Greece Visa RequirementsFor United Arab Emirates passport holders
Greece is one of the top Schengen destinations for UAE nationals. Emirati passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days under the EU-UAE visa waiver.
Great news! United Arab Emirates passport holders can enter Greece without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa required. Valid UAE passport for the duration of the stay plus 3 months. Standard Schengen entry documents apply. Ferry travel between Greek islands does not require any additional documentation.
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
UAE Passport
Valid UAE passport with at least 3 months validity beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed return or onward flight from Greece or Schengen.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel, villa, or resort booking confirmation.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank statement or card. Greece guideline: EUR 50 per day minimum.
Current Travel Situation
United Arab Emirates to Greece: What You Need to Know
Greece is enormously popular among Gulf travellers, particularly for summer island-hopping. Emirates flies direct to Athens (ATH) from Dubai, and Etihad serves Athens from Abu Dhabi. Mykonos and Santorini receive heavy UAE visitor traffic in July and August. Private yacht charters in the Greek islands are a signature experience for UAE nationals. The 2022 EU-UAE visa waiver removed the last procedural hurdle.
How to Get There
Combine Greece with Croatia (which is also Schengen as of 2023) within the same 90-day period. For extended stays, a Greek D visa is required.
Money & Banking
Greece uses the euro (EUR). Islands are largely cashless in tourist areas. Carry small cash for local tavernas and fishing villages. UAE bank cards accepted at most ATMs.
Practical Tips
The 90-day Schengen limit includes all Schengen countries. Book popular island accommodation and ferry routes months in advance for July-August travel. Greece is very safe for tourists. Summer temperatures exceed 40°C on some islands; stay hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE nationals need a visa for Greece?
No. Emirati nationals visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the EU-UAE visa waiver.
Which Greek islands are most popular with UAE travellers?
Santorini (iconic caldera and sunsets), Mykonos (nightlife and beaches), Rhodes (medieval old town and beach resorts), Corfu (Venetian architecture and lush greenery), and Crete (largest island, varied landscape) are all popular choices.
When is the best time to visit Greece from the UAE?
May-June and September-October offer warm weather with smaller crowds and lower prices than peak summer (July-August). July and August are hottest but also busiest; book islands well in advance.
Are there direct flights from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Greece?
Emirates operates direct Dubai-Athens (ATH) flights. Etihad flies Abu Dhabi-Athens seasonally. Mykonos and Santorini are accessible by short domestic flights from Athens or by ferry.
How do I travel between the Greek islands?
Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways operate extensive ferry networks. Domestic airlines (Olympic Air, Aegean) also serve the islands. Book ferries in advance for summer travel as they sell out quickly.
Is halal food available in Greece?
Halal-certified restaurants are available in Athens and some tourist areas. Seafood (abundant in Greece), grilled vegetables, and Greek salad are naturally halal-friendly options widely available.
What is the Golden Visa programme in Greece and is it relevant for UAE nationals?
Greece's Golden Visa grants 5-year renewable residency to non-EU nationals investing EUR 500,000 or more in Greek real estate. UAE nationals have used this pathway for European residency. Apply through a Greek lawyer; the visa does not grant Schengen-wide work rights.