Travelling to Greece for IVF from a country outside the European Union: visas, EES and ETIAS

I assist patients coming from all over Europe, and increasingly from countries outside the EU: the UK, the Balkans, the Middle East, North America and Australia. For them, the first question is not a medical one: ‘What do I need to enter Greece, and for how long?’ Here is an overview of the rules as of autumn 2026. These are subject to change; always check the official sources listed at the bottom of the page before booking.

Visa or no visa: it all depends on your nationality

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which applies common entry rules. There are three scenarios:

• Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland: a valid identity card or passport is sufficient, with no special formalities required.
• Nationalities exempt from visa requirements, for example the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel or Serbia: no visa is required for a short stay, up to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Other nationalities: a short-stay Schengen visa, to be applied for at the Greek consulate or through its authorised agent, before departure.

The 90-day rule within 180 days

An IVF stay rarely lasts more than two weeks, but several trips add up: egg retrieval, followed by a frozen embryo transfer, and possibly a second transfer. The calculation is based on a rolling 180-day period and takes into account all countries within the Schengen Area, not just Greece. The European Commission provides an online calculator; this is useful if you are also travelling elsewhere in Europe during the same year.

The EES: what’s changing at the border

The European Entry/Exit System (EES) was gradually rolled out from 12 October 2025 and has been fully operational since 10 April 2026. It replaces the passport stamp with an electronic record for third-country nationals on short stays. On your first entry, your fingerprints and a facial photograph may be recorded; children under the age of 12 do not provide fingerprints. The record is then valid for three years.

In practical terms: allow extra time at the airport on your first visit, and do not book a connecting flight that is too tight on the day of arrival preceding an egg retrieval. EU citizens are not affected.

ETIAS: announced, but not yet in force

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation that nationals of visa-exempt countries will need to obtain before departure. At the time of writing, in late October 2026, it is not yet operational and no launch date has been announced; the European Union has indicated that it will give several months’ notice. What we already know:

• applications will be made online, at a cost of 20 euros, free of charge for those under 18 and over 70;
• the authorisation will be valid for three years, or until the passport expires if this occurs sooner;
• a transition period, followed by a grace period, is planned for the launch.

Be wary of websites that are already offering to ‘submit your ETIAS’ in return for payment: the system does not yet exist. The only official website is that of the European Union.

If you need a visa: the visa for medical reasons

The European Visa Code stipulates specific supporting documents for travel for medical treatment. The application must include, in particular:

• an official document from the clinic confirming that you are due to receive treatment there;
• proof of sufficient financial means to pay for this treatment and your stay;
• a travel medical insurance policy valid throughout the Schengen Area for the duration of your stay, with cover of at least 30,000 euros, including repatriation;
• the usual documents: passport, application form, photographs, accommodation booking, tickets or itinerary.

The application may be submitted no earlier than six months before the trip and, as a general rule, no later than fifteen days beforehand. The decision is normally made within fifteen days, although this period may be extended to up to 45 days in certain cases. For IVF treatment, where the exact dates depend on your cycle, ask the clinic for a letter specifying a date range rather than a specific date, and enquire about a multiple-entry visa if two visits are planned. If your partner is accompanying you for the sperm collection, they will need their own letter.

The case of British patients

Since Brexit, British citizens may enter without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, and will be subject to ETIAS when it comes into force. The GHIC card covers public healthcare that cannot wait until your return, but not scheduled treatment: travel insurance remains essential. See the article on travel insurance.

At the border: medicines and documents

Carry your medicines in your hand luggage, along with the prescription; liquid medicines required during the journey are not subject to the 100 ml limit. Keep the letter from the clinic and your bookings to hand: these will answer most of the questions a border control officer might ask. Detailed lists can be found in the packing list for your stay, the documents to prepare and precautions for the flight.

If you are coming from outside the EU and wish to check what is required based on your nationality and travel dates, please write to me: I will explain the procedures and request the necessary letters from the clinic.

Frequently asked questions

Source: https://fertilitegrece.com/en/blog/ivf-greece-non-eu-visa-etias/ — Triada Baloukoudis, IVF patient coordination in Greece. General information, not medical or legal advice. Printed on

Triada Baloukoudis
Independent IVF patient coordinator in Thessaloniki, with 24 years of experience supporting patients travelling from abroad. More · Contact · Facebook