Greece Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi nationals require a Schengen visa for Greece. Applications are submitted at the Greek Embassy in Riyadh or through VFS Global. The fee is EUR 80. Greece is a popular summer destination for Gulf travelers, with Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Crete among the top choices.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter Greece.
Apply at the Greek Embassy in Riyadh or via VFS Global. Standard Schengen documentation required: passport, photos, application form, EUR 80 fee, travel insurance, hotel bookings, return flight, bank statements. If visiting Greece as part of a wider Schengen trip, apply at the embassy of the country where you spend the most nights. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.
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
Required Documents
Schengen Visa Application Form
Completed and signed form submitted to the Greek Embassy or VFS Global in Saudi Arabia.
Valid Saudi Passport
Valid for at least 3 months after intended departure from Schengen Zone, with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport Photos
Two recent biometric photos (35x45mm) on white background.
Bank Statements (3 months)
Showing adequate funds for your stay (guideline: EUR 50 per day).
Employment Letter
From Saudi employer confirming position, salary, and approved leave.
Travel Insurance
Minimum EUR 30,000 medical and repatriation coverage valid across the Schengen Area.
Hotel Bookings
Confirmed accommodation for all nights in the Schengen Zone.
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Confirmed outbound and return flight reservations.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Greece: What You Need to Know
Greece has become increasingly popular with Gulf tourists as a summer destination. The Greek islands particularly attract Saudi and Gulf families during June through August. Santorini's volcanic landscapes and sunsets, Mykonos's upscale beach clubs, and Crete's diverse experiences from beaches to mountains and historical Minoan sites draw significant visitor numbers.
Athens is a cultural hub with the Acropolis, National Archaeological Museum, and lively Monastiraki district. Island hopping is a popular activity, connecting multiple Greek islands by ferry.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Athens (ATH) is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Aegean Airlines and Saudia serve this route. Riyadh to Santorini (JTR) typically connects via Athens. Jeddah also has connections to Athens.
Money & Banking
Greece uses the Euro (EUR). Greece is moderately priced on the mainland but Santorini and Mykonos are expensive. Santorini hotels run EUR 300 to EUR 1,000+ per night in peak season. Athens is much more affordable. Cards accepted in tourist areas.
Practical Tips
Peak season in Greece is June through August. Book flights and hotel well in advance as prices triple during summer. The shoulder seasons (May and September-October) offer excellent weather with lower prices and crowds.
Santorini and Mykonos do not have mosques, but Crete and Athens have mosques or Muslim prayer facilities. Halal food is available in Athens tourist areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a Schengen visa for Greece?
Yes. Saudi nationals require a Schengen visa for Greece. Apply at the Greek Embassy in Riyadh or via VFS Global. Fee EUR 80. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.
How do I get from Athens to Santorini?
Fly from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Santorini (JTR) on Aegean Airlines or Sky Express. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes. Multiple flights daily during summer. Alternatively, take a high-speed ferry from Piraeus port (4.5 to 5 hours on SeaJets or Hellenic Seaways). The ferry is scenic but time-consuming.
When is the best time to visit Santorini to avoid crowds?
May, June, and September-October offer excellent weather with significantly fewer crowds than July and August. Sunrise viewpoints (in Oia, Imerovigli, and Pyrgos) are less crowded in early morning. Summer high season (July-August) is peak tourist season with maximum prices and crowds.
Are there halal restaurants on the Greek islands?
Halal restaurants are limited on the Greek islands. In Athens, the Monastiraki and Thissio areas near the Acropolis have some Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants. On Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, halal restaurants are rare; most Muslim visitors order seafood (generally halal in practice) and avoid pork. Carry some halal snacks for island travel.
What is the best way to island hop in Greece?
Fly domestically on Aegean Airlines or Sky Express to reach islands quickly. For ferry hopping, book tickets through ferryhopper.com or directferries.com. Popular circuits: Athens-Mykonos-Santorini (or reverse). Mykonos to Santorini by high-speed catamaran takes 2 to 3 hours.
Is the Acropolis in Athens worth visiting for Saudi tourists?
The Acropolis (Parthenon and Erechtheion) is one of the most significant historical monuments in human civilization, representing the pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture and the birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy. It is an unmissable cultural experience. Book tickets online at etickets.tap.gr to skip queues. The Acropolis Museum at the base provides excellent context.