E-visa (Gate visa) Guide for Greek Islands: Everything You Need to Know
Do you want to explore the fascinating beauties of the Greek islands but are worried about visas? It is now very easy to enter the Greek Islands with an E-visa! So, what is the E-visa? How long does the visa process take? Can I go to Greece by getting a E-visa for the Greek Islands? What are the differences with the Schengen visa? Which islands can I go to with a E-visa? As Salam Booking, we have collected every detail you need to know in our blog post! Here are the answers to all your questions about the E-visa application, which allows you to travel to the Greek Islands quickly and practically:
Table of Contents
What is E-visa (Gate visa)?
E-visa is an application that speeds up visa procedures for citizens of the Republic of Turkey when visiting the Greek islands. Thanks to this application, you can travel to the Greek islands without needing a Schengen visa.
Is E-visa a Schengen Visa?
No. Greek Islands E-visa is not a Schengen visa. It is a single entry-exit visa valid for a maximum of 6 nights and 7 days for the Greek island to be visited. It is not possible to travel to other cities in Greece or different Schengen countries with this visa.
What is the Difference Between Greek Islands E-visa and Schengen Visa?
- You get the visa after arriving: You must get the Schengen visa before you go to the country you will visit. In the Greek Islands E-visa application, your visa procedures are completed after you arrive at the island. It saves you from long days of visa procedures and document collection processes, as in the Schengen visa.
- With an E-visa, you can only visit the island for which you have received a visa: With Greek Islands E-visa application, you can only visit the specific Greek Islands (You can see which islands are included in the application in the rest of the article.)
- You can visit more than one country with a Schengen visa: With a Schengen Visa, you can visit all European Union member countries except Ireland and non-European Union countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Therefore, you can also go to the Greek Islands with a Schengen Visa.
Which Greek Islands Can Be Visited with a E-visa?
Which Island and Where to Go From?
What Are The Documents Required to Apply?
- Visa Application Form filled out electronically: You can download the Application Form by clicking this link.
- Passport: A photocopy of the photo page of the passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
- Biometric Photograph: 3 recently taken biometric photographs with a white background.
- Hotel Reservation: Confirmed hotel reservation.
- Round Trip Ship Ticket: Must be purchased from the applied travel agency.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance prepared in English to cover your holiday period.
- Bank Account Statement: Current bank account statement for the last 3 months (It is recommended to have a minimum of €450 or TL equivalent in the account).
- Visa Fee: Visa application fee varies depending on the service fee determined by each company and can be between 60-100 Euros.
- Passenger Declaration: The passenger declaration regarding the waiting time upon arrival in Greece must be obtained from the companies’ websites and signed.
The documents required for Greek islands visa application vary depending on the island you are going to.
Is Pre-Application Required for Visa?
Yes. You must pre-apply for a visa to the ferry companies. You must send the documents requested to the company by mail or courier. You must submit your documents within 3-10 days before you go. This period varies from company to company.
Where Should I Apply for an E-visa?
The ferry company you need to apply for a E-visa varies depending on the Greek island you are going to. You can find companies that offer ferry services to the island you want to go to and apply on their websites.
How Long Does It Take for a Visa to Be Approved?
After your arrival on the island, the people who will receive a visa at the gate are called to the counter by name for visa procedures. Waiting time may vary depending on the number of people. You can enter the island after completing your visa procedures at the counter.
How Long Does E-visa Continue?
E-visa is valid between April 1 – December 31, 2024. You can check out the hotels in the Greek Islands between these dates by visiting the website of Salam Booking.
Important Notes
– Turkish citizens with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Macedonia entry and exit stamps in their passports are not allowed to enter Greece. (Click here to learn how you can travel to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without getting a stamp in your passport.)
– In order to benefit from the E-visa, you must not have been rejected by any Schengen country. If you have a rejection, ferry companies do not accept your application. This is because Greece authorizes agencies and expedites applications from eligible people.
– Hotel reservations are not required for day visits.
– There is no visa fee for children between the ages of 0-12, but a service fee may be charged. The service fee may vary depending on the candidate and the company you apply to.
– Before applying for a Greek IslandsE-visa, you must purchase your round-trip ferry ticket from the company you applied to.
– Citizens of the Republic of Turkey, to travel to the Greek islands, must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel and a passport containing at least 2 blank pages. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the end date of your travel.