Greece Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese passport holders require a Schengen visa to visit Greece. The visa costs EUR 87 and allows up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. Greece is an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists drawn by ancient historical sites like the Acropolis in Athens, the Santorini caldera, Mykonos nightlife, and Mediterranean cuisine.
China passport holders require a visa to enter Greece.
Apply at VFS Global centers handling Greek Schengen visa applications. Required documents: Schengen application form, valid passport (3 months past intended stay), two passport photos, travel insurance (EUR 30,000), hotel bookings, return flights, bank statements (3 months), and EUR 87 fee. Processing takes 10 to 15 calendar days. Apply 4 to 6 weeks before peak summer (June to August).
Greece is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
China to Greece: What You Need to Know
Greece processes Schengen visa applications for Chinese citizens through the Greek Embassy in Beijing and Consulate-General in Shanghai, as well as VFS Global centers. Chinese tourism to Greece has grown rapidly in recent years, with Santorini and Athens among the most posted European destinations on Chinese social media. Greece is at the southeastern edge of the Schengen Area and is typically a standalone destination or combined with Italy and Croatia.
Practical Tips
Santorini and Mykonos require advance booking for hotels and ferry tickets during peak season (June to August); popular cave hotels in Santorini sell out a year in advance. Athens is compact and walkable; the Acropolis and National Archaeological Museum are must-visits. Greek cuisine is generally very affordable. UnionPay is accepted at major hotels and tourist venues. Alipay acceptance is growing on the islands. The Greece Tourism Organization has Mandarin-language content at visitgreece.gr.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Chinese citizens apply for a Greek Schengen visa?
Apply at VFS Global centers for Greek visa applications or the Greek Embassy in Beijing, Consulate-General in Shanghai. Submit the Schengen form, passport, two photos, travel insurance (EUR 30,000), hotel and flight bookings, bank statements (3 months), and the EUR 87 fee. Processing: 10 to 15 calendar days. Apply 4 to 6 weeks before summer travel.
Is Santorini as beautiful in person as it looks on Chinese social media?
Yes. The iconic blue-domed churches and caldera views of Oia village in Santorini are as spectacular in person as in photos. However, it is extremely busy in July and August with cruise ship day-trippers. Stay overnight to experience sunset views without daytime crowds. The island of Mykonos is famous for its windmills, beaches, and nightlife.
What is the best way to travel between Greek islands?
Ferries are the primary way to travel between Greek islands. Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets connect Athens' Piraeus port to Santorini (5 to 8 hours by regular ferry, 2 hours by high-speed catamaran), Mykonos, and other islands. Domestic flights are also available. Book ferries and flights in advance during summer as they sell out.
Does Greece accept UnionPay or Chinese payment apps?
UnionPay is accepted at major hotels and larger restaurants and shops in Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. Alipay acceptance is growing at tourist-facing businesses on the islands. However, Greece still relies heavily on cash, especially at local tavernas and small shops. Carry euros for smaller payments and markets.