Greece is one of the most aspirational European destinations for South Africans — Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Crete, and the Cyclades islands attract thousands of SA visitors each year. A Greece Schengen visa covers all 27 Schengen countries. Key tip: apply early for summer. Total cost ~ZAR 2,365. No yellow fever required.
Key Warnings
Schengen travel insurance (minimum €30,000 medical) is mandatory.
Apply at least 6 weeks before summer travel (June–September) — Greece is one of the most popular Schengen destinations and appointment slots at VFS fill quickly.
Santorini and Mykonos accommodation books out months in advance in summer — confirm accommodation before applying for the visa.
Insider Tips
Greek island hopping is possible on one Schengen visa: Athens → Santorini → Mykonos → Crete by ferry. Blue Star Ferries and Aegean Airlines serve most island routes.
Shoulder season (April–May, September–October) offers excellent weather, shorter queues, and lower prices than July–August peak.
A Greece Schengen visa also covers Italy — combining Athens or the Greek islands with Rome or the Amalfi Coast is a popular SA itinerary on one visa.
Step-by-Step Guide
Purchase Schengen travel insurance
Buy insurance covering all 27 Schengen countries, minimum €30,000 medical coverage.
Complete the Schengen application form
Fill in Greece's Schengen application form from the VFS portal. Sign and date.
Gather documents
3 months bank statements, employment letter, return flight, hotel bookings (all nights), 2 photos, insurance certificate.
Book VFS appointment early
Go to vfsglobal.com/greece/southafrica. Book well in advance — Greece appointments in JHB and CPT fill quickly for summer travel.
Attend appointment and submit
Pay €90 + ZAR 520. Biometrics collected.
Wait 5–20 working days
Collect from VFS. Allow extra buffer for peak summer applications.
Required Documents
Valid South African passport (3+ months beyond return date)
Completed Schengen visa application form (Greece)
Two recent passport photos (35×45mm, white background)
Accommodation proof for full stayHotel bookings in Greece for all nights. Greece consular officers check that accommodation covers the full trip.
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Employment letter on company letterhead
Recommended (Optional)
Property ownership in South Africa
Previous Schengen, UK, or US visa history
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Greece?
Yes. South African passport holders require a Schengen C visa for Greece. Apply at VFS Global in Johannesburg or Cape Town. The visa costs €90 (~ZAR 1,845) plus a VFS service fee of ~ZAR 520. No yellow fever certificate required. Apply at least 6 weeks before summer travel.
How do South Africans get to Santorini?
Most South Africans fly from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) via Dubai, Doha, or London to Athens (ATH), then take a domestic flight (Aegean Airlines, Sky Express) or high-speed ferry to Santorini (Thira). Budget 2–3 days for Athens, then 3–5 days on Santorini. The full trip fits easily within a 90-day Schengen visa.