V1
EU / EEA / Switzerland
No visa needed
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland do not need a visa and may stay without a time limit.
Entry rules
Visa & entry requirements for Heraklion Airport (HER)
Greece is in the Schengen Area. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need no visa; many other nationalities visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling.
V2
Visa-exempt nationalities
Up to 90 days visa-free
Passport holders from countries such as the UK, US, Canada and Australia can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, across the whole Schengen Area.
V3
Other nationalities
Schengen visa in advance
Travellers who are not visa-exempt must apply for a Schengen visa before the trip, through a Greek consulate or an authorised visa centre.
Good to know
The 90/180 rule
The visa-free allowance is 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, counted across the whole Schengen Area — time already spent in other Schengen countries counts towards the limit.
ETIAS is coming
ETIAS is an upcoming online travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU visitors — a quick application, not a visa. Its start date has been delayed several times, so check the current status before you book.
Passport & documents
Your passport must meet the Schengen Area validity rules. At the border you may be asked to show proof of onward travel and of your accommodation.
Applying for a Schengen visa
Apply in good time, as processing can take weeks. You will usually need a valid passport, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, travel insurance and a return booking.
This page is general guidance only. Visa rules change — always confirm the current requirements for your nationality with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Greek consulate before you travel.
Full guide
Updated
Do you need a visa to visit Crete through Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER)? Greece is in the EU and the Schengen Area, so the answer depends on your nationality. Many visitors travel visa-free for short stays, while others need a Schengen visa. Here is the essential guidance — always confirm with an official source for your passport.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
Citizens of the EU/EEA and Switzerland need no visa and are not held to the 90-day limit. Many other nationalities — including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and others — can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as tourists. Passport holders from countries without a visa-waiver agreement must apply for a Schengen visa in advance.
The Schengen rule: 90 days in any 180
Short visa-free stays are capped at 90 days within any rolling 180-day period, counted across the whole Schengen Area, not just Greece. If you have recently visited other Schengen countries, that time counts toward your 90 days.
Applying for a Schengen visa
If you need a visa, apply before you travel through the Greek consulate or an authorised visa centre in your country. You will typically need a passport valid well beyond your stay, proof of accommodation and funds, travel insurance and a return booking. Apply in good time, as processing takes weeks.
ETIAS: the new travel authorisation
The EU is introducing ETIAS, an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt non-EU visitors — a quick application, not a visa. As of August 2026 it has not started: applications are not open, and the EU expects a launch in the last quarter of 2026 without naming a date. Anyone selling you an ETIAS for Crete today is not selling an official document.
Passport validity and entry
Make sure your passport meets the validity rules for the Schengen Area, and be ready to show proof of onward travel and accommodation at the border. Since 2026 the border check itself also registers non-EU visitors in the EU Entry/Exit System, which takes fingerprints and a facial image instead of stamping the passport. Greece completed the rollout across its airports on 10 April 2026. See the passport control guide for how the checks work on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Crete?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not; many others (UK, US, Canada, Australia) visit visa-free for up to 90 days; some nationalities need a Schengen visa.
How long can I stay without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.
What is ETIAS?
A planned EU online travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors. It had not started as of August 2026, and the EU expects a launch late in the year.
Where do I apply for a Schengen visa?
At the Greek consulate or an authorised visa centre in your country, well before you travel.