GambiaGreece
Gambian passport · policy checked 5 Jul 2026
Visa required
Apply before you travel.
90
days
on a tourist visa
90
EUR · visa fee
about $105
15-45
days
processing time
VFS
visa application centre
How Gambian citizens apply for a Greece visa
- Lodge your application at a VFS Global (many corridors); Global Visa Center World (GVCW) handles Greece in India and some other countries visa application centre, with the completed form and required documents. Apply here ↗
No advance visa with these documents
Greece admits Gambian citizens without a pre-arranged visa on a valid document:
Visa-free · up to 90 days
Schengen visa (any member state)
long-stay (Type D) national visa issued by any Schengen member state may travel to other Schengen member states, including Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, provided they meet entry conditions (valid travel document, sufficient means, no security threat, not in national alert system).
eur-lex.europa.eu ↗EU / Schengen residence permit or PR
residence permit issued by any Schengen member state may travel to other Schengen member states, including Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, provided they meet entry conditions.
eur-lex.europa.eu ↗Greece visa cost for Gambian citizens
EUR 90
Schengen short-stay visa (type C) - tourism
Lodged through VFS Global (many corridors); Global Visa Center World (GVCW) handles Greece in India and some other countries, whose service fee applies on top and varies by centre.
Schengen short-stay visa (type C) - tourism
up to 90 days in any 180-day period
EUR 90
Greece visa types for Gambian citizens
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourist/VisitTourist
90 daysmultiple entry15-45d processingvalid 180d
Authorizes entry into the Schengen Area, including Greece, for tourism, visiting family or friends, or other short-stay purposes not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.
Standard fee €90 (approx $99 USD). Children aged 6-12 pay €45. Children under 6 are free. Multiple-entry visas may be valid up to 5 years for repeat applicants with good track record. Applied for at the Greek consulate of the applicant's country of residence. Governed by EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) 810/2009). Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before travel.
Official page ↗Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - BusinessBusiness
90 daysmultiple entry15-45d processingvalid 180d
Permits entry for business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, or other commercial activities for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Same Type C Schengen visa as tourist; purpose is distinguished by supporting documents (invitation letters from Greek companies, trade fair registrations, etc.). Fee €90. Governed by EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) 810/2009).
Official page ↗Airport Transit Visa (Type A)Transit
multiple entry15-45d processingvalid 180d
Required for certain nationalities to pass through the international transit zone of Greek airports without entering the Schengen Area.
Fee €80 (approx $88 USD); children 6-12 pay €40. Maximum validity 6 months for multiple airport transit visas. Only required for nationals of countries listed in Annex IV of the EU Visa Code. Issued by Greek consulates. Does not permit entry into Greek territory outside the airport international zone.
Official page ↗Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Medical TreatmentMedical
90 daysmultiple entry15-45d processingvalid 180d
Permits entry to Greece to receive planned medical treatment or hospitalization at a Greek healthcare facility for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Same Type C Schengen visa as tourist/business; the medical purpose is evidenced by supporting documents (e.g., a confirmed appointment or admission letter from the Greek medical institution and proof of sufficient funds to cover treatment). Standard fee €90 (approx $99 USD); children aged 6-12 pay €45. Governed by the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) 810/2009). For treatment expected to exceed 90 days, a national (Type D) visa route applies instead.
Official page ↗National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) - Family ReunificationFamily
365 daysmultiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d
Enables family members of legally resident third-country nationals in Greece to join and reside with them under the family reunification framework.
Governed by EU Family Reunification Directive (2003/86/EC) transposed into Greek law. The sponsor must hold a valid Greek residence permit of at least 1 year validity and have reasonable prospects of obtaining permanent residence. Covers spouse, minor children, and in certain cases dependent parents. After entry, family members must apply for their own residence permit at the Aliens and Immigration service.
Official page ↗National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) - StudiesStudent
365 daysmultiple entry15-60d processingvalid 365d
Allows third-country nationals to enter Greece to pursue full-time studies at a recognized educational institution. Required prior to arriving to apply for a Student Residence Permit.
Issued by Greek embassies/consulates abroad. After arrival, the holder must apply for a Student Residence Permit (Άδεια Διαμονής λόγω Σπουδών), renewable annually for the duration of studies. Governed by Law 4251/2014. Applicants must show proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
Official page ↗EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Worker)Work
multiple entryup to 90d processingvalid 730d
Residence and work permit for third-country nationals who are highly qualified workers employed in Greece, providing preferential treatment and path to long-term residence.
Valid 2 years (or employment contract duration + 3 months if shorter). Renewable. Requires employment contract of at least 1 year and salary of at least 1.5x the average gross annual salary in Greece. Blue Card holders enjoy equal treatment with Greek nationals in employment, social security, and education. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, may apply for long-term residence. Governed by EU Blue Card Directive 2009/50/EC transposed into Greek law via Law 4251/2014.
Official page ↗Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Residence PermitWork
multiple entry
Enables managers, specialists, and trainee employees of a multinational company to be transferred from a non-EU branch to the company's Greek entity.
Governed by the EU Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive (2014/66/EU) transposed into Greek law. Requires prior employment with the company of at least 12 months for managers and specialists, and 6 months for trainees. The Greek host entity applies for approval from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum; after approval the transferee obtains a national (Type D) visa and then the ICT residence permit. Maximum stay is up to 3 years for managers and specialists and up to 1 year for trainees. Permits intra-EU mobility to same-group entities in other member states.
Official page ↗National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) - EmploymentWork
365 daysmultiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d
Grants entry for third-country nationals intending to take up employment in Greece under a contract with a Greek employer.
Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test approval. After entry, the worker must convert to a Residence Permit for Employment. Seasonal workers (e.g., agriculture, tourism) may be covered under the Seasonal Worker permit category (Art. 13a, Law 4251/2014). EU nationals are exempt (freedom of movement). Governed by Law 4251/2014 as amended.
Official page ↗National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) - Scientific ResearchWork
multiple entry
Allows non-EU researchers to enter Greece to carry out research at an approved research organisation under a hosting agreement.
For third-country nationals conducting research under a hosting agreement with a research organisation approved by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology. Governed by the EU Researchers Directive (2016/801/EU) as transposed into the Greek Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023). The residence permit duration matches that of the hosting agreement and is renewable on the same basis. Holders enjoy equal treatment in working conditions, social security, and recognition of qualifications, plus intra-EU researcher mobility. Applicant obtains a national (Type D) visa at a Greek consulate, then a residence permit after arrival.
Official page ↗Residence Permit for Independent Economic Activity / Self-EmploymentWork
multiple entryvalid 730d
Allows third-country nationals to reside in Greece to carry out independent (self-employed) economic activity or an approved investment activity.
Two routes: (1) Independent economic activity - requires at least €250,000 in capital and a business plan showing benefit to the Greek economy; residence permit valid 2 years, renewable for identical periods. (2) Investment activity - requires a business investment (minimum €500,000) with positive effects on the national economy; residence permit valid 3 years, renewable. Applicant obtains an initial national (Type D) visa, then applies for the residence permit after arrival before the visa expires. Requires proof of financial resources, health insurance, and a medical certificate. Governed by the Greek Immigration Code (Law 5038/2023).
Official page ↗Seasonal Worker PermitWork
270 dayssingle entryvalid 270d
Authorizes third-country nationals to enter Greece for temporary seasonal employment, primarily in agriculture and tourism sectors.
Governed by Article 13a of Law 4251/2014 and the EU Seasonal Workers Directive (2014/36/EU). Covers seasonal work in agriculture, tourism, and related sectors. Maximum stay varies by sector. Employer must obtain prior authorization from Greek labor authorities before the visa can be issued. Bilateral agreements may govern admission quotas for certain nationalities.
Official page ↗Digital Nomad Visa (Type D) - Remote WorkDigital nomad
365 daysmultiple entry14-28d processingvalid 365d
Allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who work remotely for employers or clients based entirely outside Greece to reside in Greece while conducting their work.
Introduced under Law 4825/2021, updated by Law 5038/2023. Minimum monthly income of €3,500 net (€4,200 with a dependent spouse; €4,830 with additional dependents). Application fee approximately €1,000 (visa) plus ~€150 per family member. Initial visa valid 12 months (Type D). After arrival, applicants may apply for a 2-year Digital Nomad Residence Permit, renewable every 2 years. Eligible holders may receive a 50% income tax reduction for up to 7 years. Employer/clients must be based entirely outside Greece.
Official page ↗Golden Visa - Investor Residence PermitInvestment
multiple entryvalid 1825d
Grants a renewable 5-year residence permit to non-EU nationals who make qualifying investments in Greece, including real estate, government bonds, bank deposits, or startup investments.
Minimum investment thresholds (per Law 5100/2024, effective 31 August 2024): €800,000 for residential/commercial real estate in high-demand zones (Attica, Thessaloniki, islands with 3,100+ inhabitants); €400,000 in all other regions; €250,000 for commercial-to-residential conversion or heritage building restoration; €500,000 in Greek government bonds (3-year minimum maturity); €500,000 in fixed-term Greek bank deposit (1-year minimum); €350,000 in Greek-focused investment fund units; €250,000 in an Elevate Greece-registered startup. Fees: €16 for permit issuance; €2,000 electronic fee for renewals. No minimum stay requirement. Path to citizenship after 7 years of legal residence. Family members included. Short-term (Airbnb-type) rentals prohibited for real estate route.
Official page ↗Humanitarian Residence PermitOther
multiple entryvalid 365d
Granted to third-country nationals who face exceptional humanitarian circumstances that prevent their return to their country of origin, outside the formal asylum process.
Issued on humanitarian grounds (e.g., serious illness, protection from violence, other compelling circumstances). Renewable annually. Governed by Law 4251/2014, Art. 19A. Applicants must be residing in Greece and apply through the local Aliens and Immigration Service. Does not require departure and re-entry.
Official page ↗Long-Term Resident Permit (EU)Other
multiple entryup to 180d processingvalid 1825d
Grants permanent or long-term residence status to third-country nationals who have legally resided in Greece continuously for at least 5 years, conferring near-equal rights to Greek nationals.
Based on EU Long-Term Residents Directive (2003/109/EC). Requires 5 years of continuous legal residence in Greece. Holders have the right to work, access social benefits, and move to other EU member states for work or study. Valid for 5 years and renewable. Processing decision should arrive within 6 months (extendable by 3 months) per EU directive requirements.
Official page ↗National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) - Economically Independent PersonsOther
multiple entry30-90d processingvalid 365d
Allows financially self-sufficient third-country nationals who do not intend to work in Greece to reside in the country, provided they can demonstrate sufficient regular income from abroad.
Applicants must demonstrate regular income from abroad (pensions, investments, property income, etc.) sufficient to support themselves and dependents without working in Greece. Similar to a 'retirement/passive income' visa category. Governed by Law 4251/2014. Work is prohibited under this permit. Residence permit initially issued for 2 years and renewable.
Official page ↗Talent VisaOther
365 daysmultiple entryvalid 365d
Permits entry for highly educated third-country nationals with at minimum a Master's degree from a globally-ranked university to seek employment in Greece.
Introduced by Greek immigration reforms effective 6 February 2026. Requires at minimum a Master's degree (or PhD/Postdoc) from an institution ranked on at least two international university ranking lists. No job offer required at entry. Does not grant immediate work authorization; upon securing employment in Greece, holder can transition to work/residence permits or EU Blue Card. Valid 12 months.
Official page ↗Tech VisaOther
365 daysmultiple entryvalid 365d
Allows third-country nationals to enter Greece to work for a registered Greek tech startup, providing fast-track immigration for the technology sector.
Introduced by Greek immigration reforms effective 6 February 2026. Salary must be at least 1.6x the national average gross salary. The Tech Visa cannot be transferred to another employer; immigration status lapses if employment ends. May be converted to an EU Blue Card if eligibility is met. Valid 12 months initially.
Official page ↗Greece visa for Gambian citizens - FAQ
Do Gambian citizens need a visa for Greece?
Yes - Gambian citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a Greece embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.
What documents do Gambian citizens need for Greece?
A passport valid well beyond your planned stay (commonly three to six months, depending on the destination), proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific Greece visa category - check the official portal for the exact passport-validity rule.
Check entry with visas you already hold →What “visa required” means →