How to apply for a Greek (or any) visa:

Hi! Did you know that one of the reasons I started this blog was because I was frustrated about the lack of info out there about Greece? I remember googling “tips for applying for a Greek visa” and coming up with nothing! I think it’s time we change that :)

-Get the ball rolling at least three months early when applying for any visa! The number one thing you should start right now, without delay, is applying for your FBI background check. Mine took 2 months to be returned to me after I sent in for it, so start right away!

-Communicate with the consulate as much as you can. The Greek embassy was terrible about answering my phone calls, so I had to get used to calling, leaving a voice mail, and waiting for a returned call (that could come at any hour of the day). And they usually only answered one of my questions, not all of them, before hanging up on me.

-Double check everything. Call to make your interview appointment. Call the week before you go to confirm, call the day before to confirm again. Be annoying. Make sure you get all the information you need.

-Bring your packet of required paperwork, in order. I have heard of people being kicked out of consulates because their paperwork was not in order. Yes, seriously.

-Bring exact change for your visa fee.

-Dress (slightly) nicely, but no need to be super fancy.

-Arrive a little early and expect to wait around a lot while they speak a lot of Greek to each other about whether or not they will let you in the country. Try not to get nervous about it.