Last Updated: 16 September 2026
Greek island holidays are one of the most popular European trips for South Africans. Apply through Greece if you spend the most nights there.
Tell us your travel dates, purpose and number of applicants for a Greece visa.
Get Visa AssistanceDo South Africans Need a Visa for Greece?
Yes. South African ordinary passport holders need a Schengen visa for short visits to Greece. Apply to Greece if it is your main destination - the country where you spend the most nights - or your first point of entry when nights are equal.
Greece Visa Requirements for South Africans
Requirements vary according to visa type and applicant circumstances. Greece applies the common Schengen rules: a clear travel purpose, sufficient funds, accommodation, travel medical insurance of at least €30,000 and evidence you will return to South Africa. See Schengen Visa South Africa for the rules that apply to every member country.
Confirm the latest requirements on the embassy website before submitting your application.
Types of Greece Visas
| Visa or permission | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Short-stay Schengen type C visa | Tourism, family visits, business - up to 90 days in 180 |
| National long-stay type D visa | Study, work, family reunification - national rules |
Greece Tourist Visa
Island-hopping holidays use the type C visa. List every island and ferry or flight in your itinerary, with accommodation for each night.
Greece Business Visa
Business trips use the type C visa with an invitation letter.
How to Apply for a Greece Visa from South Africa
- Confirm Greece is your main destination.
- Complete the application form.
- Book with VFS Global for Greece.
- Submit documents and biometrics.
- Pay fees.
- Collect your passport.
Greece Visa Cost in South Africa
| Cost item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa fee - adult | €90 (approx. R1,700) | Official visa fee, paid in Rand |
| Schengen visa fee - child 6 to 11 | €45 (approx. R850) | Official visa fee |
| Application centre service fee | VFS Global service fee - check current amount | Provider service fee |
| Travel medical insurance (€30,000+ cover) | Varies by trip length and age | Third-party cost |
| Visa assistance (form, booking, file review) | R1,200 - R3,500 per applicant | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Get the assistance fee for your actual Greece application rather than a range.
Compare Visa Assistance QuotesGreece Visa Processing Time
Schengen consulates normally decide within 15 calendar days of a complete application, extendable to 45 days. June to August is the busiest season, so apply as early as the rules allow.
Processing times are estimates and can change.
Where to Apply in South Africa
Greece uses VFS Global in South Africa at the time of writing. Check the Greek Embassy website for current details.
Documents Needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application form | Signed |
| Passport | Issued within 10 years |
| Insurance | €30,000 minimum |
| Island itinerary | Ferries, flights and hotels |
| Bank statements | Recent |
| Leave letter | From employer |
Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Itineraries with gaps between islands.
- Summer peak appointments.
- Unconfirmed accommodation.
Visa Application Assistance
See visa application assistance for help building an island itinerary that matches your bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Greece?
Yes, a Schengen visa for short visits.
When should I apply for a Greece summer holiday?
Early - you can usually apply up to 6 months before travel, and summer appointments fill quickly.
Do I need bookings for every island?
Accommodation for every night is normally expected. Provisional bookings are commonly used.
Use Visa Application to get more than one quote before you pay anyone to help with a Greece application.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
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