1. Passport Validity & Schengen 90/180-Day Rule
Greece is a full member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Visa-exempt travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore can enter Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries combined.
Your passport must meet two strict Schengen criteria:
- Issued within the last 10 years on the day you enter Greece.
- Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen zone (6 months recommended).
2. Non-EU Tax-Free Shopping (24% FPA VAT Refund on €50+ Receipts)
Greece's standard Value Added Tax (FPA) is 24%. If you reside permanently outside the European Union (including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) and spend €50.00 or more (including VAT) on the same day in a single store displaying a Tax-Free Shopping sign (Global Blue, Planet, or Innova), ask the cashier for a digital Tax-Free form with your passport details. Before checking your bags at Athens Airport (ATH) or your final EU exit airport, get your digital receipt validated at the Customs Tax-Free desk to receive a 10%–16% net refund back to your card. Calculate your refund in our Euro VAT & Hotel Tax Calculator.