France Visa RequirementsFor Greece passport holders
Greek citizens travel to France without any visa or stay limit. Both countries are EU and Schengen founding members with full freedom of movement.
Great news! Greece passport holders can enter France without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
No visa required. A valid Greek passport or national identity card is accepted. For stays exceeding three months, registration at the local prefecture is required. The EHIC card provides emergency medical coverage throughout France.
France 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
Greece to France: What You Need to Know
France and Greece are both founding or early EU members and full Schengen participants. Greek nationals enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement to France, including the right to live, work and study. France is one of the world's top tourist destinations and is especially popular with Greek travellers. Greece and France share strong cultural, academic and diplomatic ties.
Money & Banking
France uses the euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is appreciated but not required; a small tip for good service is customary.
Practical Tips
Direct flights connect Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) to Paris (CDG/ORY) and other French cities. France has strong connections to several Greek-owned cultural institutions and there is a sizeable Greek community in Paris. French overseas territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion) are also part of the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit France?
No. Both Greece and France are EU and Schengen founding members. Greek nationals travel to France freely with no stay limit.
Can Greek nationals work in France?
Yes. As EU citizens, Greek nationals have full freedom of movement rights, including the right to work in France. Registration at the local prefecture may be required for long-term stays.
What is the Greek-French special relationship?
France and Greece have one of the EU's most significant bilateral partnerships. France historically championed Greek independence (many French philhellenes fought in the Greek War of Independence in 1821). In 2021, Greece and France signed a comprehensive defense and security partnership treaty. France has consistently been Greece's strongest advocate within the EU on issues including the debt crisis, the Aegean maritime dispute, and Turkish relations.
Do French overseas territories have the same entry rules as mainland France?
EU rules apply in French departments such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, Reunion and French Guiana. However, travel to these territories requires a flight, so check passport requirements depending on the airline.
How do I get from Athens to Paris?
Direct flights from Athens (ATH) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Paris Orly (ORY) take about 3 hours. Air France, Aegean, and Transavia serve this route. From Thessaloniki, connections via Athens or other hubs are available.
Are there direct flights from Greece to France?
Yes. Multiple airlines offer direct flights from Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY), as well as to Lyon, Nice and Marseille.
What French destinations beyond Paris are worth visiting?
The Cote d'Azur (Nice, Cannes, Antibes) is the French Riviera and comparable in climate to Greece. Lyon is France's gastronomic capital. Bordeaux is the wine capital with outstanding architecture. The Loire Valley has extraordinary chateaux. Normandy offers D-Day history and Mont Saint-Michel. Alsace has Germanic-influenced culture and villages.
Is the EHIC card valid in France?
Yes. The EHIC card covers emergency medical treatment in France.
How expensive is France compared to Greece?
France is significantly more expensive than Greece, especially Paris. Paris restaurants cost EUR 15-30 for a main course in a mid-range setting. Outside Paris, costs decrease substantially. Fixed-price lunch menus (menu du jour) at EUR 12-18 are an excellent value.
What identification do Greek citizens need to enter France?
A valid Greek passport or national identity card is accepted at the French border.
Is the French Riviera a good destination for Greek tourists?
The Cote d'Azur shares the Mediterranean climate and culture that Greeks know well. Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco are the key destinations. The Riviera is significantly more expensive than equivalent Greek destinations, but the combination of French gastronomy, glamorous marinas, and art museums (Matisse Museum in Nice, Picasso Museum in Antibes) makes it distinctive.
Do I need the European Health Insurance Card in France?
Greek EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC or its current equivalent). This entitles Greek citizens to access state medical care in France on the same basis as French nationals. Private medical services are also available at higher cost.
What are the main cultural differences Greek visitors should know about France?
French cultural norms include: greeting with "bonjour" before any transaction (considered rude not to), making restaurant reservations for dinner (especially in Paris), respecting strict meal times (lunch 12:00-14:00, dinner 19:30-21:30), and understanding that service is included but not extra tipping. French is strongly preferred over English in smaller towns.