUR per day plus return travel costs).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Hotel bookings or an official invitation letter from a host; confirmed round-trip airline ticket or travel itinerary.
  • Photo specs: Two recent, identical passport photos, 35x45 mm, white background, full-face visibility, no rotated images; photos should be taken within the last 6 months.
  • Biometrics: Biometric data collection is required for first-time applicants; submit at the visa application center or consulate during your appointment.
  • Travel health insurance: Travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation; valid for the entire Schengen area and during the entire stay.
  • Other: If traveling with minors, or if one parent is absent, provide appropriate parental consent and custody documents as required by the embassy.

Visa types

  • Schengen short-stay visa Type C (Tourism) — Official name: Schengen visa (short-stay) Type C; Validity: up to 90 days within a 180-day period; Entry: single or multiple; Approx fee: 80 EUR.
  • Schengen short-stay visa Type C (Business) — Official name: Schengen visa (short-stay) Type C; Validity: up to 90 days within a 180-day period; Entry: single or multiple; Approx fee: 80 EUR.
  • Schengen short-stay visa Type C (Visit) — Official name: Schengen visa (short-stay) Type C; Validity: up to 90 days within a 180-day period; Entry: single or multiple; Approx fee: 80 EUR.
  • Greek National Visa Type D (Student) — Official name: Greek National Visa (Type D) for study; Validity: initially up to 12 months (renewable); Max stay: duration of study up to renewal; Entry: typically single-entry; Approx fee: 180 EUR.
  • Greek National Visa Type D (Work) — Official name: Greek National Visa (Type D) for employment; Validity: initially up to 12 months (renewable); Max stay: duration of work (renewable); Entry: typically single-entry; Approx fee: 180 EUR.
  • Greek National Visa Type D (Family reunification) — Official name: Greek National Visa (Type D) for family reunification; Validity: initially up to 12 months (renewable); Max stay: duration of family reunification arrangement (renewable); Entry: typically single-entry; Approx fee: 180 EUR.
  • Other long-stay categories (e.g., research, internships) — Official name: Greek National Visa (Type D) for respective purpose; Validity: up to 12 months initially (renewable); Entry: typically single-entry; Approx fee: 180 EUR.

Application process

  • How to apply: For Greece, most applicants submit a Sticker visa through the Greek embassy/consulate in China or via an authorized visa service center (the exact center can be confirmed on the official MFA Greece site). Check https://www.mfa.gr/ for current arrangements and the list of visa centers in China.
  • How to apply (Schengen short-stay Type C): 1) Gather all required documents as listed in the sections above. 2) Complete the Schengen visa application form. 3) Book an appointment with the designated visa service center or the Greek embassy/consulate. 4) Attend the appointment with all documents and biometrics if required. 5) Pay the visa fee. 6) Wait for processing and receive the decision; the visa is affixed to your passport if approved.
  • How approval arrives: If approved, the visa sticker is placed in your passport and you will be notified to collect it or it will be returned with your passport by mail if offered by the center.
  • Processing times: Standard processing is typically 15 calendar days from the date of your application; in complex cases, processing can take up to 60 days.
  • Interview: An interview may be required or requested by the consulate in some cases.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (Schengen Type C): 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6–11; free for children under 6.
  • VFS/BLS or visa center service fee: varies by center, typically 25–40 EUR per application; check the exact amount on the service center's site for your city.
  • Total cost estimate: 80 EUR + service fee (approx 25–40 EUR) = roughly 105–120 EUR per application (before any express fees).
  • Standard processing time: typically 15 calendar days; can take up to 60 days in exceptional cases.
  • Express/priority option: some visa centers offer expedited processing at additional cost; availability and price vary by center and city.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: start the process at least 3–6 weeks before your planned travel; peak seasons may require longer timelines.
  • Common rejection reasons for Chinese applicants: incomplete or inconsistent documentation; insufficient financial means or mismatched funds; lack of clear travel itinerary or accommodation proof; travel insurance not meeting minimum requirements; inconsistent data across documents; failure to demonstrate intent to return.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy: check whether your city uses a direct Greek consulate appointment or a third-party visa service; use the official MFA Greece site to verify the current procedure and designated centers in China.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: verify current travel advisories from both the Greek and Chinese governments prior to applying; ensure your passport has sufficient validity; keep updated on any changes related to Schengen policy or Greek visa rules.
  • Extension options inside Greece: a short-stay Schengen visa (Type C) cannot be extended beyond 90 days in a 180-day period. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Greek national visa (Type D) or residence permit from within Greece or before arrival; consult the Greek migration authorities for eligibility and procedures.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for China passport holders

JapanSouth KoreaThailandSingaporeAustraliaUnited StatesView all →

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.