United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Greece passport holders
Greek citizens can travel to the UK for up to 6 months without a visa but must obtain a UK ETA (£16) before travelling. The ETA is required following Brexit.
Great news! Greece passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
Apply for the UK ETA via the UK Visas and Immigration website or the UKVI app before travelling. The ETA costs £16 and is linked electronically to your Greek passport. Approval is typically granted within minutes to a few days. Present your Greek passport at UK immigration; border officers will verify the ETA electronically. For stays beyond 6 months, a visa is required.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Greece to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
Following the UK's departure from the European Union (Brexit), Greek nationals are no longer EU residents in the UK context. Greek passport holders can still visit the UK for up to 6 months (180 days) without a traditional visa, but since 2024, a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required before travel. The ETA costs £16, is valid for two years or until passport expiry, and allows multiple short stays. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area.
Money & Banking
The UK uses the British pound sterling (GBP). ATMs are widely available. Card and contactless payments are universal. London is one of Europe's most expensive cities; budget accordingly. Currency exchange is available at airports and city centres.
Practical Tips
Direct flights connect Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) to London (LHR/LGW/STN) and other UK cities. The UK is not part of Schengen; passport checks apply at the UK border. London, Edinburgh, Manchester and the Scottish Highlands are top destinations. Greek visitors to the UK may transit via European airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Greek passport holders need a visa to visit the UK?
No traditional visa is required. Greek nationals can visit the UK for up to 6 months (180 days) without a visa, but must obtain a UK ETA (£16) before travelling by air or sea.
Do Greek citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No. Following Brexit, EU citizens including Greeks can visit the UK for up to 6 months (180 days) without a visa for tourism, family visits, or short-term study. Working in the UK requires a visa for EU citizens. The UK is no longer in the EU or Schengen.
What is the UK ETA and how do I apply?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel permission costing £16, valid for 2 years. Apply via the UKVI app or website before booking flights. Approval is usually granted within minutes to a few days.
How large is the Greek community in the UK?
The UK hosts one of the world's largest Greek diaspora communities, estimated at over 400,000 people of Greek heritage. The community is concentrated in London (Palmers Green, Camden, Finsbury Park, and north London neighborhoods), Birmingham, and other major cities. Greeks first came in significant numbers in the 1950s-1960s and subsequent waves followed. The Greek community is well-established with Orthodox churches, schools, media, and cultural organizations.
Is the UK still part of Schengen?
No. The UK was never part of the Schengen Area and left the EU in January 2020 (Brexit). Passport checks apply at UK border points.
What is the status of the Parthenon Sculptures and where are they held?
The Parthenon Sculptures (also called the Elgin Marbles) are housed in the British Museum in London. They were removed from the Acropolis by Lord Elgin between 1801-1812 under disputed circumstances. Greece has continuously campaigned for their return since independence. The British Museum Act 1963 prevents the British Museum from deaccessioning items except in specific circumstances. The debate remains one of the most prominent cultural property disputes in the world and a consistent point of diplomatic engagement between Greece and the UK.
Can Greek nationals work in the UK after Brexit?
Working in the UK now requires a separate work visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa). The post-Brexit freedom of movement rights for EU nationals no longer apply for new arrivals.
What entry process do Greek citizens go through at UK airports post-Brexit?
Greek EU passport holders can use the e-Gate system at UK airports and ports (introduced for EU/EEA nationals in 2024). This allows passport scanning without a human immigration officer for eligible travelers. If the e-Gate is not available, you proceed to the Border Force desk with your Greek passport. You may be asked about the purpose of visit and duration of stay.
Are there direct flights from Greece to the UK?
Yes. Multiple airlines offer direct flights from Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG) to London (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI) and other UK cities.
What are the top things to see in London for Greek travelers?
The British Museum (Elgin Marbles in Room 18, plus extraordinary ancient Greek collections), the National Gallery (Trafalgar Square), the Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace changing of the guard, and the dynamic food and nightlife of Shoreditch, Brixton, and Notting Hill are the London highlights.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses the British pound sterling (GBP). ATMs are widely available. Card and contactless payments are universally accepted.
How do I get from Greece to the UK?
Direct flights from Athens to London (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN) operate very frequently with British Airways, Aegean, easyJet, and Ryanair. Journey is about 3.5 hours. From Thessaloniki, direct seasonal flights to London also operate. Multiple daily flights ensure flexibility.
Do I need travel insurance for the UK after Brexit?
Yes, strongly recommended. Post-Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is no longer valid in the UK for Greek citizens (it covered EU members in each other's states). The UK and Greece do not currently have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is essential.
What are the best UK destinations outside London?
Edinburgh (castle, whisky, Arthur's Seat, excellent food scene, Fringe festival in August), the Scottish Highlands (Inverness, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye), Bath (Roman Baths, Georgian architecture), the Cotswolds (picturesque English villages), Oxford and Cambridge (university towns), York (Viking heritage, York Minster cathedral), and the Lake District national park are top choices.