How to Travel to Greece by Car

Greece has recently become a popular destination for tourists from our country. Thanks to both economic advantages and various conveniences, Greece is seen as a very attractive international destination. With the visa-on-arrival option, people are increasingly choosing to travel abroad, and Greece, being so close, is a top choice. Particularly, the visa-on-arrival system allows Turkish citizens to visit 10 designated Greek islands without needing a visa in advance, making it significantly easier.

Some people prefer to travel to Greece with their own vehicles and spend their vacations there. So, what procedures should tourists who want to enter Greece with their own cars follow, and which documents should they have? Here’s a travel guide for those planning to drive to Greece.

Traveling to Greece by Car

First, let's talk about the border crossings where you can enter Greece with your vehicle. One of these is the Ipsala border gate, which can be reached via Tekirdağ. Another is the Pazarkule border gate, accessible via Edirne. These are the only border gates through which you can enter the country, whether by car or bus. However, reaching the border gate is just part of the process; crossing the border is another matter. You need to have the required documents and paperwork with you at the border gate. So, what are these documents?

Documents Needed to Travel to Greece

If you want to travel to Greece with your own vehicle, you need to have certain documents. The first and most important is the Schengen visa, as Greece is in the Schengen zone. You will also need your passport, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and a green card (international insurance) valid for the duration of your stay. Additionally, if the vehicle is not yours and the owner is not present, you will need a power of attorney. Finally, you must have the departure tax stamp and, optionally, international health insurance. If you have these documents and have made the necessary payments, you can travel to Greece easily.

If you’re wondering why the green card is necessary, it’s to cover damages in case of an accident during your trip. However, if you have obtained a Greek automobile visa, you automatically do not need the green card. It’s also important to note that the green card is required for all types of vehicles, including motorcycles.

How to Obtain a Green Card

Anyone who wants to travel abroad with their own vehicle must obtain a green card. To get one, you need to apply to the Turkish Touring and Automobile Club with the vehicle registration and Turkish traffic insurance documents. Once the application is complete, you can obtain the green card from the green card centers at the Kapıkule or Ipsala border gates.

What is the Departure Tax Stamp?

Those who want to travel abroad with their vehicles must pay the departure tax. The departure tax stamp is a mandatory document that must be shown with your passport when leaving the country. The fee for the departure tax stamp in 2024 is 150 TL. You can pay this fee at customs gates, airports, through partner banks, or via the digital tax office system.

If you plan to travel to other countries after Greece or decide to extend your stay in Greece, you must obtain a Schengen visa. During the document application process, ensure that you plan your trip accurately. To obtain a Schengen visa, follow these steps:

Visa Application Form

Fill in the necessary information accurately on the official website: Greek Embassy in Türkiye.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages.

Biometric Photos

Include 2 biometric photos taken within the last 6 months with your documents.

Travel Health Insurance

You need a health insurance policy covering at least €30,000 for the duration of your stay.

Accommodation

Have a reservation record showing where you will be staying, such as a hotel, motel, or hostel.

Proof of Financial Means

Show your financial stability with a credit card statement or a bank statement.

Employment Documents

Include any relevant documents from your workplace, such as a payroll slip or a leave letter.

Student or Pensioner Documents

If a student or pensioner is traveling with you, include their relevant documents.

Visa Appointment

You can book a visa appointment through various methods: Consulate or Embassy, Visa Application Center, or online system. You can also use the E-Government system for visa applications. The e-visa system is only available for tourism and business purposes and allows applications for families (2 to 10 people) or groups (10 to 300 people).