Featuring an extended, rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age, Greece is considered to be the birthplace of various western philosophies. From promoting concepts such as democracy to propagating multiple scientific and mathematical principles, the country reached its peak during the 4th century BC under its king, Alexander the Great. Greece is also most notably recognized for its founding of the Olympics, which were first held in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece.
Since becoming a member of the EU (European Union) in 1981, Greece has become a noteworthy tourist destination, especially for its ancient ruins and Mediterranean cuisine. It is today the 16th largest economy within the EU. The country’s economy primarily depends on the service sector, which contributes 80 per cent of the total GDP (Gross Domestic Product), followed by the industrial sector at 16 per cent and the agricultural sector at 4 per cent. Greece also depends on its shipping and tourism industries for the expansion of its economy.
With that being said, if you are planning to get a taste of the Greek culture and have therefore applied for a visa, then you can use our comprehensive guide to find its status.
Steps to Check Visa Status for Indians
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, the visa application process in India is handled by a third-party enterprise known as the Global Visa Center World, which acts as the primary visa application centre. This, in conjunction with the assistance of the various consular offices across India and the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi, India, jointly approves the submitted visa applications. The usual processing time for Greek visa applications can take up to 15 working days, calculated from the date when the application is received by the embassy and is considered admissible.
However, the processing time can also extend up to 45 calendar days, provided that further scrutiny is required to be carried out by the relevant authorities, such as the submission of additional documents or carrying out further interviews with the applicant. As a result, it is recommended to book your visa well in advance of your visit. The Greek authorities state that you can file your visa application no later than six months from the date of your visit (or nine months if you are a seafarer).
Having fully explored the crucial rules and regulations, it is time to check the current status of your visa application via the following steps mentioned below.
- Begin the status-checking process by heading over to the official website of Global Visa Center World here.
- On the landing page, scroll down until you reach the option that says, “Track Your Application”. Proceed to click on it.
- A new web page will open where you will have to fill out your “Application ID” and “Passport No”. Once done, hit “Submit”.
- After that, your current visa application status will be shown automatically on your screen.
How to Contact For Help?
If you require additional assistance regarding your visa application, you can get in touch with the customer support of Global Visa Center World via phone at +91 22 67866011. Additionally, you can contact the Embassy Of Greece in New Delhi, India, via phone at (011) 26880700-4.. You can also contact the embassy via email at gremb.del@mfa.gr (for general queries) or grcon.del@mfa.gr (for consular and visa queries).
Overview of Visas
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece primarily offers two types of visas, namely Schengen Visa and National Visa. A Schengen Visa allows an applicant to enter Greece and stay within the country for a maximum of 90 days. On the other hand, a National Visa provides authorisation to an applicant to stay within Greece with the intention of temporarily settling within the country.
Each type of the above-mentioned visas can be further segregated into multiple sub-types. For instance, Schengen Visas can be of seven different types, which include the ones mentioned below.
If you are visiting Greece with the intention of spending a vacation, sightseeing, or for any other tourism purposes, you will require a tourist visa. Visitor visas are required when you are visiting family members or friends living in Greece.
If you are looking to take part in business-related activities in Greece, then a business visa will be required. Applicants who are planning to obtain medical treatments in Greece are required to apply for medical visas. Students who are planning to engage in courses that last up to three months in Greece can apply for student visas.
As a student, if you want to get involved in education-related activities in Greece, then a long-term visa will be required. This type of visa is mostly for researchers, volunteers, university students, scholars, and vocational training participants.
Foreigners who wish to work in Greece will need to obtain an employment visa. Employment visas are ideal for creators, teachers, highly skilled workers, property investors, seasonal employees, etc.
Applicants who wish to join their family members in Greece will need to apply for a family reunion visa. However, only the spouse and children (under 18 years) of the resident will be allowed to apply for this visa.
