🇬🇷 Greece
How the 90/180 rule applies to Greece, plus the tools you'll want before you go.
Joined Schengen
2000
Currency
EUR
Timezone
Europe/Athens
Calling code
+30
What counts toward your 90 days
Every day spent in Greece counts toward the same Schengen-wide 90-day allowance. Days in Greece are added to days in any of the other 28 Schengen countries when calculating the rolling 180-day window.
Entry and exit days both count as full days.
If you hold a Greece national long-stay visa or residence permit, the 90/180 rule does not limit your stay in Greece itself, but it does still cap your time in the rest of Schengen.
Nomading in Greece, specifically
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens get 90 days visa-free. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa for Greece.
Who Gets In and How
Most major passport holders, including those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Greece for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This is the standard Schengen Area allowance. For Indian nationals, a Schengen visa is mandatory before arrival. Remember that ETIAS is coming, which will be an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt nationalities, not a visa itself. It's meant to streamline border checks but won't change your stay duration. At the border, expect your passport to be stamped. For visa-free travellers, this stamp confirms your entry date, crucial for tracking your 90-day limit. Don't lose that stamp.
The 90/180 Rule in Practice
Greece, like all Schengen countries, operates on a 90/180-day rule. This means you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day window. It’s not 90 days per country, but for the entire Schengen zone. Overstaying is a serious issue, leading to fines and entry bans. Greece doesn't have extensive land borders where frequent re-entry stamps are common for tourists; most arrivals are by air. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a national visa or a residence permit before your current visa-free period expires, usually from your home country or a Greek embassy. This isn't a simple extension; it's a different legal status.
Where Nomads Actually Live and Work
Athens is the obvious hub, offering a mix of ancient history and modern city life. Many nomads also find themselves drawn to Thessaloniki on the northern coast for its more laid-back vibe and student population. Expect monthly costs for a solo nomad to range from €1000 to €1600, depending heavily on accommodation choices and lifestyle. Internet quality in major cities is generally good, with fibre optic options available. Most cafes offer Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary. For payments, while card acceptance is widespread, carrying some Euros for smaller shops, local markets, or taxis is advisable. You'll notice that some smaller establishments might prefer cash.