Indian travellers planning a Greece visa should take note of a major update affecting visa application procedures in India. Effective 1 January 2026, all Global Visa Center World (GVCW) Visa Application Centres in India will cease operations.
This change affects all visa types, including tourist visas, business visas, and long-stay visas, and signals a temporary pause in the standard visa application process across India. Indian travellers planning trips to Greece — for leisure, business, study, or family purposes — should be aware of this development and plan accordingly.
What Indian Applicants Need to Know
GVCW had been acting as the official service provider for the Greek Consular Authorities in India, helping Indian nationals with visa appointments, biometric collection, document verification, and passport services. Its centres in multiple cities offered convenience and accessibility for applicants outside New Delhi.
With operations ceasing from 1 January 2026, Indian travellers will need to contact the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi directly for guidance on submitting visa applications. Until new arrangements or service providers are announced, this will be the primary point of contact for visa queries.
This development affects applicants across all visa categories:
Tourist visas (short-stay Schengen Type C)
Business visas
Long-stay visas (Type D) for work, study, or family reunification
Applicants are encouraged to monitor updates from the Greek Embassy to understand the temporary procedures and avoid delays.
Practical Solution for Indian Travellers
For Indian travellers who wish to visit Greece despite the temporary unavailability of GVCW centres, there is a viable workaround using the Schengen visa system:
Apply for a Schengen Visa from Another Country
Identify the Schengen country where you will spend the most days during your trip (e.g., France, Germany, or Italy).
Submit your visa application to that country’s consulate in India following standard procedures.
Include Greece as a Short Visit
Once the Schengen visa is approved, you can visit Greece as part of your multi-country European itinerary, even if it’s only for a day or two.
Ensure your travel itinerary clearly shows the main stay in the country where the visa is issued, with Greece as a secondary stop.
Follow Schengen Rules
The Schengen visa must be issued by the country of longest stay (or first entry if durations are equal).
Short visits to Greece are legally permitted under this visa.
Plan Your Travel Documents Carefully
Include flight tickets, accommodation bookings, and travel plans that reflect the main country of stay.
Keep all documentation ready in case authorities request proof of your itinerary.
Seek Expert Guidance
A visa assistance service like Schengen Assist can help ensure your itinerary, documents, and visa application align with Schengen regulations and maximise your chances of approval.
This solution allows Indian travellers to avoid delays caused by the temporary closure of Greece visa centres while still including Greece in their trip.
Why This Works for Tourist and Business Visa Applicants
Tourist visa applicants: Can plan a full itinerary in another Schengen country while including Greece for short visits, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Business visa applicants: Can attend meetings or conferences in Europe and visit Greece for brief business purposes without needing a separate Greek visa.
Long-stay travellers: Students or professionals spending extended periods in another Schengen country can still make short trips to Greece legally.
This approach ensures that Indian travellers maintain their travel plans legally and efficiently, despite temporary changes in Greece visa operations.
Contacting the Greek Embassy in New Delhi
Until further notice, the Embassy of Greece in New Delhi is the official point of contact for all visa-related queries and procedures. Applicants who had planned to visit GVCW centres after January 1, 2026, should now:
Reach out directly to the embassy for updated instructions on where and how to apply.
Confirm appointment availability for tourist, business, or long-stay visa submissions.
Prepare documents in line with embassy guidelines to avoid delays.
Being proactive in communicating with the embassy is especially important for Indian travellers with tight schedules or urgent travel requirements.
Final Thoughts
The cessation of GVCW Visa Application Centres in India from January 1, 2026, represents a significant temporary disruption for Indian travellers applying for Greece visas. However, by applying for a Schengen visa from the country where they will spend most of their stay, travellers can still legally visit Greece for a short period.
This solution provides a practical workaround for both tourist and business travellers, ensuring their European itineraries remain intact. Careful planning, timely applications, and proper documentation are key to making this approach work smoothly.
Plan, Apply, Travel
Indian travellers planning a tourist, business, or long-stay trip to Greece can rely on Schengen Assist for expert guidance. From itinerary planning to Schengen visa applications and compliance with short-stay Greece visits, we ensure your travel is seamless. Contact us today to get professional support and secure your European journey confidently.
✅ Get professional help before you apply
✅ Travel smart, avoid application pitfalls
✅ Maximise your chances for visa success
Visit: SchengenAssist.com
Email: info@schengenassist.com
