Greece Arrival Card: EES, ETIAS & Entry Requirements

Planning a trip to Greece from Singapore? Before you pack your bags, it is worth checking whether you need to complete an arrival card, apply for a visa or prepare any additional travel documents.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so its entry procedures follow many of the same rules as other participating European countries.

For most travellers, there is no traditional paper arrival card to fill in before entering Greece.

However, border checks still apply, and the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) has introduced digital registration procedures for eligible non-EU travellers crossing the Schengen external borders.

Understanding how these requirements work can help you prepare for a smoother arrival.

Does Greece Have an Arrival Card?

No, Greece does not generally require tourists to complete a traditional paper arrival card. Instead, travellers go through the usual immigration checks when entering the country.

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which means its external border procedures follow the shared European rules. Depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen visa before departure.

Travellers who are exempt from visa requirements can generally visit for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided they meet the entry conditions.

For non-EU visitors travelling for short stays, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) now records entry and exit information electronically. This system replaces manual passport stamping for travellers covered by the scheme.

The Old PLF Has Been Discontinued

The Passenger Locator Form, or PLF, was a mandatory form required by Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers had to provide their accommodation address and the country they were arriving from to receive a QR code to show at the airport.

Greece has lifted this requirement on March 15, 2022, and it has not been reinstated.

If you come across any website asking you to fill out a "Greece PLF" or "Greece Entry Form" and charging a fee, just close it immediately as most of these are third-party sites, not official Greek government portals.

Greece Entry/Exit System (EES): What Travellers Need to Know

The EU's Entry/Exit System became fully operational on 10 April 2026.

It applies to eligible non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen Area for short stays, including visitors arriving in Greece.

The EES is a border registration system, not an arrival card that you complete online before flying.

You must still meet Greece's normal visa and entry requirements

Here is what you should know before travelling:

• Digital registration: Your passport details and the date and place of your entry and exit are recorded electronically.
• Biometric checks: When registering for the first time, eligible travellers generally need to have their facial image captured and fingerprints scanned at the border.
• No advance EES application: You do not need to apply for EES approval or pay a registration fee before your trip.
• Repeat visits: If your biometric details are already recorded, officers can verify them instead of collecting all the information from scratch, although further checks may be required.

Do Singaporeans Need a Visa to Visit Greece?

Singapore passport holders generally do not need a Schengen visa for short tourist visits to Greece of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

However, you must still satisfy the entry requirements and comply with the permitted length of stay.

Before your trip, prepare the following documents:

• A valid Singapore passport
• Confirmed return or onward travel arrangements, if requested
• Hotel reservations or accommodation details
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay, if requested
• Travel insurance, which is recommended even when it is not a mandatory visa requirement

What Happens When You Arrive in Greece?

When you arrive at a Greek airport, follow the signs to passport control and the appropriate immigration queue. Your process may vary depending on your nationality, whether you need a visa, and whether your biometric information has already been registered in the EES.

For travellers covered by the EES who are registering for the first time, immigration officers may collect their facial image and fingerprints. Officers will also check your travel documents and determine whether you meet the conditions for entry.

To help avoid unnecessary delays, keep your passport and supporting travel documents easy to access. Allow extra time for immigration, especially during busy holiday periods.

Have a Happy Holiday!

Travelling to Greece is relatively straightforward, and most tourists do not need to complete a traditional paper arrival card.

However, you should still check your visa requirements and understand how the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) may affect your arrival. If you are a Singapore passport holder, you can generally visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, subject to the usual entry conditions.

Before departure, check the latest official EES and ETIAS updates, prepare your travel documents and allow extra time for immigration checks. A little preparation can help you start your Greek holiday with less stress.