How to Book a Greece Visa Appointment from the UK

Where to book your Greece visa appointment in the UK

Greece visa appointments in the UK are handled by VFS Global, a private company that manages visa services on behalf of the Greek embassy and consulates. You cannot book directly with the embassy. Instead, you book through the VFS website for the UK office that covers your region — there are two: one in London and one in Manchester.

The VFS website is where you create an account, fill in your visa details, upload documents, and select your appointment date and time. You pay the visa fee plus a VFS service fee when you book. After your appointment, VFS collects your passport and sends it to the Greek consulate for processing.

Which VFS office you use depends on where you live. The London office serves the south and east of England; the Manchester office serves the north, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You can choose to travel to either office, but most people use the one nearest to them.

Key Takeaways

• Book your Greece visa appointment through VFS Global on their UK website, not directly with the Greek embassy or consulate.
• You will need your passport, proof of accommodation in Greece, proof of funds, travel insurance, and documents supporting your visa type (work, study, family visit, or tourism).
• The visa fee varies by type — tourist visas cost less than work or residence visas — and VFS adds a separate service charge on top.
• Appointment slots fill up, especially in summer months, so book as soon as your documents are ready rather than waiting until your travel date is close.
• Processing time is usually 15 calendar days from the date the consulate receives your passport, though it can take longer during peak periods.

What documents you need before booking

Gather your documents before you create your VFS account, because you will upload them as part of the booking process. The exact list depends on your visa type, but all applicants need a valid passport (with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay), a completed visa application form, and a passport-sized photograph.

You will also need proof of accommodation — a hotel booking, a rental agreement, or a letter from a family member or friend saying you can stay with them. You need proof of funds to cover your stay, usually a bank statement from the last three months. Travel insurance that covers medical costs in the Schengen area is required; it must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Beyond these basics, the consulate asks for different supporting documents depending on why you are going. If you are visiting family, bring a letter from them and proof of your relationship. If you are working, bring a job offer or employment contract. If you are a student, bring an acceptance letter from your Greek institution. If you are retired or self-employed, bring proof of income or pension statements.

How to create your VFS account and upload documents

Go to the VFS Global website for Greece UK visas. Select whether you are applying from London or Manchester. Click "Create New Application" and enter your email address and a password. You will receive a confirmation email; click the link to activate your account.

Log back in and start filling in your personal details: full name, date of birth, passport number, and contact information. The form will ask you to select your visa type — tourist, business, work, study, family visit, or residence. Choose the one that matches your reason for travel.

As you work through the form, you will reach sections for uploading documents. Upload each document as a PDF or JPG file. The system will tell you if a file is too large or in the wrong format. Do not leave any required field blank; the system will not let you proceed to booking until every section is complete.

Selecting your appointment date and paying the fee

Once your application form is complete and all documents are uploaded, the system shows you available appointment dates. Dates fill up quickly, especially from May to September. If no dates appear, slots may have sold out; check back in a few days or consider the other UK office if you are flexible on location.

Select your preferred date and time. The appointment itself is usually 15 to 20 minutes — you hand over your passport, answer questions about your application, and pay any outstanding fees. You will be given a receipt with a reference number.

At the payment screen, you will see the visa fee (which varies by visa type) plus the VFS service fee. VFS accepts debit and credit cards. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, reference number, and instructions for what to bring on the day.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your passport, your appointment confirmation email printed out, and your reference number. Bring the original documents you uploaded — the consulate may ask to see them in person, even though you have already submitted copies. Bring your travel insurance policy document or a screenshot showing your policy number and dates of cover.

Bring any letters of support — from an employer, a family member, or an educational institution — in their original form if you have it. If you printed a hotel booking or rental agreement, bring that too. The VFS staff will check that what you have brought matches what you uploaded.

Do not bring more than you need. Do not bring original bank statements if you have already uploaded them; a copy is enough. Do not bring your original passport unless you are asked — you will hand it over at the appointment anyway.

How long processing takes and when you get your passport back

Standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date the Greek consulate receives your passport. VFS will send your passport to the consulate after your appointment. You will receive an email when your passport is sent and another when it arrives back at the VFS office.

You can collect your passport in person at the VFS office where you had your appointment, or you can pay an extra fee for VFS to return it to you by courier. If you choose courier, allow an extra two to three working days for delivery. Check your email regularly for updates; VFS will tell you when your passport is ready for collection.

Processing can take longer during peak travel seasons (June to August) or if the consulate asks for additional documents. If that happens, VFS will contact you with details of what else is needed. Respond as quickly as you can, because the clock restarts once you submit the extra documents.

What happens if your appointment slot is not available

If you check the VFS website and no appointment dates are showing, the London or Manchester office has temporarily sold out. This happens regularly in summer. You have three options: check back in a few days (VFS releases slots in batches), book at the other UK office if you can travel there, or wait until the autumn when demand drops.

Some people book an appointment further in the future than they need, then contact VFS to ask if an earlier slot has opened up. VFS does not may provide they can move you, but it is worth asking if your travel dates are flexible.

If you are in a time-sensitive situation — your trip is in two weeks and you have no appointment — contact the VFS office by phone or email to explain. They cannot always help, but they may be able to advise whether a cancellation is likely or suggest alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Greece visa appointment if I am not a UK citizen?

Yes. You can use the UK VFS office if you are a legal resident of the UK, regardless of your citizenship. You will need a valid passport from your country of citizenship and proof of UK residence, such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement.

What if I need my passport before my appointment?

Once you have booked your appointment, your passport will be collected at that appointment and sent to the consulate. If you need it before then for another reason — to renew it, for example — contact VFS immediately to cancel your appointment and rebook for a later date.

Do I need travel insurance before I book my appointment?

Yes. You must have valid Schengen travel insurance in place before your appointment. You do not need to have paid for it, but you need proof of the policy — a confirmation email or a screenshot showing your policy number and dates. Book your insurance before you book your visa appointment.

What if the consulate rejects my visa?

If your visa is refused, VFS will return your passport with a letter explaining the reason. You can reapply, but you will need to address whatever caused the refusal — for example, providing stronger proof of funds or a clearer reason for your visit. You will need to book a new appointment and pay the visa fee again.

Can I apply for a Greece visa by post instead of in person?

No. You must attend an appointment in person at the VFS office. You cannot submit your application by post or have someone else attend on your behalf, except in rare circumstances — contact VFS to ask if your situation qualifies.