Greece Reopens Visa Centers in India, Offering a Streamlined Process to Meet Rising Demand and Unlock New Opportunities for High-Growth Tourism

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Greece has officially reopened its visa centers in India, responding to the growing demand for travel to the country. This move aims to streamline the application process, ensuring that Indian travelers have smoother access to Greece’s rich cultural experiences, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities. The reopening aligns with a significant surge in tourism from India, which has become one of Greece’s fastest-growing source markets. As travel demand continues to rise, this new initiative will unlock additional opportunities for both tourism and business exchanges, further strengthening bilateral ties and boosting Greece’s appeal as a premier European destination.

As of February 12, 2026, Greece has officially reopened its visa application processing system in India, marking a major development that is set to enhance tourism and travel between the two nations. The return of Visa Application Centers (VACs) is a significant milestone, particularly for Greece, which views India as one of its most promising emerging markets in terms of travel and tourism. This decision comes as part of Greece’s broader effort to streamline the visa process and better serve the growing demand from Indian travelers eager to visit the European country.

India, with its large population and rapidly growing middle class, has long been a key source of international tourists. As travel patterns evolve and more Indians seek global travel experiences, the reopening of Greece’s visa system will undoubtedly boost the country’s tourism industry. Greece, known for its ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, has always been a favorite destination for tourists worldwide, and the Indian market offers great potential to further expand these numbers.

The official reopening of visa services in India comes after a temporary suspension, largely due to the challenges posed by the global pandemic and shifting geopolitical concerns. The Greek Embassy in New Delhi has now set clear guidelines and protocols for Indian nationals looking to travel to Greece, ensuring that the process is smooth, efficient, and transparent.

The process for applying for a Greek visa in India has been designed to be as straightforward as possible, though applicants will need to follow a few essential steps.

Appointment Booking: The first step for any applicant is to schedule an appointment through the official online platform. This online portal is the primary tool for managing appointments and ensuring that all applicants provide the necessary documentation in a timely manner. The documentation typically includes proof of travel, accommodation, financial stability, and travel insurance. It is crucial for applicants to ensure that all documents are complete and accurate, as missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays or rejections.

Processing Times: Greece has set standard processing times for visa applications, which generally take up to 15 working days. However, applicants should be prepared for longer wait times in certain cases. If the Greek authorities need to consult with other Schengen states about an applicant’s travel plans or the application itself, processing times could extend to up to 45 working days. As such, travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their intended departure to avoid any last-minute complications.

Advance Submission: One of the important aspects of the new visa process is the flexibility in advance submission. Applicants can submit their visa applications up to six months before their planned travel date, offering ample time to plan their trip to Greece. However, Greek authorities recommend that applications be submitted at least 15 working days prior to departure. This allows sufficient time for appointment scheduling, processing, and any potential delays. It also accounts for the possibility that some applicants may be submitting their documents from regions outside of New Delhi, where processing could take longer due to additional transit times.

The reopening of the visa system comes at a time when travel connectivity between India and Greece is undergoing a significant transformation. While many travelers currently rely on connecting flights through Middle Eastern hubs or Istanbul, there are signs that this dynamic will soon change, thanks to new partnerships aimed at making travel between the two countries more accessible and seamless.

One of the most exciting developments in this area is the newly forged codeshare partnership between IndiGo, India’s leading budget carrier, and Aegean Airlines, the flag carrier of Greece. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two airlines marks a major step forward in enhancing air connectivity between India and Greece, as well as expanding travel options for passengers traveling to and from Europe.

The partnership is set to offer a wide range of benefits for travelers from both countries. Through the codeshare agreement, passengers will be able to book seamless travel options from Indian cities to various destinations in Greece and Europe, without the hassle of multiple bookings and layovers. This codeshare agreement aims to simplify travel planning, offering passengers smoother connections and increased travel flexibility.

The two airlines are expected to introduce direct flights as part of the new partnership. These new routes will significantly enhance travel options for those flying between India and Greece, a market that has long been underserved in terms of direct air connectivity. With more direct flights, Indian travelers will have easier access to Greece’s cultural and historic cities, as well as the country’s famous islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.

These changes in air travel connectivity come at a crucial time. The Indian market is increasingly seeking more travel options to Europe, and Greece, with its rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean charm, has the potential to be a top destination for Indian tourists. In recent years, Greece has already seen a steady increase in the number of Indian visitors, and this upward trend is expected to continue as the new visa policies, along with the improved air connectivity, make it easier for Indians to visit the country.

The increased accessibility of Greece via both direct flights and a simplified visa application process is poised to have a substantial impact on the tourism industry in both nations. Greece stands to gain from the growing Indian outbound market, while India benefits from enhanced connectivity, making it easier for more tourists to explore the cultural, culinary, and natural beauty of Greece.

Greece has reopened its visa centers in India to meet the rising demand for travel, offering a streamlined process that enhances accessibility and supports the country’s growing tourism from India.

the reopening of Greek visa processing in India, combined with new codeshare agreements between Indian and Greek airlines, marks a turning point in travel between the two nations. The increased ease of travel, whether through simplified visa procedures or enhanced air connectivity, will help foster deeper cultural ties, stimulate tourism, and offer Indian travelers more opportunities to explore one of Europe’s most iconic destinations.