Airport Transit visa (A): Russian citizen → Greece
No transit visa needed for airside connections
Russia is not on the EU's common airport-transit list — you can connect through Schengen airports without a visa as long as you stay airside.
The bottom line
- Some member states add their own national transit lists so check Greece's national list before booking.
- If you'll pass border control (collect bags, change airports, exit overnight), you need a short-stay C visa instead.
⚠️ Several member states currently refuse or heavily restrict tourist visas for Russian citizens, and the EU–Russia visa facilitation agreement is suspended. Since November 2025, Russian nationals residing in Russia who apply at a consulate in Russia are generally limited to single-entry visas — check the destination country's policy before planning.
When to start
Start 2–14 days before your travel date.
Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the area, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages. Renew first if you're close to either limit — airlines enforce both at check-in.
The 90-day allowance covers ALL Schengen countries combined in any rolling 180-day window. If you've been in the area recently, verify your remaining days with the EU short-stay calculator before booking.
At your first entry the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo instead of stamping your passport — allow a few extra minutes. Later crossings are faster. Once ETIAS launches (expected Q4 2026), apply online before boarding.
What you'll need
- Passport — Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the area, issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages.
- Evidence for the border — Return/onward ticket, accommodation details and means of subsistence can be requested at entry. · At the border officer's discretion
Good to know
- If you leave the international transit zone (e.g. to collect baggage or change airports), you need a full C visa instead.
- Holders of valid visas/residence permits for the EU single market, Canada, Japan or the USA are exempt.
- Several member states currently refuse or heavily restrict tourist visas for Russian citizens, and the EU–Russia visa facilitation agreement is suspended. Since November 2025, Russian nationals residing in Russia who apply at a consulate in Russia are generally limited to single-entry visas — check the destination country's policy before planning.
Continue on the official site →