Greece Visa RequirementsFor Ireland passport holders
Irish citizens travel to Greece without any visa requirement. Greece is both an EU and Schengen member, and Irish passport holders can visit the mainland and all Greek islands freely for any duration.
Great news! Ireland passport holders can enter Greece without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa application is needed. Present your Irish passport on arrival. EU citizens can stay beyond 90 days and have the right to work and live in Greece. Register with the local authorities if planning an extended stay.
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
Ireland to Greece: What You Need to Know
Greece is one of Ireland's most popular holiday destinations, with millions of Irish tourists visiting the islands of Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete each year. As EU citizens, Irish passport holders have full freedom of movement and can stay indefinitely for tourism, work, or study. Athens and Thessaloniki are cultural hubs, while the Greek islands dominate summer tourism.
How to Get There
From Athens, ferries reach the Cyclades, Dodecanese, and Ionian islands. Overland, Greece borders Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, and Turkey, with the Turkish border at Kipoi/Ipsala offering onward travel possibilities.
Money & Banking
Greece uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are increasingly accepted in tourist areas, though cash is still preferred at smaller tavernas, markets, and on some islands. Always carry some cash. ATMs are available in towns and tourist areas but can run out of cash during peak season on smaller islands.
Practical Tips
Book island ferries in advance during July and August as they fill quickly. Athens is served by direct flights from Dublin and Cork. Greek summer heat peaks in July and August; spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather with smaller crowds. Greece uses the Euro, simplifying budgets for Irish travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa for Greece?
No. Irish citizens are EU nationals and have full freedom of movement in Greece.
What currency does Greece use?
Greece uses the Euro (EUR).
Is the EHIC valid in Greece?
Yes. Your Irish European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers emergency medical treatment in Greek public health facilities.
When is the best time to visit the Greek islands?
May, June, and September offer warm weather, open facilities, and smaller crowds than the peak of July and August. Some smaller island services close in October.
Do I need to book Greek island ferries in advance?
For July and August especially, booking ferry tickets in advance is strongly recommended. Routes like Piraeus to Santorini and Piraeus to Crete sell out.
How do I get to the Greek islands from Athens?
Ferries depart from Piraeus Port, about 30 minutes from Athens city center. Some Aegean islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes also have airports served by domestic Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines flights.
Is it safe to travel to Greece?
Yes. Greece is generally a very safe destination. Standard precautions apply in crowded tourist areas like Athens and Mykonos regarding pickpocketing.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Greek islands?
Yes. Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate direct summer flights from Dublin and Cork to Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini, Kos, and Zante.