Greece: to obtain a Schengen visa, Russians need to present an air ticket

Only if you have a ticket for a direct flight to Greece, you can get a Schengen visa, according to the announcements in the Greek visa centers in Russia.

The official website of the operator of the centers published a message confirming this information. The package of documents for obtaining a visa must contain air tickets, and only for a direct flight. The rest of the list of documents has not changed: a questionnaire, a photo, a prepaid hotel reservation, bank card statements or a certificate from work, and others. The message stresses: air tickets are required “only for direct flights without transfers.”

Interfax I found out in the call center that a new rule with direct air travel when applying for a Schengen visa to Greece really exists, and this is a requirement of the Consulate General of Greece. Sometimes, however, a ticket with a connection can be accepted, but whether the tourist’s explanations about the reason for choosing an indirect flight will be deemed reasonable is far from a fact. The visa center clarified:

At the insistence of the tourist, any tickets will be accepted, but it is not known which consulate will make a decision.

Since June 28, the number of scheduled flights to Greece has increased to almost 20 per week, but charters are still banned. Since July 24, airlines have increased the frequency of flights from the Russian capital to Thessaloniki and Heraklion from 5 to 7 flights per week. But the demand for tours to Greece, say Russian tour operators, is not too great. The main reason is the high tariffs for direct transportation. Many Russian tourists choose flights with a connection – it is much cheaper this way.

According to Aviasales, at the end of July the cost of tickets from Moscow to Thessaloniki in Aeroflot is 126 thousand rubles (“round trip” for two with luggage). A Turkish Airlines flight with a transfer in Istanbul will cost 73 thousand rubles under the same conditions. Comments are superfluous.

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