Greece Visa Trends: Discover Countries with Most Approval and Rejection Rates

Greece ranked as the sixth most popular destination for Schengen visa applications in 2023, marking a significant role within the Schengen Area.

According to recent data from SchengenVisaInfo, Greece accounted for over 6% of the Schengen visa requests, with 627,008 applications, underscoring its popularity among travellers worldwide.

Visa Application Trends in Greece

The majority of Schengen visa applications in Greece came from Turkish nationals, who accounted for approximately 40.5% (254,377) of total applications. Russians and Chinese applicants followed, with 62,959 and 35,931 applications, respectively. These figures highlight Greece’s popularity among travellers from neighbouring and Asian regions.

Five Nationalities with Highest Visa Rejections in Greece

Greece’s visa rejections were primarily concentrated among applicants from specific African and Asian countries, with the highest denial rates recorded for the following nationalities:

1. Pakistan

In 2023, visa applicants from Pakistan faced the highest Schengen visa rejection rate in Greece, with over 65% of the 560 applications submitted being denied.

• Applications Submitted: 560
• Rejection Rate: 65.54%
• Pakistani applicants experienced the highest rejection rate, with over 65% of applications denied.

2. Algeria

Algerian nationals encountered a significant hurdle with Greek Schengen visas, as 59.54% of the 2,066 applications were rejected, placing Algeria as the second-highest in rejection rates.

• Applications Submitted: 2,066
• Rejection Rate: 59.54%
• Greece denied 1,230 applications from Algerian nationals, making them the second most affected group.

3. Tunisia

Travellers from Tunisia seeking entry into Greece under Schengen visas experienced challenges, with over 56% of their 2,774 applications denied by Greek authorities.

• Applications Submitted: 2,774
• Rejection Rate: 56.36%
• Tunisians faced a rejection rate exceeding 56%, with 1,564 applications refused.

4. Senegal

Despite fewer applications, Senegalese applicants faced high rejection rates in Greece in 2023, with more than half of their 240 Schengen visa requests declined.

• Applications Submitted: 240
• Rejection Rate: 56.25%
• Although application numbers were low, more than half of Senegalese applications were denied.

5. Iraq

Iraqi nationals had substantial rejection rates, with Greek authorities denying 49.22% of the 3,568 visa applications submitted in 2023.

• Applications Submitted: 3,568
• Rejection Rate: 49.22%
• Greek authorities rejected 1,756 applications from Iraqi nationals, marking a high rejection rate for applicants from Iraq.

Also Read: Greece Introduces New Taxes and Fees for Tourists and Cruise Passengers in 2024

Countries with Highest Greek Visa Approval Rates

Several countries saw exceptionally high approval rates for Greek visas, reflecting Greece’s positive stance toward applicants from these regions. The following countries had approval rates surpassing 90%:

1. Kazakhstan

Kazakh nationals enjoyed one of the highest Schengen visa approval rates in Greece for 2023, with an impressive 97.78% of their 9,674 applications accepted.

• Applications Submitted: 9,674
• Approval Rate: 97.78%
• Greek authorities approved 9,459 applications from Kazakh nationals, maintaining one of the highest acceptance rates.

2. Indonesia

Indonesian applicants saw strong approval trends for Greek visas, with 97.27% of the 4,326 applications granted, indicating high acceptance rates for Indonesian nationals.

• Applications Submitted: 4,326
• Approval Rate: 97.27%
• Indonesia had 4,208 applications approved, underscoring strong approval trends for Indonesian nationals.

3. Thailand

Thai nationals experienced favourable outcomes with Greek Schengen visas, as Greek authorities approved 94.75% of the 1,903 applications submitted in 2023.

• Applications Submitted: 1,903
• Approval Rate: 94.75%
• With 1,803 visas approved, Thai applicants enjoyed a favourable approval rate.

Also Read: Greece Increases Golden Visa Minimum Investment to €800K in 2024

Understanding Greece Visa Types

Planning a trip to Greece? Here’s an overview of the different visa types Greece offers:

1. Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

Ideal for tourists, business visitors, and family visits, Greece’s Schengen Short-Stay Visa permits travellers to stay up to 90 days within 180 days. This visa type suits those planning brief trips for leisure or work.

2. National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

For those planning to reside in Greece longer than 90 days, the National Long-Stay Visa is necessary. This visa type allows for work, study, or family reunification, catering to those with extended stay plans or employment goals.

3. Airport Transit Visa

The Airport Transit Visa is required for travellers from specific countries who are simply passing through a Greek airport on their way to another destination. This visa limits travellers to the airport’s transit zone for a short stay.

4. Family Reunification Visa

This visa facilitates the reunion of family members with Greek citizens or residents, allowing eligible relatives to join their family in Greece. Documentation proving family relationships is necessary to obtain this visa.

5. Student Visa

Designed for international students, Greece’s Student Visa enables enrollment in Greek educational institutions and allows part-time work during studies. This visa is essential for foreign students pursuing education in Greece.

Conclusion

With its rich history and vibrant tourism sector, Greece continues to be a favoured destination for Schengen travellers. However, visa approval rates vary widely based on nationality, with higher approval rates for certain countries. Understanding the visa types and requirements can help ensure a smooth application process for those planning to visit or stay in Greece.

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