The ETIAS for British citizens visiting Greece and other European Union countries is mandatory starting mid-2025. This guide outlines the ETIAS requirements for British nationals traveling to Greece, including who needs an ETIAS, when to apply, and necessary documents.
Don’t let ETIAS regulations catch you off guard; read on to ensure a smooth journey to your European destination.
Do I need an ETIAS when traveling to Greece?
Yes, you need an ETIAS when traveling to Greece starting mid-2025.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is required if you:
- Are a British national holding no passports in European Union (EU) countries that require an ETIAS
- Are traveling to Greece or any EU country for tourism, medical, business, or cultural reasons
- Will be staying in the EU for 90 days or less within a 180-day period
If you are planning to stay in Greece or any EU country for longer than 90 days, check the visa requirements with the country’s consulate in the UK.
I am a British citizen who permanently lives in Greece. Do I need an ETIAS?
No, you do not need an ETIAS if you are a long-term resident of Greece.
The ETIAS is a system that allows British citizens to visit EU countries without needing a visa for short visits.
If you already have permission to live in Greece or other European countries, like a residence permit or card, you will not need to get an ETIAS authorization to travel.
When should I apply for an ETIAS for my trip to Greece?
It is recommended to apply for your ETIAS travel authorization before you purchase tickets or book hotels.
Usually, applications are processed quickly, often within minutes, and at most within 96 hours.
However, the authorities might require you to provide extra information or documents, or even have an interview with authorities from their country. This could take an extra 30 days.
What requirements do I need to apply for an ETIAS?
To apply for an ETIAS, you need the following:
- Valid British Passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months from the date you submit your application.
- ETIAS Application Form: This is found in the official ETIAS application platform. Fill in your passport details, personal information, and the first EU country you will be entering.
- Relevant Medical History and Criminal Record: Be honest about these fields in the application, as they will be double-checked with existing records.
- ETIAS Application Fee: The fee costs €7 and is paid through debit or credit card.
Can I apply for an ETIAS even if my passport expires in less than three months?
Although you can technically apply for an ETIAS even if your passport is valid for less than three months from the date you submit the application, it is important to understand that you will likely be denied entry at the border.
Unless you have compelling reasons, such as humanitarian grounds, you should expect refusal.
I finished applying for an ETIAS. When can I expect to receive the outcome of my application?
You will get an email once your ETIAS application has been processed. If you don’t see it in your inbox, make sure to check your email’s junk folder.
My ETIAS application was denied. Can I apply again?
Yes, you can apply for an ETIAS application again after your first one was denied. A past rejection does not guarantee a rejection for a new ETIAS application.
Aside from an ETIAS, what other documents do I need to enter Greece?
Aside from a valid ETIAS, you may have to show a return or onward ticket to the Greek border authorities. This will prove that you will be leaving Greece during the required 90-day limit.
You may also have to show authorities proof that you have enough money during your stay in Greece.
My ETIAS travel authorization was revoked while I was traveling to Greece. What should I do?
If your ETIAS travel authorization gets canceled or revoked, you will receive an email explaining the next steps if you want to challenge that decision.
If you lose your travel permission because you lost your passport and got a new one, you might also be able to apply for a new ETIAS travel authorization.
Should I print my ETIAS travel authorization when going to Greece?
No, there’s no need to print your ETIAS travel authorization. The airline check-in staff and border guards have access to your travel authorization in their system. However, it is a good idea to have a printed copy with you for easy reference.
Stay informed about the latest ETIAS news to know what you need before applying. If you’re visiting other European countries, check our country guides to find out what documents you’ll need at the border.