Greece Visa Guide for Indian Citizens in UK Complete Application Guide 2025
Yes, Indian citizens residing in London need a Schengen visa to travel to Greece. Your Indian nationality not your UK residence decides whether or not you need a visa for Greece. You'll need to apply at the TLScontact Visa Application Centre in London, located at 66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT.
Athens, Greece
Parthenon, Acropolis
Santorini, Greece
Iconic blue domes
Thessaloniki, Greece
Waterfront promenade
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Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for a Greece Visa from London or the UK?
To apply for a Greece visa from London or anywhere in the UK, you need to be a legal resident in the UK.
UK Residency Requirements
- ✓ Must hold a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a valid residence visa; applications on a visitor visa won't be accepted
- ✓ Your residency status should be valid for the entire duration of your visa application process and ideally beyond your planned travel dates
- ✓ From my experience, it is better to have 6 months valid afterwards to reduce the risk of rejection.
Basic Eligibility Criterias
- ✓ Generally, applicants should be at least 18 years old or have parental consent if younger
- ✓ Passport must be valid for at least 3 to 6 months after your intended departure from Greece
- ✓ Purpose of visit must align with allowed categories like tourism, business, or family visits; other purposes may require different visa types
Who Cannot Apply
Those who are only in the UK on a visitor visa or have an expired or invalid residence permit can't apply for a Greece visa from the UK. Also, applicants with unresolved immigration violations or who pose security risks might be excluded.
Documents Checklist for Greece Visa Application: Indian Nationals Residing in London
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
Passport: Make sure your Indian passport is valid for at least three months after your planned return from Greece. You need at least two blank pages and should include clear photocopies of the information pages.
UK Residence Permit/BRP: Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or valid UK visa must be current and valid for at least three months after your return date. Attach a photocopy of both sides. Common mistakes: Not checking passport expiry, missing BRP copies, or using a passport with damage. Double-check these embassies are strict.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
- Flight Bookings: You’ll need to show confirmed or provisional round-trip flight tickets. Some folks use bookings that aren't valid or forget to include both directions don’t do that.
Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservations or invitation letters from a host in Greece (with their proof of ID and address). Your name and the dates should match your travel plan.
- Travel Insurance: Medical travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for the entire Schengen area is mandatory. The biggest slip-up here is buying a policy that doesn’t meet the minimum requirement or forgetting to print the certificate.
STATUS DOCUMENTATION
- Employment Proof: If you’re working, get a letter from your employer (on company letterhead), recent payslips, and bank statements for at least three months. Self-employed? Bring your company registration and tax statements.
- Student Status: Students need a letter from their school or university confirming enrolment and approved leave dates.
- Others: Show your pension documents if you have retired from work. The unemployed applicants need to describe their financial support sources. Common mistakes: Users often submit outdated letters and omit required company stamps and fail to provide English translations of documents when necessary.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Family Documentation: Travelers who bring family members need to present birth and marriage certificates along with documents which prove their family bonds. These require official certification together with English or Greek translation.
- Translations: Every document which exists outside of English or Greek needs a certified translation.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos, taken against a white background. Common mistakes: Users fail to certify translations and submit outdated photographs and neglect to include family documents when traveling with children.
Double-check everything before you submit small errors can mean big delays or outright rejection. You should reach out to the consulate or a visa service whenever you need help with any form or document. Getting it right the first time is way less hassle than scrambling to fix things later.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Greece Schengen Visa from London, UK
Follow these steps to apply for a Greece visa from London
Online Application
Start your journey at France-visas.gouv.fr - yes, France's website handles Greece applications too. Complete the online form carefully, print the confirmation, and you're ready for the next step.
Appointment Booking
Book your slot through TLScontact London centers. There are locations in Central London and you'll want to book well ahead - popular times fill up quickly. Expect to pay around £30-35 for the appointment service.
Document Preparation
Get everything organized before your appointment day. Make sure translations are certified, photocopies are clear, and documents are arranged in the order they've specified. This saves time and stress later.
Appointment Day
Head to the TLS center (main location is at 38-40 Kingsway, London WC2B 6EX). Arrive early, go through security checks, submit your documents, and provide biometrics. The whole process typically takes 30-45 minutes if everything's in order.
Tracking & Collection
Track your application status online using your reference number. You can either collect your passport from the center or opt for courier delivery - though collection's often faster and more reliable.
Travel
Remember to travel within the validity dates shown on your visa sticker. Keep all your supporting documents handy during travel - immigration officers sometimes ask for proof of accommodation or return tickets at the airport.
Greece Visa Processing Time and Fees for Indian Passport Holders in the UK
Processing Timelines
For Indian passport holders applying for a Greece visa from the UK, the standard processing time usually takes around 15 calendar days. However, during peak tourist seasons typically spring and summer processing might take a bit longer due to higher application volumes. So, it’s good to expect potential delays and plan accordingly.
Visa Fees
The standard Schengen visa fee for Greece is €80, which roughly equals £70, but this can vary slightly with exchange rates. For children between 6 and 12 years old, the fee is reduced to €40 (around £35). Kids under 6 usually don’t have to pay. Keep in mind, fees are payable in euros, so you’ll want to have that sorted before submitting your application.
Service Fees
When you apply through TLScontact, the official visa application center, there’s an additional service charge of about €26 (approximately £23). They also offer optional extras like SMS updates or prime time appointments for quicker scheduling, which come with extra costs. These are totally optional but can be handy if you want faster or more convenient service.
TIMELINE PLANNING: Since peak times can slow things down, it's wise to apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your planned travel date. This buffer helps avoid last-minute stress if things take longer than expected. Remember, you can track your application status online through TLScontact’s tracking system, so you’ll know exactly where your visa is in the process.
Financial Proof for Greece Visa: Minimum Funds Required for Indian Citizens in London
DAILY FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
When seeking Greek visa approval from London as an Indian citizen you must prove sufficient financial resources to support yourself. The Greek authorities need applicants to demonstrate at minimum €40 daily for basic travel but the amount rises to €120 daily if you plan more luxurious accommodations. Calculate the total days you will spend in Greece then ensure your bank account contains funds that equal the entire duration of your stay. Consulates prefer applicants to maintain additional funds beyond the required amount because they dislike seeing minimal account balances.
BANK STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must present bank statements which document at least three months of activity but certain consulates may request documentation from six months. Your bank statements must be current while showing consistent transactions because unexplained big deposits might trigger suspicions. Your final account balance must exceed your projected travel costs by a sufficient margin.
ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL PROOF
In addition to bank statements you need to submit evidence of continuous income. Your financial stability becomes evident through salary slips spanning three to six months and current tax returns and an employment letter if you are employed. You should also present documents regarding your additional income streams that include rental income and investment returns.
- We strongly recommend having at least £1,000 in your bank account for significantly better chances of visa approval
SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS
If you lack the necessary funds for your application you should seek sponsorship. A family member or close friend residing in Greece or the UK who will act as your sponsor needs to provide an official invitation letter and submit their financial documents including bank statements and salary slips and either their identification or residence permit. Your documents must prove your connection to the sponsor through birth certificates and family photos and correspondence.
Tips to Increase Greece Visa Approval Chances for Indian Nationals in London
COMMON REJECTION REASONS
Incomplete documentation tops the list - missing bank statements, unclear travel plans, or insufficient proof of accommodation. Financial inconsistencies where your stated income doesn't match bank records also trigger rejections. Many applicants underestimate the importance of demonstrating strong UK ties, leading to concerns about overstaying.
PREPARATION STRATEGIES
Start your application at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Organize documents chronologically and ensure everything's translated if needed. Create a clear travel itinerary with confirmed bookings - don't just wing it with tentative plans. Your financial documents should tell a consistent story, so gather 3-6 months of bank statements that show regular income patterns.
SUCCESS TIPS
One of the key things that officer look for are strong ties to the UK, you can prove this by providing: employment letters, property documents and family connections. Be realistic with your travel plans; we noticed that a 2-week holiday looks more genuine than a vague 3-month "exploration." Double-check every form field and ensure your supporting documents actually support what you've written. Professional presentation matters too - neat, organized applications simply perform better than messy ones.
FAQs: Greece Visa for Indian Citizens Living in London – Documents, Processing, and More
Q: Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Greece from the UK?
Yes, if you’re an Indian citizen living in the UK, you’ll need to get a Schengen visa before heading to Greece even for short trips. There’s no exemption for regular Indian passport holders, even if you’re traveling for tourism, business, or to see family. You’ve got to sort out your visa before you book those flights, and if you already have a valid Schengen visa or residence permit from another Schengen country, you might not need a new one for Greece. Always double-check the exact requirements on the official Greece Embassy or VFS Global website before applying.
Q: What documents do I need for a Greece visa as an Indian citizen in the UK?
You’ll need a completed Schengen visa form, your valid passport, UK residence permit, passport-sized photos (make sure they meet Schengen specs), travel insurance, proof of accommodation, flight bookings, UK bank statements from the last three months, and evidence of your job, studies, or self-employment. If you're a minor, you’ll also need a birth certificate and parental consent. Any documents not in English or Greek have to come with an official English translation. - Organize your paperwork early and make sure your UK permit is valid for at least a month after you get back from Greece.
Q: How do I apply for a Greece visa from London?
You’ll need to book an appointment with the VFS Global Greece Visa Application Centre in London and show up in person with your documents. Biometrics are required for most applicants aged 12 to 70. After you apply, your documents get sent to the Greek Consulate for a decision. You can pick up your passport in person or pay for courier delivery. - Book your VFS appointment as soon as possible slots can fill up fast, especially before peak holiday seasons.
Q: How long does the visa process take and what are the fees?
It usually takes about 15 calendar days from your appointment, but it could take longer during busy periods or if they need more info. The fee is €80 for adults, €40 for kids 6–12, and free for kids under 6. VFS Global will charge a separate service fee, so keep that in mind. - Always apply at least a month in advance, just to be safe.
Q: How much money do I need in my account to get a Greece visa?
You’ll need to show at least €50 per day of your trip, with a minimum of €300 even for short stays. UK bank statements for the last three months are required to prove you’ve got enough funds. Cash and credit cards might be accepted as extra proof, but bank statements are what they want to see. - Make sure your statements clearly show your name, address, and enough balance before submitting your application.
Expert Review & Official Sources
Expert Verification & Official Sources
This comprehensive guide has been reviewed and verified by Visa Expert Kritika, specializing in European visa requirements and UK-based applications, on September 09, 2025.
All information is cross-referenced with official embassy sources and current immigration policies as of September 08, 2025.
We strongly recommend that you always check the official source: https://www.mfa.gr/uk/en/