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Visa Information
Weather
General Info
Travel Tips
Festivals
Country Map

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South African citizens are required to obtain a Schengen visa in order to travel to Greece.

VISA INFORMATION

  • A valid South African passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area and contain at least two blank pages).
  • Completed and signed visa application form (one per applicant).
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs (white background, 35×45 mm).
  • Proof of travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.).
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter if applicable).
  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary.
  • Cover letter stating the purpose of travel and itinerary.
  • Proof of civil status (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
  • Copy of the passport page with personal data and photo.
  • Copy of an ID document to confirm residence within the consular district of your application.
  • Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary.
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire trip (hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or a formal invitation from a host in the Schengen country).
  • Proof of sufficient funds: recommended amount is at least €60 per person per day of stay in the Schengen zone.

  • All items listed under Basic Requirements.
  • Invitation letter from the business partner/company in the Schengen country, detailing the purpose of the visit, length of stay, and who will bear the costs.
  • Cover letter from the South African employer, confirming employment, purpose of travel, and financial responsibility (if applicable).
  • Proof of business relationship (e.g. previous correspondence, contracts, invoices, etc.).
  • Confirmed hotel reservation and travel itinerary.

  • Typically, 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment.
  • In some cases, processing may take up to 30 or 60 days depending on individual circumstances or additional documentation requests.

  • Can vary depending on the type of Visa, and the Visa application centre.
  • Adults: €90 (Average Cost).
  • Additional service fees apply if using a visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global).
  • Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.

  • Usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The exact duration and number of entries (single, double, or multiple) will be specified on the visa sticker.
  • It does not guarantee entry; final permission is granted by the border control authorities upon arrival.

Consulate

Johannesburg:

Cape Town:

Honorary Consulate in Durban:

  • Address: 32 Mentone Road, Morningside, Durban 4001
  • Phone: +27 31 205 5590
  • Email: jmj@natship.net

Embassy

Greek Embassy in Pretoria:

  • Address: 235 Veale Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181
  • Phone:
    • +27 12 348 2352
    • +27 12 348 2427
  • Email: pre@mfa.gr
  • Website: Greek Embassy

Global Visa Centre:

Johannesburg:

  • Address: Isle of Houghton Office Park, 2nd Floor, Harrow Court 1, 11 Boundary Road, Houghton, Johannesburg, 2198
  • Phone: +27 12 425 3018
  • Email: zagr@gvc24assist.eu
  • Website: Global Visa Centre

WEATHER

Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Coastal areas remain pleasant most of the year, while mountainous regions can be cooler.

  • Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Greece, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Wildflowers bloom across the countryside and ancient ruins are surrounded by lush greenery. Islands like Santorini and Crete begin to awaken from their winter quiet, making it a perfect time for sightseeing and outdoor adventures without the summer crowds.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer is hot and dry, especially in mainland cities like Athens where temperatures can soar above 35°C. The islands benefit from cooling sea breezes, with coastal highs around 30°C. It’s the peak tourist season, ideal for island-hopping, beach holidays, and enjoying vibrant nightlife, though prices and crowds are at their highest.
  • Autumn (September to November): Autumn sees a gradual cooling with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C in early autumn, dropping to 15°C by November. The sea remains warm enough for swimming into October, and the crowds thin out, making it an excellent time for both cultural exploration and beach relaxation.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are generally mild in the south and on the islands, with temperatures between 8°C and 15°C, but northern and mountainous regions can be cold, with snowfall in areas like Thessaloniki or Mount Parnassus. It’s a good season for cultural visits and enjoying quieter city life, as well as skiing in the mainland resorts.
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for sightseeing, cultural exploration, and avoiding the crowds. Summer is best for beaches and island life, while winter offers a quieter and more local experience, especially in the cities and mountains.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Greece
Capital City: Athens
International Airports: – Alexandroupolis International Airport
– Athens International Airport
– Chania International Airport
– Corfu Island International Airport
– Heraklion International Airport
– Kalamata International Airport
– Kavala International Airport
– Kefalonia Island International Airport
– Kos Island International Airport
– Lemnos Island International Airport
– Mytilene Island International Airport
– Rhodes Island International Airport
– Samos Island International Airport
– Thessaloniki International Airport
– Zakynthos Island International Airport
Area: 301,338 km² (includes Mainland, Peloponnese Peninsula, and approximately 6,000 islands and islets)
Population: 10,302,720 (2024 est.)
Time Zone: 2 hours ahead of GMT (winter)
Observes daylight saving time from the last weekend in March to the last weekend in October.
Religion: Orthodox Greek Catholic
Language: Greek
English is widely spoken and understood
Currency: Euro (€)
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: All credit cards are accepted.
ATM Accessibility: Not readily available.
Dialling Code: +30

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: Standard voltage is 220V AC (50Hz).
Some islands use 110V.
Bring necessary converters or transformers if needed.
Water: Safe to drink tap water in large cities.
Bottled water is advisable on the islands.
Business Hours: Government offices:
– Mon-Fri, 08:00 – 15:00Shops:
– Open 08:30 – 13:30 and 17:00 – 20:00 on Tues, Thurs, and Fri
– Open 08:00 – 14:30 on Mon, Wed, and Sat
– Closed on Sundays except for tourist gift shops
Banking Hours: Mon-Thurs: 08:00 – 14:30
Fri: 08:00 – 13:30
Closed on Public Holidays
Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally allowed in most museums.
Some archaeological sites or museums may prohibit photography to protect exhibits from flash damage.
Tipping: Restaurants: 10% to 15% is customary; round up larger bills to the nearest €1.
Taxis: Tip 5% to 10% (not common but expected from tourists).
Hotels: About €2 per night for chambermaids; €1 to €5 for bellhops and doormen.
Vaccination Requirements: No vaccinations are required.
Consult with a medical practitioner or travel clinic for any concerns.
Dress Code Restrictions: No specific restrictions.
Peculiar Customs to Observe: Knife Handling: Greeks avoid handing knives directly to others to prevent conflicts. They place the knife on the table for others to take.
Spitting: Spitting three times while saying “ftou, ftou, ftou” is believed to ward off bad luck when discussing negative news.
Unlucky Day: In Greece, Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky, unlike Friday the 13th in Western cultures.

FESTIVALS

  • Carnival Season (Apokreo): Mid-January – March, notably in Patra; peaks on the last Sunday before Lent.
  • Greek Independence Day: 25 March
  • Athens & Epidavros Festival: May – October (includes music, opera, dance, and theater)
  • Miaoulia Festival, Hydra: Late June (naval festival, fireworks)
  • Rockwave Festival, Malakasa: June/July
  • Nafplio Festival: Late June – early July (classical music)
  • Naxos Festival: July and August (Bazeos Tower, Naxos Island)
  • Ancient Olympia International Festival: July – August (music, dance, and theater at the ancient Olympics site)
  • Megaro Gyzi Festival, Santorini: August
  • Sani Festival, Halkidiki: July to September
  • Athens International Film Festival: Mid to late September
  • Athens Marathon: Early November
  • Thessaloniki International Film Festival: November

MAP

“Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good
fortune to sail the Aegean Sea.”

– Nikos Kazantzakis