Entering Greece for Israelis: visa, passport validity, EES and ETIAS (2026)
Israelis enter Greece without a visa. What to check in your passport, what changes with the EES border system, and where ETIAS stands.
- With an Israeli passport you enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180, across the whole Schengen area.
- Since April 2026 EES is fully operational: photo and fingerprints on first entry, no stamps.
- As of October 2026 ETIAS is not operating and has no start date. You do not need it now.
Before flying, check your passport is valid for at least 3 months after you return, ideally more. No visa or ETIAS is needed for now. Laissez-passer holders should check early with the Greek Embassy.
Do Israelis need a visa for Greece?
No. Israelis with an Israeli passport enter Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This covers tourism, family visits and business meetings. You do not need to apply for anything in advance: arrive at passport control with your passport.
Remember that the 90 days cover the whole Schengen area together, not each country separately. Days in Italy, France or any other Schengen country come out of the same allowance. Anyone who wants to work in Greece or live there for more than 90 days needs a suitable visa or residence permit, for example a Golden Visa.
How long must my passport be valid?
Under Schengen rules, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you leave the Schengen area, and must have been issued within the last 10 years. Some sites recommend 6 months, which is a sensible margin: if your passport is close to expiry, renew it before you fly. Airlines also check validity at check-in.
Border officers may ask about your return ticket, accommodation and means to support your stay. Keep your bookings on your phone. Travel insurance is not an entry requirement, but it is strongly recommended.
What is EES, and what changes at passport control?
EES (the Entry/Exit System) is a new EU electronic system that replaces passport stamps. It started on 12 October 2025, and since 10 April 2026 it has been fully operational across the Schengen area, including Greece.
What it means for Israelis:
- On your first entry after the system started, your photo and fingerprints are taken. Later entries are quicker.
- Children under 12 do not give fingerprints.
- No passport stamps. The system counts your days automatically and records anyone who overstays 90 days.
- Nothing to do before you fly. No form and no fee. At busy times queues at passport control can be longer, so arrive in good time.
What is ETIAS, and when will it start?
ETIAS is an online travel authorisation the EU plans to require from visa-free visitors, Israelis included. When it starts, you will fill in an online form before travelling and pay a €20 fee (free under 18 and over 70). It will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
As of October 2026, ETIAS is not yet operating and there is no official start date. The previous target, "the last quarter of 2026", was removed from the EU website in July 2026. The EU says it will announce the start date several months in advance, with a transition period at first. For now, you do not need ETIAS to fly to Greece.
Beware: some private websites offer to "get your ETIAS" for a high fee. When the system starts, applications will be made only on the official EU website or app.
I have a laissez-passer. Do I need a visa for Greece?
The visa exemption applies to the Israeli passport. Travellers using an Israeli laissez-passer (travel document in lieu of a passport) usually need a Schengen visa in advance, from the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv. Processing can take several weeks, so start early and check the current requirements on the embassy website.
What about children?
Every child needs their own passport, and the same rules apply: no visa, up to 90 days. If a child travels with one parent or without their parents, airlines and border officers may ask for consent from the parent who is not travelling. It is not always required, but carry a signed consent letter (in English) and a birth certificate.
A Golden Visa is not a tourist visa
The Golden Visa is a 5-year residence permit in return for investing in Greek property. It lets you live in Greece without the 90-day limit, but does not give the right to work. You do not need it for an ordinary visit. Full details in our Greece Golden Visa guide.
FAQ
Do Israelis need a visa for Greece? No. With an Israeli passport you can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180, counted across the whole Schengen area.
Do I need ETIAS to fly to Greece? Not at the moment. As of October 2026 the system is not operating and there is no official start date. It will cost €20 when it starts.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Greece? At least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area. More is better, to be safe.
What is EES in Greece? An electronic border registration system that replaces stamps. On your first entry your photo and fingerprints are taken. No advance registration is needed.
Can I travel to Greece visa-free with a laissez-passer? Usually not. Laissez-passer holders need a Schengen visa from the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv.
