GREECE. Visa Requirements Details. Required Documents. Visitors/Tourists. International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for Greece

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1 GREECE On behalf of UniGroup Relocation, we will be coordinating the shipment of your goods to. To simplify the process, we have outlined the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition. This will also review your responsibilities in assisting with this process. In addition to the points below, the following pages will outline the requirements, which will be facilitated by our local representative to complete the clearance. They will assist with each item specific to your shipment so please be assured they will do whatever is necessary to facilitate a quick and efficient clearance. The documentation process, for example, passports, visas, power of attorney, etc., can take one week to 14 days plus the transportation airfreight seven to 21 days / weeks and ocean six to eight weeks, depending on the origin. It is extremely important that you take a few moments to review these important requirements, as they will allow us to process the release of your personal property through foreign customs. Customs and immigration requirements are established by the country of import and not by UniGroup Relocation. This guide has been designed to assist clients understand and comply with country-specific requirements. Substantial effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is current and correct. Such regulations, however, are subject to change without notice by the country of import. UniGroup Relocation assumes no liability for changes in the law or interpretation by enforcement personnel as it exists at the time you and/or your goods enter the country. Visa Requirements Details Please advise your local representative or UniGroup Relocation Representative of the Type of passport or visa you will be travelling under (working visa, temporary visa, diplomatic, etc.) When moving to, some specific documents will be required in order to satisfy local immigration officials. *Contact address and telephone number must be listed on all documents. Required Documents Visitors/Tourists Airport Transit Visa (A) Details Requirements for Airport Transit Visa (A): A valid travel document (e.g. national passport) valid at least three months beyond the intended stays in which a visa can be affixed on a blank page. A visa application form correctly completed, signed and accompanied by recent passport photos bearing a true likeness to the applicant. A valid entry visa for the country of destination. A confirmed return or onward air line ticket. A valid visa or other document enabling applicant to return to his/her country of residence. Medical insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 per person. Consular fees to be paid in cash at the time of application (the visa fee, according to Schengen regulations, is non-refundable.) Effective: Jan. 1,

2 Transit Visa (B) Tourist Visa (C) Proof of sufficient financial means. Proof of current occupation. Requirements for Transit Visa (B): Application form correctly filled in and signed together with two recent high quality passport size photographs. Travel document (e.g. national passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended duration of stay in the Schengen territory) in which a visa can be affixed on an empty page. Consular fees to be paid in cash at the time of application (the visa fee, according to Schengen regulations, is non-refundable). Proof of medical insurance valid for all Schengen countries for the entire duration of stay with a minimum coverage of Euro per person. The insurance has to cover all expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment. Foreign insurance policies have to be submitted with an English translation. A valid entry visa for the country of final destination. An onward or return journey ticket (a proof of reservation is needed e.g. reservation slip, but a ticket should not be bought until a visa is guaranteed or issued.) Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of stay (cash, cheques and credit cards accepted in the Schengen countries, a pledge of financial support, an employment contract, bank statements, proof of enrolment on the trade register and/or of professional activity.) Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or a letter of invitation) in case of overnight stay. Requirements for Tourist Visa: Application form to be filled in completely and to be signed by each applicant personally. In some cases more than one application form may have to be submitted (if a child is endorsed in the parents passport.) One recent passport-sized picture in color (size 4 x 3 cm). Travel document (passport), validity of which should exceed the stay by at least three months. Proof of transport means for a round trip (a proof of reservation is needed e.g. reservation slip, but a ticket should not be bought until a visa is guaranteed.) Proof of health insurance valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance has to cover all risk e.g. accident, illness, etc. Proof of sufficient financial means for applicant s stay and return journey by either his/her company and/or applicant s own financial means (recent bank statement from applicant s company and/or private bank account, Traveler s Cheques, etc.) Effective: Jan. 1,

3 Schengen Tourist Visa Medical certificate (from a hospital, which the person concerned does not suffer from serious illness, contagious disease, etc.). Clean slate certificate (from the police authorities, that the person concerned did not commit any crime, etc.). Consular fees to be paid in cash at the time of application (the visa fee, according to Schengen regulations, is non-refundable). Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, confirmation about purchase of a tour package etc.). Proof of applicant s current occupation. This could be a recent, original letter of continued employment from his/her employer stating the position and income. If applicable: Students have to submit a letter from their university/school confirming their status/attendance indicating the holiday period or - during school year - a permission to be up sent from class including time frame. Covering letter explaining the reason of applicant s trip to, duration of stay, sponsorship of air ticket/ travel expenses. If self-employed, evidence of applicant s business. For children under 18, a notarized 'No-objection Certificate' from nonaccompanying parents. Interview, if required. Requirements for Schengen Tourist Visa: Visa application form, duly completed and signed by the applicant. One recent passport size photograph affixed on the form. Passport with a validity of six months from the date of entry into. Covering letter explaining the reason of applicant s trip to, duration of stay, sponsorship of air ticket/ travel expenses. If selfemployed, evidence of his/her business. Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses in (travelers cheques, foreign exchange endorsement on the passport, international credit cards (statements to be submitted) salary slips, income tax declaration, personal bank statements. Confirmed hotel reservation. Confirmed return air-ticket. Personal travel insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros (for emergency medical treatment by a doctor, urgent ambulance transportation, transportation back to home country if required for medical reasons). For children under 18, a notarized 'No-objection Certificate' from nonaccompanying parents. Interview, if required. Effective: Jan. 1,

4 Schengen Transit Visa Businesspeople Business Visa (C) Requirements for Schengen Transit Visa: Visa application form, duly completed and signed by the applicant. One recent passport size photograph affixed on the form. Passport with a validity of six months from the date of entry into, previous passport or passports may also be requested. C.D.C (Seaman's Book). Employment contract. Air ticket. Diploma/certificate (as applicable): a) personal safety and social responsibility. b) personal survival techniques c) elementary first aid. d) fire prevention and fire fighting, e) on watch keeping. Interview, if required. Requirements for Business Visa: Application form filled in completely and to be signed by each applicant personally with recent passport pictures attached. Travel document (passport), validity of which should exceed the stay by at least three months. Consular fee in local currency to be paid in cash at the time of application (the visa fee, according to Schengen regulations, is nonrefundable.) Proof of health insurance valid for all Schengen-countries. The insurance has to cover all risk e.g. accident, illness, etc. Proof of transport means for a round trip (a proof of reservation is needed e.g. reservation slip, but a ticket should not be bought until a visa is guaranteed.) Proof of sufficient financial means for applicant s stay and return journey by either his/her company and/or applicant s own financial means (recent bank statement from applicant s company and/or private bank account, Traveler s Cheques, etc.) Original invitation letter from the company/business partner in the host country. Letter from employer stating applicant's professional status, purpose of visit to, duration of stay, sponsorship of air ticket / travel expenses. In case that a Greek company has invited the applicant(s), submission of correspondence on existing business co-operation (documents showing business relations such as letters, invoices, s, bank transfers, etc). In addition, a confirmation letter from that company should be faxed to the visa section's fax no Hotel reservation and/or an affidavit from the Greek Company undertaking responsibility for the applicant's expenses. Effective: Jan. 1,

5 Employees Work Visa Family/Family Reunion Schengen Visa ` Student Visa (D) Commercial documents i.e. certificate / registration from an Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industries + (Company profile.) Interview, if required. Requirements for Work Visa: Visa application form, duly completed and signed by the applicant. One recent passport size photograph affixed on the form. Passport with a validity of six months from the date of entry into. Work permit from. Interview. Medical fitness certificate. Police clearance certificate. Requirements for Schengen Visa: Visa application form, duly completed and signed by the applicant. Personal presence at the time of application for interview is required. One recent passport size photograph affixed on the form. Passport with a validity of six months from the date of entry into. Prior approval from the Greek Authorities. Personal travel insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros (for emergency medical treatment by a doctor, urgent ambulance transportation, transportation back to home country if required for medical reasons). Medical fitness certificate. Police clearance certificate. Marriage certificate. In the case of children under 18 years of age, birth certificate. Family status certificate. Requirements for Student Visa: One recent passport size photograph affixed on the form. Passport with a validity of six months from the date of entry into. Affidavit of sponsorship. Proof of sufficient funds: income tax returns, bank statement, salary Effective: Jan. 1,

6 Schengen Student Visa slip (last two years) of applicant s sponsor. Receipt of tuition fee deposited with a particular institute in. Police clearance certificate and medical fitness certificate should be attested by the appropriate authority. Certificates of studies from the earlier classes to latest ones. Analytical marks on the courses that they followed. Certification of knowledge of the English language. Official certification and documents from, concerning special educative programs between universities or education authorities of the two countries. Income documents of the parents of the applicant. Personal interview. Requirements for Schengen Student Visa: Visa application form, duly completed and signed by the applicant. One recent passport size photograph affixed on the form. Passport with a validity of six months from the date of entry into. Original acceptance letter from College or University duly attested. Photocopies of academic certificates attested by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, New Delhi. Affidavit of sponsorship. Proof of sufficient funds: income tax returns, bank statement, salary slip (last two years) of applicant s sponsor. Receipt of tuition fee deposited with a particular institute in. Interview. Police clearance certificate. Medical fitness certificate. Documents Requirements Details When moving to, some specific documents will be required in order to satisfy local immigration officials. PERSONAL & HOUSEHOLD GOODS Documents required to import personal & household goods are: Effective: Jan. 1,

7 Required Documents Passport Law 1599 Form (lpefthini di losi) Certificate of Repatriation Certificate of Secondary Residence Detailed Inventory Visa Bill of Lading Letter of Authority Personal or Bank Guarantee Housing Contract Details Valid passport for shipper and spouse and previous passport if the current one is less than two years old. Law 1599 Form (lpefthini di losi) stating applicant will keep the good in his/her possession for at least one year. Returning residents require a Certificate of Repatriation from the nearest Greek Consulate with detailed attached list of household goods. Foreigners coming to work in require a Certificate of Secondary Residence from the nearest Consulate with list of household goods. Complete, detailed and consularized inventory; consularized by the Greek Consulate in country of origin and translated at destination. When inventorying electrical appliances include the model and serial number. If woven materials such as rugs and carpets are included in the shipment, detail the quality, quantity, square feet and color on the inventory. Current Visa Required. Letter authorizing the Destination Agent to clear the shipment through Customs. Personal or bank guarantee for amount of duties. Please verify with the local representative. Duties Duty-free entry is permitted if the following requirements are met: If the shipper is staying in for at most one year, then the items may be temporarily imported if a guarantee is posted with Customs. Also, the goods must be exported at the end of the one year period or duties must be paid to Customs. Greeks repatriating, foreigners married to Greeks, Greek Military, and foreign EU members must have resided abroad for at least two years. Foreign EU members must apply to authorities for a 5 year Residence Permit and deposit to Customs an amount equivalent to duties. When the permit is obtained, then the deposit will be reimbursed. Details: The shipper must be present at the time of Customs clearance and have his or her passport for display to the Customs authorities. Extensions of duty-free status are solely at the discretion of Customs. Value Added Tax or VAT will be assessed on shipments owned by foreigners entering on a Work Permit from a non-eec country. In case of Diplomatic removals, exempted from taxation on both household goods and car on an embassy franchise basis. Electrical appliances are limited to one per kind. Effective: Jan. 1,

8 Restricted and Prohibited Imports All countries, including prohibit and restrict the importation of certain dangerous or sensitive items. Restricted Items: Office equipment including facsimile machines, photocopiers and telephone systems will incur duties. Prohibited Items: Alcohol and tobacco products Matches Firearms Drugs and medicines Playing cards Restricted and Prohibited Exports Not available. Motor Vehicles Imports Documents required to import motor vehicle(s) are: Required Documents Consular Certificate International Driver s License Proof of Ownership Registration Certificate Details Consular certificate from origin. Please verify with the local representative. Please verify with the local representative. Please verify with the local representative. Details: Automobiles may be imported duty-free for 4 months for shippers planning a maximum stay of two years. Extensions past 4 months are granted at 8 months and one year. The vehicle must have been in the shipper s possession for at least six months. Vehicles imported duty-free cannot be disposed of for a minimum of three years or they will be subject to full duties and taxes. Vehicles with diesel engines are restricted. Duty is based on vehicle s make, model and length of ownership by the shipper. Effective: Jan. 1,

9 Motor Vehicles Exports Not available. Pets The requirements to transport dogs and cats may vary per country. If you wish to ship your pet, please contact the airline or country Consulate/Embassy for specific details concerning your type, breed and documentation for pets. Effective: Jan. 1,

10 IMPORTANT CUSTOMS REMINDER Customs and immigration requirements are established by the country of import, not by UniGroup Relocation and are subject to change without notice by the country of import. All regulations may vary according to the customer s nationality or immigration status. This guide has been designed to assist clients understand and comply with country-specific requirements. Substantial effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is current and correct. UniGroup Relocation cannot be responsible for changes in the law, or interpretation by immigration or customs enforcement personnel, or non-compliance with the law as it exists at the time you and/or your goods enter the country. Contact with the local Consulate or Embassy for further information concerning your specific visa, residence and entry situation is strongly recommended prior to planning your move. Effective: Jan. 1,

11 WOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL International wood packing requirements are in accordance with ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade*) as of 5 July 2006: *ISPM 15 is produced by the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). ISPM 15 requires certain phytosanitary procedures, in particular heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation, relating to wood packaging material (including dunnage) made of raw wood in use in international trade; the phytosanitary procedures are meant to minimize the risk of introducing and spreading certain pests that live and breed in raw wood. REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM 15 Wood packaging material in the form of: Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings Pallets, box pallets, skids, and other load boards Pallet collars actually in use in the transport of objects of all kinds, except: Raw wood of 6mm thickness or less Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or any combination thereof The wood packaging material shall: Be subject to one of the approved measures as specified in Annex I To FAO ISPM 15 (currently, heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation) Display a mark with: o The two-letter ISO Country Code (in place of XX in the image below) o A code identifying the producer (in place of 000 in the image below) o The code identifying the approved measure applied to the wood packing material in the mark as specified in Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (in place of YY in the image below; examples are HT For Heat Treatment and MB for Methyl Bromide Fumigation ) o Where debarking is required, the letters DB shall be added to the abbreviation of the approved measure included in the said mark o The logo as specified in Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (this logo is the ippc trademarked graphic symbol shown in the image below on the left side) Effective: Jan. 1,

12 REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM 15 (Continued) Wood packaging material in the form of: The wood packaging material shall: Markings should be: 1. Permanent and not transferable 2. Legible and visible, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the article being certified Be marked in accordance with Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (see directly above under "Display a mark with:") If not, at a minimum it should be made from bark-free wood that is free from pests and signs of live pests DUNNAGE, i.e. wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, including that which has not kept its natural round surface except: Raw wood of 6mm thickness or less Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof Effective: Jan. 1,