Indian travelers planning European getaways received welcome news today as all Greece visa application centres across the country resumed full operations after a two-month cyber-related shutdown.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | 12 February 2026 |
| Who’s Affected | Indian Schengen visa applicants |
| Key Change | Full resumption of Greece visa services nationwide |
Global Visa Center World (GVCW) announced that operations at all nine centres—New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi, and Kolkata—are now fully functional. The centres had been partially suspended since mid-December following a subcontractor’s cyber-incident that disrupted the Schengen appointment system.
Rush for Spring Travel Appointments
The timing couldn’t be more critical for Indian business travelers. With Europe’s peak convention season starting in six weeks, corporate travel managers are scrambling to secure visa slots for employees attending trade fairs in Athens, Thessaloniki, and across the EU.
However, the restart comes with a catch—pent-up demand has already filled 70% of prime morning appointment slots through February. Indian travelers should review our comprehensive Schengen Visa Guide to understand all requirements before booking appointments.
GVCW confirmed that back-office processing at the Consulate General in Mumbai and Embassy in Delhi has been “fully normalised,” with standard processing times returning to 15 calendar days. Priority processing, guaranteed within five working days, will resume on a limited quota basis.
Unchanged Fees and Requirements
Visa fees remain at €80 for adults plus a ₹1,299 service charge, payable in rupees. Applicants must present six months’ bank statements, IT returns, and employer leave letters. Self-funded business visitors need GST certificates and cover letters explaining their commercial purpose.
For those seeking streamlined processing, our Visa Fee Calculator can help budget the complete cost including additional services.
Work Permit Warning for Businesses
Companies sending technical staff to Greece under the EU’s Posted-Workers Directive face a crucial reminder: work permits are separate from Schengen C-visas and must be arranged through Greece’s Ministry of Labour. Non-compliance risks ₹82,000 fines per worker and potential site closures.
The reopening provides relief for thousands of Indian travelers who had postponed European plans during the outage. With appointment availability tightening rapidly, travelers should act quickly to secure their preferred dates.
Source: Global Visa Center World (GVCW), Greece
FAQ
Q: Which Greece visa centres are now operational in India? A: All nine centres are operational: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi, and Kolkata.
Q: What is the current processing time for Greece Schengen visas? A: Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. Priority processing (5 working days) is available on limited quota.
Q: How much does a Greece Schengen visa cost for Indians? A: €80 for adults plus ₹1,299 service charge, payable in rupees at the visa centres.
Q: Why were the centres closed for two months? A: A cyber-incident at a subcontractor disrupted the Schengen appointment system since mid-December 2025.
Q: Are appointment slots readily available now? A: Prime morning slots are already 70% booked for February due to pent-up demand from the backlog period.