Greece should surely be on your radar if you want to go on a holiday without breaking the wallet. The Mediterranean country is a popular vacation destination for UAE residents. Visitors flock to this stunning region for its magnificent beaches, rich culture, and unrivaled eating scene. Here’s how to travel from the UAE to Greece without breaking the bank.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR VISITING GREECE?
It’s easy to say that Greece checks all the boxes for a budget-friendly vacation location with much to do.
There is so much to see in this lovely nation, from the breathtaking well-trodden hilltop routes and fascinating alpine villages to endless white-sandy beaches. It’s also an excellent destination for a honeymoon from the UAE. Let’s look at some of the other reasons why you should visit this lovely nation.
THE WEATHER IS FANTASTIC.
Greece has excellent weather because to its southern location on the Mediterranean. Summer, spring, and fall are all ideal times to visit. From June and September, rain is uncommon, and daytime temperatures are high.
THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS.
Another incentive to visit is the Greek food! The delicious meals will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip. Basic ingredients combined with traditional cooking techniques provide a much-needed delight for your taste senses.
Make the most of the Mediterranean diet, especially if you dine at a restaurant with a view of the beach or the sea. Stifado, fava, spanakopita, souvlaki, moussaka, and kleftiko are just a few of the delicacies you should taste.
VISIT WORLD HERITAGE SITES
Greece is the birthplace of human civilization, thus a plethora of old historical landmarks is unsurprising. History aficionados may visit the most prominent UNESCO World Heritage sites in Athens and elsewhere in the nation.
Here are some of the sites worth exploring in different parts of Greece:
- The Acropolis, Athens
- Meteora
- Mount Athos
- Philippi
- Delos
- Medieval City of Rhodes
- The archaeological sites of Aigai (Vergina), Delphi, Mystras, Olympia, Mycenae and Tiryns
- Historic Centre (Chora) with the Monastery of Saint John on Patmos
- Medieval City of Rhodes
- Monasteries of Daphni, Hosios Loukas and Nea Moni of Chios
- Old Town of Corfu
- Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki
- Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos
- Sanctuary of Asklepios and ancient theatre at Epidaurus
- Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
PERFECT BEACHES
Greece has several spectacular beaches. The Santorini Red Beach is a unique sight that should not be missed when traveling from the UAE to Greece.
The Red Beach is surrounded by rugged red hills, which form an enthralling image. Visit the volcanic rocks and gather little colored stones as mementos.
Other locations of Greece with notable beaches to visit include Milos, Crete, Kalamata, and Mykonos.
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVEL FROM THE UAE TO GREECE
CITIZENS OF THE UAE
If they are visiting Greece for fewer than 90 days, UAE citizens do not need a visa. They can apply for a long-term “national visa” or a short-term “Schengen visa” for visits longer than 90 days.
But, beginning in November 2023, the policy on visa-free travel to Europe will be modified. All visa-exempt persons, including Emirati nationals, must register with ETIAS before entering any of the Schengen countries.
It is critical to emphasize that the European Travel Information and Authorisation System is not a visa, but rather a visa waiver program for non-EU people who do not require a visa.
The ETIAS short application form, which is valid for three years, will be accessible online. The applicant will be notified by email, and the granted visa waiver will be linked to their passport electronically.
Once the form is completed and confirmed, you will be able to travel all Schengen countries. Nonetheless, travellers must pass via the nation chosen as the initial point of entry, in this case, Greece. Apply for the form at least 96 hours before your trip.
Throughout this three-year period, UAE nationals may visit Greece up to three times for a total of 90 days (per entry) for tourist, transit, business, family, and medical treatment.
The ETIAS form will set you back €7. (AED 25). Travellers under the age of 18 and above the age of 70 will not be charged a fee.
RESIDENTS OF THE UAE
Foreigners holding a resident permit in the UAE (nationals of any country that does not have a visa-free policy with the Schengen nations) will need a visa to visit Greece. Visitors considering a short trip to Greece can apply for a Schengen Visa.
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A SCHENGEN VISA
The following is the procedure for obtaining a visa to travel from the UAE to Greece:
- Fill out the Application Form with all of the essential information. Make copies and sign them.
- Make an appointment to go to a Visa Application Center to get your fingerprints and photo taken.
- Pay the application fee at the Visa Application Center.
- Participate in the visa interview. Bring all necessary documentation.
- You will receive an email with information on your visa application. Instead, you may follow your application status online by entering the Reference Number found on the Visa Application Centre’s receipt.
- Pick up your passport at the Visa Application Center.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The following are the requirements for applying for a Schengen Visa for UAE residents:
- Application Form
- Passport (Not older than 10 years and with a validity of at least three months)
- Two photos (Not older than three months and that meet the requirements of the Schengen states)
- Proof of residence permit in UAE (Valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure)
- Travel Flight Itinerary (demonstrating your reservation of a flight from the United Arab Emirates to the Schengen Zone and back on the precise dates you intend to enter and exit this region.)
- Cover letter specifying your reason for visiting Europe, the countries you wish to see, how long you want to stay there, and other pertinent information.
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of financial means (This can be a bank account statement, Sponsorship Letter or a combination of both.)
Europe Travel Insurance
It should be noted that VFS Dubai Visa Application Centre handles all visa applications for visitors to Greece. It is located on Floor 2 of Wafi Mall, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2. For further information, go to the VFS website.
APPLICATION FEE FOR A VISA
To apply for a Schengen visa, applicants must pay a non-refundable visa cost. The current Schengen visa price cap for UAE to Greece travelers is as follows:
- Adults pay 340 AED, while children pay 170 AED (6 to 12-year-old child)
- AED 88 as an extra cost
Passport holders with diplomatic or military status, as well as family members of EU or EEA citizens, are exempt from the visa charge. There is also no admission charge for youngsters under the age of six.
BOOK YOUR TICKET FROM THE UAE TO GREECE
Emirates provides roundtrip flights from Dubai to Athens for around AED 2000, however pricing may vary depending on when you book your travel. It is a popular location with cheap flights from Dubai.
The flight time from DXB to Athens is usually 5 hours or more. Travel agents and airlines may book a whole vacation package at an unbelievable price.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I ENTER GREECE WITHOUT A QUARANTINE?
Passengers are no longer subject to quarantine regulations. But, before traveling to Greece, you should check with your embassy or the airport authorities.
CAN UAE CITIZENS ENTER GREECE WITHOUT A VISA?
Yes, UAE nationals can enter Greece without a visa, but it’s always a good idea to check the official Greek Embassy website before making travel arrangements to Greece from the UAE.
This brings us to the end of our advice on how to travel from the UAE to Greece. Summer is the ideal season to explore this lovely Mediterranean location.
Dubai has a strategic worldwide location that allows citizens to travel across the world easily. History aficionados like traveling to Egypt from the UAE and finding the Pharaohs’ secret riches.
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