Check Greece Visa Application Status
Check Greece Visa Application Status
Surrounded by the blue waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece is an island country where the roots of ancient history are still alive, to this day. With its picturesque landscapes and delectable cuisine tourists flock to the island in millions every year.
If you are planning on visiting this beautiful island anytime soon, you will need a valid visa. There are various types of visas available for Indian passport holders wanting to visit Greece. Enquiring your nearest VAC for the details on an application is the quickest way to get about your travel plans.
If you have already applied for one, you can also check Greece visa status online using the VAC portals.
What is a Greece Visa Status?
It is the process of verifying the Greece visa application status after applying for one. Checking the Greece visa status provides information on the details of the progress of your application, like if it is approved or not, if it is rejected or on a pending status.
The portal displays the approved status upon the approval of the application from the authorities. However, if it was disqualified it will display a rejected status. On the other hand, if it is still being processed, it will show as pending status.
Being informed of such details helps individuals plan their trips further and decide on the dates of their arrival and departure from the visiting country.
The processing time for the visas for Greece can vary depending on the type of visa that has been applied for. Here are the various types of visas that Indian passport holders can apply for.
Types of Greece Visa For Indian Citizens
As Greece is one of the Schengen countries, Indian passport holders are offered a choice between the Uniform Schengen visa and the National Schengen visa, depending on the duration of their stay in the country or region and the purpose of the stay.
Uniform Schengen Visa
The Uniform Schengen Visa is tailored for short stays lasting up to 90 days. This makes it the perfect visa for visitors wanting to explore Greece briefly or for those visiting friends or family for a short period in Greece.
National Schengen Visa
The National Schengen Visa is tailored for extended stays with its initial validity lasting up to 365 days, which can be later renewed depending on individual needs and government approval.
As this visa is meant for individuals intending to study, work or immigrate to Greece, it can be more challenging to obtain and has a more extended processing period.
Under these broad categories, there are subcategories of visas catering to specific reasons.
1. Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is tailored for a short vacation stay of up to 90 days. It is apt for touring the country and sightseeing while fully being able to experience the culture and enjoy everything the country has to offer.
Application for this visa requires that a detailed itinerary be provided to the VAC one is applying through, including the round-trip tickets as proof of return to the home country in a given time.
2. Transit Visa
A layover at any one of the Greek International Airports calls for the requirement of a transit visa, especially if you have a change of flights to your next destination.
3. Student Visa or Training Visa
The Student/Training Visa is tailored for individuals pursuing education or training in Greece to build their careers. It requires the provision of documents proving their acceptance into respective courses or training programs as well as the completed payment for the same.
Students can stay in Greece till the completion of their courses under a long-stay visa. They may also apply for unpaid internships during this period to improve their chances of employment after the completion of their studies.
4. Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes Visa
There are specific visas available for individuals visiting Greece for religious reasons, cultural or sports activities or as a part of film crews. Such visas are tailored for short durations and are valid till the events being attended last.
5. Medical Visa
The Medical Visa is tailored towards individuals visiting Greece for medical treatments. It requires the provision of all health-related and medical procedure-related documents, including doctor and medical institution details for application.
A letter from your doctor, stating that the visit is being made on medical advice is also required.
6. Business Visa
The Business Visa is a short-stay visa tailored for individuals visiting Greece for business purposes. These business purposes do not include starting a business venture in Greece. The applicant can only attend meetings or conferences under this visa.
7. Spousal Visa
This visa permits the spouse of a Greek resident or citizen to stay with their spouse.
8. Visa for Members of Official Delegations
This visa is tailored for individuals invited to conferences, meetings, delegations or government events in Greece. Without a valid invitation, this visa will not be granted to applicants.
To read more about the Visas for Greece, click here.
Greece Visa Check: Details of Greece Embassy and Consulates in India
How to Check Greece Visa Application Status?
The Greece visa tracking can be done online with the help of chosen VAC websites like GVCW or VFS Global. If checking the Greece visa status online is not an available option, it can also be done offline.
How to Check Greece Visa Status Online
Navigate to the GVCW or VFS Global website.
Click on the ‘Menu’ icon.
Select ‘Track your application’ from the dropdown menu.
Add in your Application ID.
Click on submit.
The Greece visa application status will show up on the screen.
How to Check Greece Visa Application Status Offline?
Contact your nearest Embassy or consulate using the details provided above.
Keep your application ID and passport handy before you reach out.
Give all necessary details over the call as requested.
It may take some time for them to get back, but they will verify the Greece visa application status.
How to Check Greece Visa Status Using Passport Number?
Under any circumstances, if the application ID is unavailable, one can do a Greece visa check online with the help of the passport number against which the visa application has been processed.
Navigate to the GVCW or VFS Global website.
Click on the ‘Menu’ icon.
Select ‘Track your application’ from the dropdown menu.
Add in your Passport Number.
Click on submit.
The Greece visa application status will show up on the screen.
Common Reasons for Greece Visa Rejections
Although the Greek visa application process is uncomplicated, there could be times when there is a rejection after the Greece visa validity check for documents. Here are some common reasons why a visa application can not be processed further:
Furnishing of Illegitimate Documents
If any applicant furnishes illegitimate documents to meet the demands of the consular office or applies for an incorrect visa on purpose to ensure faster processing, the visa application is rejected.
Stating False Purpose of Trip
Applicants are required to provide the authorities with a detailed itinerary of their trip including their accommodation details, round-trip tickets and even contacts of hosts if they are staying at a native’s address. Failure to provide such information can lead to a visa application being rejected.
Questionable Financial Records
Applicants are required to show proof of their financial records to ensure that they can afford their trip to the host country. If the applicant's bank details do not show a secure budget for the stay, the application can be rejected.
Lack of Composure in the Visa Interview
Applicants are required to visit the consulate office for an interview physically. Since rationale is considered essential to support the reason for visiting the host country, a lack of composure or confidence during the interview may lead to rejection.
Damaged Passport
An unkept passport with a missing duvet or detached runners could be taken negatively by the office. In addition, any invalid passports or passports that are about to expire within the next 6 months are also rejected.
Invalid Reference Letter
A Reference letter that has not been attested or authenticated by the writer faces immediate rejection and is considered fraudulent.
To read more on the documents required for the Greek Visa click here.
What to Do If Your Greece Visa Application Status Is Rejected?
In the event of a visa refusal, applicants can appeal the decision. The rejection notice provided by the consulate has detailed reasoning for the grounds of rejection along with procedures for the application of an appeal and the deadline for the same.
Although applicants are open to a reapplication, it would be wiser to understand the reasons for the initial rejection thoroughly. This provides insights on what necessary changes need to be made for the reapplication.
It is important to note that any fees related to the application of the initial visa are non-refundable, and the reapplication will have to be paid for as well.
Need for Travel Insurance While Visiting Greece
All applicants travelling to any Schengen state with one or two entries are required to have travel medical insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000. Further, travel insurance keeps you protected from unforeseen incidents in foreign lands..
Moreover, travel insurance Greece is crucial to ensure that other aspects of your travel are covered for. Tata AIG provides travel insurance that is tailored to individual preferences and requirements while covering aspects like luggage loss or flight delays at budget prices.
With the Tata AIG website, you can conveniently buy travel insurance online and safeguard your vacation from financial emergencies.
Conclusion
As one of the Schengen countries, Greece has visa procedures that are straightforward but require thorough preparation. Thanks to the digitalisation of the entire procedure, activities like Greece visa applications, Greece visa tracking India, and other visa-related processes can be conveniently done online.
However, applicants must ensure that all requirements like essential documents, medical insurance as well as proof of financial security must be prepared well in advance to avoid any issues during the visa application process.
Check Greece Visa Application Status Overview
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