Greece trip on cards? Schengen visa centres reopen in India for travellers

Planning a Greece trip? Visa Application Centres across India have resumed. Here's how to apply for a Schengen visa and what documents you need

Indians planning a trip to Greece can once again begin their visa process, with Global Visa Center World (GVCW) announcing the resumption of Greece Visa Application Centres across India.

 

“We are pleased to inform you that, effective February 12, 2026, all Visa Application Centers for Greece in India will resume operations,” GVCW said in an official announcement.

 

Applicants have been advised to “book their appointments through the designated appointment booking platform” and to “plan accordingly and ensure that all required documentation is prepared prior to their visit,” GVCW said.

 

GVCW is the authorised service provider for Greece visas in India.

   

What is a Schengen visa?

 

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa (Type C) that allows travellers to enter and move freely within the 29-country Schengen Area, including Greece, for tourism, business or family visits. It permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and removes border checks between member states.

 

How to apply for a Greece (Schengen) visa from India

 

Indian travellers can apply for a Greece visa online and then visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics and document submission. Here is how the process works:

 

1. Identify your visa type

 

Applicants must first determine whether they require a short-stay Schengen visa for tourism, business or visiting family, valid for up to 90 days, or a long-stay visa for purposes such as work or study.

 

2. Complete the online application

 

The Schengen visa application form must be filled in online through the Global Visa Center World (GVCW) website.

 

3. Prepare required documents

 

Applicants must carry:

 

Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date, with at least two blank pages

 

Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs

 

Travel documents: Confirmed return flight tickets and proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or invitation letter

 

Travel insurance: Valid across all Schengen countries with minimum coverage of €30,000

 

Financial proof: Bank statements for the last three to six months, salary slips and Income Tax Returns (ITR)

 

Cover letter: Explaining the purpose of travel 

 

4. Book and attend an appointment

 

Applicants must schedule an appointment at a GVCW Visa Application Centre in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and others. Personal appearance is mandatory to submit biometric data, including fingerprints.

 

5. Submit application and pay fees

 

Applicants must carry the printed and signed application form, submit the required documents and pay the applicable visa fee. The total cost, including service charges, generally ranges between ₹8,000 and ₹14,890, depending on the services chosen.

 

6. Track application status

 

Visa status can be tracked online through the GVCW website.

 

Applications can be submitted up to six months before the intended date of travel. Processing usually takes around 15 days. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance to allow for possible delays.

 

Authorities have also clarified that visa requirements and fees are subject to change. Applicants should check the latest information on the official GVCW website before proceeding.